What Is The 971 Phone Area Code?

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The 971 phone area code is a relatively new addition to the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), which was introduced in 2000. It serves the state of Oregon, specifically the northwestern part of the state, including the cities of Portland, Salem, and Eugene.

The 971 area code was created as an overlay to the existing 503 area code, which had been serving the region since 1947. The overlay was implemented to provide additional phone number capacity to meet the growing demand for telecommunications services in the area.

Here are some key facts about the 971 phone area code:

• Location: The 971 area code serves the northwestern part of Oregon, including the cities of Portland, Salem, Eugene, and surrounding areas.
• Introduction: The 971 area code was introduced in 2000 as an overlay to the existing 503 area code.
• Purpose: The 971 area code was created to provide additional phone number capacity to meet the growing demand for telecommunications services in the region.
• Overlay: The 971 area code is an overlay, which means that it is used in conjunction with the existing 503 area code. This means that some phone numbers in the region may have the 503 area code, while others may have the 971 area code.

History of Area Code 971

The 971 area code was introduced in response to the growing demand for phone numbers in the Portland metropolitan area. The region was experiencing rapid growth, and the existing 503 area code was running out of available phone numbers.

In 1999, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC) approved the creation of a new area code to serve the region. The North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) assigned the 971 area code to Oregon, and it was implemented in 2000.

How to Use the 971 Area Code

If you're calling a phone number with the 971 area code, you'll need to dial the full 10-digit phone number, including the area code. This is because the 971 area code is an overlay, and some phone numbers in the region may still have the 503 area code.

Here's an example of how to dial a phone number with the 971 area code:

1. Dial the area code (971)
2. Dial the prefix (3-digit code)
3. Dial the line number (4-digit code)

For example, if you're calling a phone number with the 971 area code, you would dial:

971-123-4567

Tips for Businesses and Residents

If you're a business or resident in the 971 area code region, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Update your phone systems: If you have an automated phone system, you may need to update it to accommodate the new area code.
• Inform your customers: If you have customers who may be affected by the new area code, be sure to inform them of the change.
• Update your marketing materials: If you have marketing materials, such as business cards or brochures, that list your phone number, be sure to update them to reflect the new area code.

Conclusion

The 971 phone area code is a relatively new addition to the North American Numbering Plan, serving the northwestern part of Oregon, including the cities of Portland, Salem, and Eugene. It was introduced in 2000 as an overlay to the existing 503 area code to provide additional phone number capacity to meet the growing demand for telecommunications services in the region. If you're a business or resident in the 971 area code region, be sure to update your phone systems and marketing materials to reflect the new area code.

Gallery of Oregon Phone Area Code 971

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