What is the primary area code for Idaho?

The primary area code for Idaho is 208.

When was area code 208 established?

Area code 208 was established in 1947.

What is the overlay area code for 208?

The overlay area code for 208 is 986.

Which major cities are covered by area code 208?

Major cities covered by area code 208 include Boise, Caldwell, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls, Lewiston, Meridian, Moscow, Nampa, Pocatello, and Twin Falls.

What types of services are available under area code 208?

Services available under area code 208 include landline, wireless, and VoIP.

Is ten-digit dialing mandatory in area code 208?

Yes, ten-digit dialing is mandatory in area code 208 as of August 5, 2017.

What is the geographic coverage of area code 208?

Area code 208 covers the entire state of Idaho.

What is the NPA code for Idaho's primary area code?

The NPA code for Idaho's primary area code is 208.

Which carriers operate in area code 208?

Major carriers in area code 208 include Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and CenturyLink.

When did area code 986 become active?

Area code 986 became active in 2016.

How many phone numbers are available in area codes 208 and 986?

There are approximately 15.6 million phone numbers available in area codes 208 and 986 combined.

When was statewide number pooling implemented in Idaho?

Statewide number pooling was implemented in Idaho in 2007.

What projection did the FCC make about area code 208 in 2001?

In 2001, the FCC projected that area code 208 would be exhausted by 2003.

What measures were taken to extend the exhaustion projection for area code 208?

Number pooling and the introduction of an overlay code (986) were measures taken to extend the exhaustion projection for area code 208.

What is the significance of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission regarding area code 208?

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission ensures compliance with NANPA guidelines and regulates area code 208.

What is the role of NANPA concerning area code 208?

NANPA oversees the assignment and management of area codes, including area code 208, under the North American Numbering Plan.

How does area code 208 support Idaho's development?

Area code 208 supports Idaho's development by providing essential telecommunication infrastructure for the entire state.

Area Code 208: Comprehensive Overview of Idaho's Primary Phone Code

Q: Why was area code 986 introduced?

Area code 986 was introduced as an overlay to accommodate the growing demand for phone numbers in Idaho.

Area code 208 is a significant part of Idaho's telecommunication system, serving the entire state since its establishment in 1947. This guide provides detailed insights into its coverage, major cities, regulatory framework, and historical milestones.

What is Area Code 208?

Area code 208 is one of the original area codes created under the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). It is unique to Idaho and has been serving the state exclusively since 1947. In 2017, area code 986 was introduced as an overlay to accommodate the growing demand for phone numbers.

Geographic Coverage of Area Code 208

Area code 208 encompasses the entire state of Idaho, located in the northwestern United States. This region is known for its diverse geography, ranging from rugged mountains to expansive plains.

Major Cities in Area Code 208

Boise, Idaho: The capital city and economic hub, located at coordinates 43.6135° N, 116.20345° W.
Caldwell, Idaho: Known for its vibrant community, located at 43.66294° N, 116.68736° W.
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho: Famous for its beautiful lake, located at 47.67768° N, 116.78047° W.
Idaho Falls, Idaho: A key city in eastern Idaho, located at 43.46658° N, 112.03414° W.
Lewiston, Idaho: The state's oldest city, located at 46.41655° N, 117.01766° W.
Meridian, Idaho: One of the fastest-growing cities, located at 43.61211° N, 116.39151° W.
Moscow, Idaho: Home to the University of Idaho, located at 46.73239° N, 117.00017° W.
Nampa, Idaho: Known for its rich cultural heritage, located at 43.54072° N, 116.56346° W.
Pocatello, Idaho: A major transportation hub, located at 42.8713° N, 112.44553° W.
Twin Falls, Idaho: Renowned for its scenic landscapes, located at 42.56297° N, 114.46087° W.

Technical Specifications

NPA Code: 208
Overlay Code: 986
Implementation Date: 1947
Type: Overlay

Numbering and Utilization

Total Numbers Available: Approximately 15.6 million (combined with area code 986)
Exhaust Projection: Initially projected for 2003, extended to 2018 due to number pooling and overlay implementation.

Network Infrastructure

Major Carriers in Area Code 208

Verizon
AT&T
T-Mobile
CenturyLink

Types of Services

Landline
Wireless
VoIP

Regulatory Framework

Area code 208 is regulated by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC), ensuring compliance with NANPA guidelines. As of August 5, 2017, ten-digit dialing is mandatory within the area code.

Historical Milestones

1947: Area code 208 established as part of the original NANP.
2001: FCC forecasts exhaustion by 2003.
2002: Number pooling starts in Boise.
2007: Statewide number pooling implemented.
2013: NANPA projects exhaustion by 2018.
2015: Approval of area code 986 as an overlay.
2016: Area code 986 becomes active.
2017: Mandatory ten-digit dialing introduced.

Conclusion

Area code 208 remains vital to Idaho's communication infrastructure. Its introduction alongside area code 986 ensures that Idaho can meet its growing communication needs. For more information, visit the Idaho Public Utilities Commission or the North American Numbering Plan Administration.

Explore more about Idaho's telecommunication landscape and how it supports the state's development.

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