Where is Area Code 720?
Geographical Location and Coverage of Area Code 720
Area code 720 is a North American telephone area code that covers the state of Colorado in the United States. It was created in 1998 as an overlay for area code 303, which was exhausted due to the increasing demand for telephone numbers in the Denver metropolitan area.
The 720 area code is geographically located in the central part of Colorado and serves the cities of Denver, Boulder, Aurora, Lakewood, Littleton, Castle Rock, Parker, Brighton, and other surrounding areas. It is one of the four area codes serving the state of Colorado, alongside area codes 303, 970, and 719.
The overlay system allows two or more area codes to coexist in the same geographical area, and it requires customers in the affected area to dial 10 digits (area code + seven-digit number) for all local calls. The overlay system also ensures that existing phone numbers are not affected by the introduction of a new area code, and it allows new telephone numbers to be assigned to both area codes.
If you have a phone number with the 720 area code, it means that your phone number is located in the central part of Colorado, and you can make or receive calls within the state or from other parts of the United States that use the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). However, if you need to make international calls, you need to dial the appropriate international dialing code, followed by the country code, area code, and local number.
History and Changes of Area Code 720
Area code 720 was introduced in 1998 as an overlay for area code 303, which was the original area code for the central part of Colorado, including Denver and its surrounding areas. The introduction of the new area code was necessary due to the increasing demand for telephone numbers in the region, as well as the proliferation of mobile phones, pagers, and other communication devices.
The overlay system was chosen as the solution to the number exhaustion problem because it allowed new telephone numbers to be assigned to both area codes, while ensuring that existing numbers were not affected. The overlay system also enabled the region to keep its existing area code, which was considered a significant part of its identity and history.
The introduction of area code 720 required residents and businesses in the affected area to dial ten digits (area code + seven-digit number) for all local calls. The transition was gradual, and customers were given several months to get used to the new dialing pattern. Additionally, some local calls within the same area code were still possible without dialing the area code, depending on the location of the caller and the callee.
Since its introduction, area code 720 has remained in use, and it has not undergone any significant changes or splits. However, the demand for telephone numbers in the region continues to grow, and it is possible that additional area codes may be introduced in the future to accommodate the increasing demand.
Dialing Instructions for Calling Area Code 720
If you need to make a call to a phone number with area code 720, there are a few dialing instructions that you need to follow. These instructions apply to both landline and mobile phones, and they ensure that your call is properly routed to the intended recipient.
Dial the country code (if calling from outside the United States). The country code for the United States is +1.
Dial the area code 720, including the leading digit 7. Do not dial the leading 1 that is sometimes included in the area code.
Dial the seven-digit phone number, including any local extensions if applicable.
For example, if you are calling a phone number in Denver with the area code 720 and the phone number 555-1234, you would dial:
+1 720 555 1234
If you are calling from within the United States, you can skip the country code and simply dial:
720 555 1234
It is important to note that if you are calling from within the same area code (720), you may be able to dial the seven-digit phone number without dialing the area code. This depends on the location of the caller and the callee, so it is best to check with your phone service provider or consult the local dialing instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 720
Here are some frequently asked questions about area code 720 and their corresponding answers:
1. Where is area code 720 located?
Area code 720 is located in the central part of Colorado in the United States, and it serves the cities of Denver, Boulder, Aurora, Lakewood, Littleton, Castle Rock, Parker, Brighton, and other surrounding areas.
2. When was area code 720 introduced?
Area code 720 was introduced in 1998 as an overlay for area code 303, which was the original area code for the central part of Colorado.
3. What is an overlay system?
An overlay system allows two or more area codes to coexist in the same geographical area, and it requires customers in the affected area to dial 10 digits (area code + seven-digit number) for all local calls.
4. Do I need to dial the area code for local calls within area code 720?
It depends on the location of the caller and the callee. In some cases, local calls within the same area code can be made without dialing the area code. It is best to check with your phone service provider or consult the local dialing instructions.
5. Can I keep my phone number if I move to an area with a different area code?
Yes, you can usually keep your phone number if you move to an area with a different area code. This is known as number portability, and it is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Area Code 720
Like any other area code, using area code 720 has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common ones:
Advantages:
- Widely recognized: Area code 720 is widely recognized in the central part of Colorado, and it is associated with the cities of Denver, Boulder, Aurora, and other surrounding areas.
- Availability of phone numbers: The overlay system allows for the availability of new phone numbers, which is essential in a rapidly growing region like the central part of Colorado.
- Local pride: For residents of the central part of Colorado, having a phone number with area code 720 is a source of local pride and identity.
Disadvantages:
- Ten-digit dialing: The overlay system requires ten-digit dialing (area code + seven-digit number) for all local calls, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming.
- International calling: If you need to make international calls, you need to dial the appropriate international dialing code, followed by the country code, area code, and local number, which can be confusing and may result in additional charges.
- Confusion with other area codes: The number 720 can be easily confused with other area codes, such as 702 (Nevada) and 721 (Sint Maarten). This can lead to misdials and missed calls.
Overall, the advantages of using area code 720 outweigh the disadvantages for residents and businesses in the central part of Colorado. However, it is important to be aware of the potential challenges and to follow the proper dialing instructions to ensure that your calls are properly routed.
