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Comprehensive Guide to Area Code 202: Washington, D.C.'s Telecom Essentials
Established in October 1947, area code 202 is a cornerstone of Washington, D.C.'s telecommunications, governed by the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).
What is Area Code 202?
Area code 202 is one of the original area codes introduced in the United States, specifically serving the District of Columbia. This code is essential for both local and international communications in the nation's capital.
Geographic Coverage of Area Code 202
Location and Coordinates
- Coordinates: 38.89511° N, 77.03637° W
- Area Served: Washington, D.C.
Area code 202 exclusively covers the entirety of Washington, D.C., a city known for its political significance and historical landmarks.
Telecom Infrastructure and Services
Major Carriers
- Verizon Communications
- AT&T
- T-Mobile
Available Services
- Landline
- Wireless
- VoIP
These carriers provide a range of services that support the city's robust communication needs, catering to both residential and business consumers.
Regulatory Framework
Area code 202 is regulated by the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA), ensuring compliance with number allocation and management.
- Dialing Requirements: Ten-digit dialing is mandatory for all calls within this area code.
- Regulatory Body: North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA)
Historical Milestones
- October 1947: Area code 202 was established as one of the original North American area codes.
- 1990: The central office code protection scheme was terminated.
- April 2021: Area code 771 was introduced as an overlay to accommodate increasing demand.
- November 2021: The first central office code assignments for 771 were implemented.
Future of Area Code 202
With the introduction of the overlay code 771, Washington, D.C. is well-equipped to handle future telecommunications demands while maintaining the heritage of the original 202 area code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Area Code 202 located?
- Area code 202 is located in Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States.
What are the major cities in Area Code 202?
- The primary city served by this area code is Washington, D.C.
What is the significance of Area Code 202?
- It is one of the original area codes and remains crucial for communication in the political hub of the U.S.
For more information on area code regulations, visit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) website.
Explore more about area codes and telecommunications by checking out our related articles on emerging telecom trends and infrastructure developments.