Area Code 617: Location And Coverage Explained

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Area code 617 is one of the original area codes assigned to the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) in 1947. It serves the city of Boston and its surrounding areas in the state of Massachusetts. The 617 area code is considered one of the most prestigious and iconic area codes in the United States, given its association with the city of Boston and its rich history.

Location and Coverage

The 617 area code covers the city of Boston and its surrounding areas, including the cities of Cambridge, Somerville, and Quincy. It also serves several neighboring towns and communities, such as Brookline, Newton, and Milton. The 617 area code is one of the most densely populated area codes in the United States, with a large population of residents, businesses, and institutions.

Counties Served

The 617 area code serves several counties in Massachusetts, including:

• Suffolk County
• Norfolk County
• Middlesex County

History of Area Code 617

Area code 617 was one of the original area codes assigned to the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) in 1947. It was created by AT&T, the dominant telephone company at the time, to serve the city of Boston and its surrounding areas. The 617 area code was chosen because it was easy to dial and remember, and it was also considered a prestigious area code due to its association with the city of Boston.

Overlay Plan

In 2001, the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) implemented an overlay plan for the 617 area code. The overlay plan allowed for the creation of new area codes, such as 857, to serve the same geographic area as the 617 area code. This was done to address the growing demand for phone numbers in the region.

Phone Number Format

Phone numbers in the 617 area code follow the standard North American Numbering Plan (NANP) format, which consists of a three-digit area code followed by a three-digit exchange code and a four-digit line number. The format is as follows:

(617) XXX-XXXX

Exchange Codes

Exchange codes in the 617 area code are assigned by the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) and are used to identify specific telephone exchanges within the area code. Some examples of exchange codes in the 617 area code include:

• 426: Boston
• 437: Cambridge
• 472: Somerville

Notable Phone Numbers

The 617 area code is home to many notable phone numbers, including:

• The Boston Police Department: (617) 343-4200
• The Boston Fire Department: (617) 343-2250
• The City of Boston Mayor's Office: (617) 635-4000

Scams and Spoofing

As with any area code, there are risks of scams and spoofing associated with the 617 area code. Scammers may use caller ID spoofing to make it appear as though they are calling from a legitimate phone number in the 617 area code. It's essential to be cautious when receiving calls from unknown numbers and to never provide personal or financial information to unknown callers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, area code 617 is a prestigious and iconic area code that serves the city of Boston and its surrounding areas in Massachusetts. With a rich history and a large population of residents, businesses, and institutions, the 617 area code is one of the most densely populated area codes in the United States. Whether you're a resident of the area or just visiting, it's essential to be aware of the phone number format, exchange codes, and potential scams associated with the 617 area code.