Area Code Information

Area Code Management

According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), area codes are governed by both federal and state regulators. The North American Numbering Plan Administrator handles the day-to-day management, assignment and administration of area codes in the United States. The FCC has had jurisdiction over telephone numbers and area codes since Congress gave them the power in 1996.

Each state has been delegated autority from the FCC to decide when and how new area codes are introduced to their areas. New area codes may be added by either geographic region or by an overlay.

Why We Need More Area Codes

Area codes are needed because of the massive demand for telephone numbers. Today, people need phone numbers for home telephones, business telephones, fax machines, cellular phones, Internet dial up services and VOIP phone services. This demand creates a need for more area codes.