Area Code 318: Comprehensive Guide to Geographic and Regulatory Details
Area code 318 is a telephone area code within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), designated for the northern and central regions of Louisiana, USA. Established in 1957, it originated from a division of area code 504.
Technical Specifications of Area Code 318
- NPA Code: 318
- Type: Single
- Implementation Date: 1957
- State: Louisiana
Geographic Coverage
Area code 318 encompasses a broad area in northern and central Louisiana, including several key cities.
Numbering Statistics and Projections
- Total Numbers Available: [Data not provided]
- Utilization Rate: [Data not provided]
- Exhaust Projection: Early 2026
Network Infrastructure
Regulatory Framework
- Regulatory Body: North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA)
- Dialing Requirements: Transition to ten-digit dialing in preparation for the overlay
- NANPA Regulations: Adherence to NANPA's numbering plan and exhaust analysis
Historical Context and Milestones
- 1951: Temporarily used as a destination code for San Francisco during initial trials of direct distance dialing (DDD).
- 1957: Assigned to northern and central Louisiana following a split from area code 504.
- 1999: Southern portion of the original 318 area code transitioned to area code 337.
- 2025: Introduction of area code 457 as an overlay, marking the first overlay complex in Louisiana.
Conclusion
Area code 318 is integral to the telecommunications framework of northern and central Louisiana. Its historical significance and forthcoming changes underscore its importance in the region's communication network.
For further details, visit the official Wikipedia page on Area Code 318.