Area Code Split: The existing geographic area is divided into two or more distinct areas. One portion retains the old Area Code ! and the other (or others) receive a new ! separate Area Code. For example ! when 213 (Southern California) split ! areas received 310 ! 562 ! and others. This method Factors Driving Area often allows for continued 7-digit dialing within each new Area Code boundary but requires 10-digit dialing when calling between the old and new areas.
Area Code Overlay:
A new Area Code is introduced and assigned to the same geographic region as an lebanon phone number list existing Area Code. All new numbers within that region (both for new subscribers and potentially some existing ones when they change carriers or move) receive the new Area Code. The critical consequence of an overlay is that 10-digit dialing (Area Code + 7-digit number) becomes mandatory for all calls within that overlay region ! even local calls between numbers sharing the same original Area Code. Factors Driving Area This method is now the most common relief solution due to its less disruptive impact on existing phone numbers.
The rapid growth in the number of Area Codes ! particularly since the 1990s ! is attributable to several key factors:
Population Growth: More people simply mean more demand for phone lines.
Proliferation of Devices: The shift from primarily landlines to a multitude of communication devices has been immense:
Cell Phones: Each mobile phone requires a unique number.
Fax Machines: Dedicated lines for fax
Pagers: Each pager needed a phone number.
Dial-up Internet: Each modem connection often required a database size and coverage: dedicated line.
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP): VoIP services also require numbers from the NANP.
Internet of Things (IoT): Devices like smart meters ! alarm systems ! and vehicle telematics often utilize cellular connections that consume phone numbers.
Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLECs): The deregulation of the telecom czechia businesses directory industry led to numerous new phone companies (CLECs) entering the market.