What cities are in Area Code 804?

Area Code 804 includes cities such as Hopewell, Richmond, Petersburg, Mechanicsville, and Colonial Heights.

When was Area Code 804 established?

Area Code 804 was established in 1973.

Which region does Area Code 804 primarily serve?

Area Code 804 primarily serves the central region of Virginia.

What is the dialing procedure for local calls in Area Code 804?

For local calls in Area Code 804, you should dial the 10-digit number (area code + local number).

What is the dialing procedure for toll calls in Area Code 804?

For toll calls in Area Code 804, you should dial 1 + 10 digits (1 + area code + local number).

What is the dialing procedure for operator-assisted calls in Area Code 804?

For operator-assisted calls, dial 0 + 10 digits (0 + area code + local number).

What major cities are included in Area Code 804?

Major cities in Area Code 804 include Hopewell, Richmond, Petersburg, Mechanicsville, and Colonial Heights.

Has Area Code 804 changed over the years?

Yes, Area Code 804 has seen changes in dialing practices and telecommunication regulations over the years.

Which telecommunications providers operate in Area Code 804?

Major telecommunications providers in Area Code 804 include Verizon, AT&T, and Comcast.

Is Area Code 804 part of the North American Numbering Plan?

Yes, Area Code 804 is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).

What was Area Code 804 split from?

Area Code 804 was created by splitting from Area Code 703.

Can I find a map of Area Code 804 online?

Yes, a map of Area Code 804 is available, such as the one linked in the article.

Is Area Code 804 only for landlines?

No, Area Code 804 is used for both landlines and mobile phones.

Do calls to Area Code 804 incur charges?

Yes, calls to or from Area Code 804 may incur charges depending on your service provider.

Is Area Code 804 used for business phone numbers?

Yes, Area Code 804 is used for both residential and business phone numbers.

Where can I find regulatory information about Area Code 804?

You can find regulatory information about Area Code 804 on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) website.

Do I need to dial the area code for local calls within Area Code 804?

Yes, you need to dial the full 10-digit number including the area code for local calls within Area Code 804.

What is the significance of Area Code 804 in Virginia?

Area Code 804 is significant as it serves a central part of Virginia, including major cities and communities.

Are there any related articles about Area Code 804?

Yes, related articles about area codes and telecommunications can be found through the provided link in the article.

How has the demand for phone numbers affected Area Code 804?

The demand for phone numbers has led to changes in dialing practices and regulations in Area Code 804.

Is Area Code 804 used for internet services?

Telecommunications providers in Area Code 804 may offer internet services, but the area code itself is specifically for telephone services.

Area Code 804: Coverage, Cities, and Usage in Virginia

Q: Is Area Code 804 toll-free?

No, Area Code 804 is not a toll-free area code. Calls made to or from this area code may incur charges depending on your service provider.

Q: How do I dial a number in Area Code 804?

For local calls, dial the 10-digit number (area code + local number). For toll calls, dial 1 + 10 digits.

Area code 804 is a cornerstone of Virginia's telecommunications infrastructure, serving a significant portion of the Commonwealth, including its capital, Richmond. This comprehensive guide provides you with a deep dive into 804's coverage area, the cities it encompasses, its history, relevant regulatory information, dialing procedures, and the telecommunications landscape within its boundaries. We'll also explore best practices for using this area code and address common questions you might have.

What is Area Code 804?

Area code 804 is a telephone area code within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) designated for the east-central region of Virginia. Established in 1973, it plays a vital role in connecting individuals, businesses, and government agencies across a diverse range of communities. You'll find that understanding its nuances is essential for effective communication within this region.

Geographic Coverage of Area Code 804

Area code 804 primarily covers the central part of Virginia, anchored by the state capital, Richmond, and extending to encompass a variety of urban and rural areas. This includes the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula regions. Interestingly, while the two southernmost counties on the Middle Peninsula (Gloucester and Mathews) are geographically part of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, they fall under the 804/686 area codes rather than the 757/948 codes used by the rest of Hampton Roads.

