Telephone area code 617 is a North American Numbering Plan (NANP) area code that serves the city of Boston and several surrounding communities in Massachusetts. It is one of the original area codes established in 1947 and is considered a highly desirable and iconic code due to its association with the city of Boston. The 617 area code is part of the Massachusetts numbering plan area, which also includes the 857 area code that was introduced in 2001 as an overlay code to provide additional numbering capacity.
History and Coverage
The 617 area code has a rich history, dating back to the early days of telephone service in the United States. Initially, it covered the entire state of Massachusetts, but over time, it has been split and overlaid with other area codes to accommodate growing demand for telephone numbers. Today, the 617 area code serves a significant portion of the Boston metropolitan area, including the cities of Boston, Cambridge, and Quincy, as well as several surrounding towns and communities. The geographic boundaries of the 617 area code are defined by the Massachusetts Public Utilities Commission and are subject to change as the demand for telephone numbers evolves.
Notable Locations and Institutions
The 617 area code is home to many notable locations and institutions, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Boston Public Library, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It is also the area code for many prominent businesses and organizations, such as the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. The 617 area code is often associated with the city’s vibrant cultural and economic scene, and it is considered a desirable code for businesses and individuals looking to establish a presence in the Boston area.
| Location | Area Code |
|---|---|
| Boston, MA | 617 |
| Cambridge, MA | 617 |
| Quincy, MA | 617 |
| Milton, MA | 617 |
Telephone Number Allocation
The allocation of telephone numbers in the 617 area code is managed by the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA), which is responsible for ensuring that telephone numbers are assigned efficiently and effectively. The number allocation process involves the assignment of numbering plan areas (NPAs) to specific geographic regions, as well as the allocation of blocks of numbers to telecommunications providers. The 617 area code is subject to the same numbering plan rules and regulations as other area codes in the United States, and it is managed in accordance with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) guidelines.
Overlay Codes and Number Portability
The introduction of overlay codes, such as the 857 area code, has helped to increase the availability of telephone numbers in the Boston area. Overlay codes allow multiple area codes to be used in the same geographic region, providing additional numbering capacity and reducing the need for area code splits. The number portability rules, which allow customers to keep their existing telephone number when switching to a different provider, have also helped to promote competition and innovation in the telecommunications industry.
- The 617 area code is part of the Massachusetts numbering plan area.
- The 857 area code is an overlay code that serves the same geographic region as the 617 area code.
- Telephone numbers in the 617 area code are allocated by the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA).
What is the geographic coverage of the 617 area code?
+The 617 area code serves the city of Boston and several surrounding communities in Massachusetts, including Cambridge, Quincy, and Milton.
Is the 617 area code a premium code?
+Yes, the 617 area code is considered a premium code due to its association with the city of Boston and its high demand.
How are telephone numbers allocated in the 617 area code?
+Telephone numbers in the 617 area code are allocated by the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA), which is responsible for managing the numbering plan for the United States.
