The Sunshine State, Florida, is known for its beautiful beaches, theme parks, and vibrant cities. One of the most populous states in the country, Florida has a unique phone number system that helps residents and visitors stay connected. In this article, we'll delve into the world of area code 239, exploring its history, coverage area, and interesting facts.
What is Area Code 239?
Area code 239 is a telephone area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) that serves the southwestern part of Florida, including the cities of Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Naples. It was created in 2003 as a split from area code 941, which was running out of phone numbers due to the rapid growth of the region.
History of Area Code 239
In the 1990s, the state of Florida experienced a significant population boom, leading to a shortage of phone numbers. To address this issue, the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) decided to create a new area code for the southwestern part of the state. Area code 239 was officially introduced on March 11, 2003, and became mandatory for all residents and businesses in the region on February 11, 2004.
Coverage Area of Area Code 239
Area code 239 serves the following counties in southwestern Florida:
- Lee County
- Collier County
- Charlotte County
- Hendry County
- Glades County
Some of the major cities covered by area code 239 include:
- Fort Myers
- Cape Coral
- Naples
- Bonita Springs
- Sanibel
Interesting Facts About Area Code 239
- Area code 239 is one of the most recent area codes created in the state of Florida.
- The region served by area code 239 is known for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, and nature reserves.
- The area code is also home to several major industries, including tourism, agriculture, and healthcare.
- In 2019, the population of the region served by area code 239 was estimated to be over 1.5 million people.
How to Dial a Phone Number with Area Code 239
To dial a phone number with area code 239, simply enter the 10-digit number, including the area code, followed by the 7-digit local number. For example:
239-555-1234
Ten-Digit Dialing
In 2021, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) introduced a new rule requiring 10-digit dialing for all phone calls, including local calls. This means that residents and visitors in the area code 239 region must dial the full 10-digit number, including the area code, to complete a call.
Phone Number Prefixes in Area Code 239
Phone number prefixes in area code 239 are assigned by the NANPA and are used to identify specific regions within the area code. Some common phone number prefixes in area code 239 include:
- 239-210: Fort Myers
- 239-261: Cape Coral
- 239-352: Naples
- 239-482: Bonita Springs
Conclusion
Area code 239 is an important part of the phone number system in southwestern Florida. With its rich history, interesting facts, and coverage area, it's essential to understand the significance of this area code. Whether you're a resident, visitor, or business owner, knowing how to dial a phone number with area code 239 is crucial for staying connected in this beautiful region.
Gallery of Area Code 239
FAQs
What is area code 239?
+Area code 239 is a telephone area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) that serves the southwestern part of Florida, including the cities of Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Naples.
When was area code 239 created?
+Area code 239 was created in 2003 as a split from area code 941.
What cities are covered by area code 239?
+Area code 239 covers several major cities in southwestern Florida, including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Bonita Springs, and Sanibel.