When was Area Code 251 created?

Area Code 251 was created on June 18, 2001, as a split from Area Code 334.

Which counties are covered by Area Code 251?

Area Code 251 covers Mobile County, Baldwin County, and Washington County in Alabama.

What are some major cities within Area Code 251?

Major cities within Area Code 251 include Mobile and Prichard, Alabama.

What telecommunications services are available in Area Code 251?

Area Code 251 offers landline services, wireless services, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) options.

Why did ten-digit dialing become mandatory in Area Code 251?

Ten-digit dialing became mandatory in Area Code 251 on October 24, 2021, to accommodate the new 988 code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

What is the geographic location of Mobile, Alabama, within Area Code 251?

Mobile, Alabama, is located at a latitude of 30.69436 and a longitude of -88.04305.

What is the geographic location of Prichard, Alabama, within Area Code 251?

Prichard, Alabama, is located at a latitude of 30.7388 and a longitude of -88.07889.

What was the historical significance of January 7, 2002, for Area Code 251?

January 7, 2002, marked the full implementation of Area Code 251, allowing time for electronic device reprogramming.

What is the North American Numbering Plan (NANP)?

The North American Numbering Plan (NANP) is a system that standardizes phone numbers in the U.S. and other participating countries.

What are the key regulatory updates for Area Code 251?

Key regulatory updates for Area Code 251 include the mandatory ten-digit dialing as of October 24, 2021, and adherence to NANPA regulations.

How does Area Code 251 support businesses?

Area Code 251 supports businesses by providing a full suite of telecommunications services, including landline, wireless, and VoIP options.

Which major carriers operate in Area Code 251?

Several major carriers operate in Area Code 251, providing landline, wireless, and VoIP services, although specific carrier names are not listed in the article.

How does ten-digit dialing affect Area Code 251 users?

Ten-digit dialing requires users in Area Code 251 to dial the area code before the phone number for all calls, ensuring proper call routing and accommodating new services.

What is the significance of Mobile, Alabama, in Area Code 251?

Mobile, Alabama, is the largest city in Area Code 251 and serves as a key economic and cultural center in the region.

What resources are available for more information on Area Code 251?

For more information on Area Code 251, you can visit the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), or the Alabama Public Service Commission.

What changes occurred on October 24, 2021, related to Area Code 251?

On October 24, 2021, ten-digit dialing became mandatory in Area Code 251 due to national regulatory changes.

Why was Area Code 251 split from Area Code 334?

Area Code 251 was split from Area Code 334 to better accommodate the growing population and telecommunications demands in southwestern Alabama.

What are the benefits of having Area Code 251 in Alabama?

Area Code 251 provides essential telecommunications services to the southwestern region of Alabama, supporting both residential and business connectivity needs.

Area Code 251: Everything You Need to Know About Alabama's Telecommunications Hub

Q: What is the purpose of Area Code 251?

Area Code 251 was established to serve the growing population and telecommunications needs in southwestern Alabama, covering Mobile, Baldwin, and Washington counties.

Introduction

Area Code 251 is a vital part of Alabama's telecommunications infrastructure, covering the southwestern region, including Mobile, Baldwin, and Washington counties. Whether you're moving to the area, setting up a business, or simply curious about the local telecom landscape, this guide will provide you with all the essential information.

What is Area Code 251?

Area Code 251 was established on June 18, 2001, as a split from Area Code 334 to better serve the growing population and telecommunications needs in southwestern Alabama. This code is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which standardizes phone numbers in the U.S. and other participating countries.

Geographic Coverage

Area Code 251 primarily services the following counties in Alabama:

Mobile County
Baldwin County
Washington County

Major Cities in Area Code 251

Mobile, Alabama
- Latitude: 30.69436
- Longitude: -88.04305
Prichard, Alabama
- Latitude: 30.7388
- Longitude: -88.07889

These cities are key economic and cultural centers in Alabama, with Mobile being the largest city in the area.

Telecommunications Infrastructure

Area Code 251 supports a variety of telecommunications services, catering to both residential and commercial needs.

Leading Service Providers

Several major carriers operate in the area, offering a range of services such as:

Landline Services
Wireless Services
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

Available Services

Residents and businesses in Area Code 251 have access to a full suite of telecommunications options, ensuring connectivity across different platforms.

Regulatory Information

Area Code 251 is regulated by the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA). Key regulatory updates include:

Ten-Digit Dialing: As of October 24, 2021, ten-digit dialing became mandatory to accommodate the new 988 code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Compliance: The area code adheres to NANPA regulations, ensuring efficient number allocation and service provision.

For more information, visit the North American Numbering Plan Administrator.

Historical Context

June 18, 2001: Area Code 251 was created from a split of Area Code 334.
January 7, 2002: Full implementation allowed time for electronic device reprogramming.
October 24, 2021: Transition to ten-digit dialing due to national regulatory changes.

Conclusion

Area Code 251 is a crucial telecommunications hub in southwestern Alabama, supporting significant urban areas like Mobile and Prichard. The area code's evolution reflects the dynamic nature of telecommunications in the region, adapting to meet the needs of its residents and businesses.

For additional information or to explore related topics, visit authoritative sources such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or the Alabama Public Service Commission.

By staying informed about Area Code 251, you can better navigate the telecommunications landscape in Alabama, ensuring you remain connected and informed.