Notable cities and counties within area code 804 include:

Richmond: The state capital and a major economic hub.
Chesterfield County: A large and populous county surrounding Richmond.
Henrico County: Another significant county adjacent to Richmond.
Hopewell: An independent city known for its industrial heritage.
Petersburg: A historic city with a rich cultural background.
Mechanicsville: A rapidly growing suburban area.
Colonial Heights: A smaller city located south of Richmond.
Powhatan County: A rural county west of Richmond.
Midlothian: An unincorporated community within Chesterfield County.

Visualizing the Coverage Area

While a static map can be helpful, you can find interactive maps online that allow you to zoom in and explore the precise boundaries of area code 804 in detail. These interactive resources can be particularly useful if you need to verify whether a specific location falls within the 804 area code.

Telecommunications and Dialing Instructions

Navigating the dialing procedures for area code 804 is crucial for seamless communication. Let's break down the different scenarios you might encounter:

Local Calls within Area Code 804

For calls within the 804 area code, you should dial the full 10-digit number (area code + local number). This practice, known as 10-digit dialing, became mandatory in October 2021 to accommodate the nationwide implementation of 988 as the three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Prior to this change, seven-digit dialing was common in some areas.

Toll Calls to Area Code 804

When placing a toll call to the 804 area code from outside the area, you must dial 1 + the 10-digit number (1 + area code + local number). Remember, toll charges may apply depending on your long-distance calling plan.

Operator-Assisted Calls

For operator-assisted calls to the 804 area code, dial 0 + the 10-digit number (0 + area code + local number). Keep in mind that operator-assisted calls typically incur additional charges.

History and Evolution of Area Code 804

Area code 804 has a history marked by several splits and adjustments to accommodate the growing demand for telephone numbers. You might find this historical context helpful in understanding the current telecommunications landscape.

1973: Area code 804 was created by splitting from area code 703, which originally covered a much larger swathe of Virginia.
1996: A significant portion of the eastern part of the 804 territory, including most of Hampton Roads, was assigned the new area code 757.
2001: The western portion of the 804 area, encompassing cities like Danville, Lynchburg, and Charlottesville, became area code 434.
2021: Mandatory 10-digit dialing was implemented.
2024: Area code 686 was introduced as an overlay to 804, serving the same geographic region. This means new phone numbers in the area may be assigned either the 804 or 686 area code. This overlay was implemented due to the projected exhaustion of available 804 prefixes.

Telecommunications Providers in Area Code 804

Several major telecommunications providers operate within area code 804, offering a range of services to both residential and business customers. You'll find that these providers offer various options for landline, mobile, and internet services. Key providers include Verizon, Lumen (formerly CenturyLink), Comcast, and AT&T. As noted in the additional context, Virginia has contracts with both Lumen and Verizon for state government telecommunications services.

Regulatory Information and Oversight

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) provides general management and oversight of the North American Numbering Plan. For detailed regulatory information specific to area code 804, you should consult the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC), which has jurisdiction over telecommunications services within the Commonwealth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Area Code 804

Let's address some common questions you might have about area code 804:

What cities are included in area code 804?

Area code 804 includes major cities like Richmond, Petersburg, and Hopewell, as well as numerous smaller cities, towns, and communities in central Virginia.

Is area code 804 toll-free?

No, 804 is not a toll-free area code. Calls to and from this area code may incur charges depending on your calling plan.

How do I dial a number in area code 804?

For local calls, dial the full 10-digit number (area code + local number). For long-distance calls, dial 1 + the 10-digit number.

What is the overlay area code for 804?

Area code 686 is the overlay for 804. This means that both 804 and 686 serve the same geographic area, and you may encounter numbers with either area code.

Conclusion: Navigating Area Code 804 with Confidence

Area code 804 is an integral part of Virginia's communication network. By understanding its coverage, dialing procedures, history, and the telecommunications landscape within its boundaries, you can navigate the complexities of communication in central Virginia with confidence. Remember to always use the 10-digit dialing format and consult the resources mentioned in this guide for further information.