Frequently Asked Questions
Boise, Idaho uses area code 208, which is the primary area code for the entire state.
Area code 986 was implemented as an overlay to 208 in 2017 to address the increasing demand for phone numbers and prevent exhaustion of the existing 208 area code.
An overlay means two area codes (in this case, 208 and 986) serve the same geographic region, allowing for more phone numbers within a limited area.
Mandatory 10-digit dialing began in Idaho on August 5, 2017, due to the implementation of the 986 overlay.
The IPUC regulates area code 208, ensuring compliance with North American Numbering Plan (NANP) guidelines and overseeing telecommunications services within the state.
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho is covered by area code 208, the primary area code for the state.
All major cities in Idaho, including Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Coeur d'Alene, Lewiston, Moscow, Twin Falls, and Caldwell, use area code 208.
Area code 208 was established in 1947 as one of the original North American Numbering Plan (NANP) area codes.
Major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and CenturyLink provide service within area code 208 in Idaho.
Area code 986 became active in Idaho in 2016 and mandatory 10-digit dialing was implemented in 2017.
The combined number capacity of area codes 208 and 986 is approximately 15.6 million.
Number pooling, starting in Boise in 2002 and expanding statewide in 2007, was implemented to conserve numbers and delay the exhaustion of area code 208.
Number pooling involves aggregating blocks of numbers and assigning them to carriers as needed, a strategy used in Idaho to conserve numbers and extend the lifespan of area code 208.
Idaho's primary area code is 208. It's been in use since 1947 when it was one of the original North American Numbering Plan (NANP) area codes established. This code is essential for routing calls within the state.
While Idaho primarily uses 208, it technically has two area codes: 208 and 986. 986 was added as an overlay in 2017 to accommodate the state's growing population and increasing demand for phone numbers. This overlay helps prevent number exhaustion.
You must dial the area code 208 along with the seven-digit phone number, even for local calls within the same area code. This 10-digit dialing has been mandatory since August 5, 2017, due to the implementation of the 986 overlay.
Area code 986 is an overlay for area code 208 in Idaho. It covers the same geographic area and was implemented in 2017 to address the increasing need for phone numbers. Both area codes serve the entire state.
Area code 208, along with overlay 986, covers the entire state of Idaho. Major cities within this area code include Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Coeur d'Alene, Lewiston, Moscow, Twin Falls, and Caldwell.
You should always use 10-digit dialing (area code + phone number) for all calls in Idaho, regardless of whether it's a local call or not. This practice became mandatory on August 5, 2017, with the introduction of the 986 overlay.
Number pooling was implemented in Idaho to maximize the use of available phone numbers under area code 208. By assigning smaller blocks of numbers to carriers as needed instead of large, potentially unused blocks, it helped delay the need for an overlay. Statewide pooling began in 2007.
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC) regulates area code 208 and telecommunications services in Idaho. They ensure compliance with NANPA guidelines and oversee matters like rates, service quality, and consumer protection.
Area code 208 was established in 1947 as one of the original area codes under the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). It has served the entire state of Idaho since its inception.
No, you cannot make calls using only 7 digits in Idaho. 10-digit dialing (area code + number) has been mandatory since August 5, 2017, due to the implementation of the 986 overlay.
Area code 208, combined with the 986 overlay, supports approximately 15.6 million phone numbers. The overlay was introduced to increase capacity and prevent number exhaustion.
An overlay means two area codes serve the same geographic region. In Idaho, 986 overlays 208, meaning both area codes cover the entire state. This allows for more phone numbers within the same area.
208 Area Code: Idaho Phone Numbers, Coverage & Provider Guide
Introduction
Area code 208 is Idaho's telephone area code, covering the entire state since 1947. Where is area code 208? It serves all Idaho cities including Boise, Meridian, Idaho Falls, and Coeur d'Alene. Complemented by overlay area code 986 (added November 2016), the 208/986 system provides phone numbers across Idaho's 83,569 square miles, from urban tech hubs to remote mountain communities.
With Idaho surpassing 2 million residents in 2024, this guide explains how to get an Idaho phone number, understand 10-digit dialing requirements, choose between telecommunications providers, and leverage local numbers for business growth.
Quick Facts: Area Code 208
Where is Area Code 208? Location & Coverage Map
Where is the 208 area code located? Area code 208 covers the entire state of Idaho, along with overlay code 986. This makes it unique among U.S. area codes—one of the few serving an entire state across 83,569 square miles.
Which Cities Use Area Code 208?
Complete Coverage Areas
Northern Idaho: Coeur d'Alene, Sandpoint, Lewiston, Moscow, Grangeville
Central Idaho: Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, Mountain Home, McCall
Eastern Idaho: Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Rexburg, Blackfoot, American Falls
Southern Idaho: Twin Falls, Burley, Jerome, Gooding, Hailey, Sun Valley
Idaho Phone Service Providers and Network Infrastructure (2025)
Best Phone Service Providers in Idaho
Major Carriers Operating Statewide:
Regional and Specialized Providers:
Service Types Available
Business Communications:
Important: VoIP users must configure E911 service with a registered physical address. Unlike traditional landlines, VoIP systems do not automatically provide location information to emergency responders.
Residential Services:
5G Network Coverage (2025):
Advanced Features:
How the 208/986 Area Code System Works
Area Code 208 vs 986: What's the Difference?
There is no functional difference between 208 and 986 phone numbers. Both area codes:
The 986 overlay was added in November 2016 to expand Idaho's phone number capacity without requiring existing 208 customers to change their numbers.
Technical Specifications
How to Dial Idaho Phone Numbers: 10-Digit Dialing Rules
Implementation Timeline:
Dialing Requirements:
Number Portability:
How Do You Get an Idaho Phone Number? (208 or 986)
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a 208 Area Code Number
Choose a Service Provider: Compare carriers based on your needs (residential vs business)
Select Your Number Type:
Configure Service Features:
Port Existing Number (if applicable): Transfer your current Idaho number between providers
Test and Activate: Verify functionality before making your number public
Why Get an Idaho Phone Number? Business Benefits
Advantages of Local Idaho Phone Numbers:
Historical Development and Evolution
Timeline of Major Changes
Why an Overlay Was Necessary
Idaho's unique position as one of few states with a single area code became unsustainable due to:
The overlay approach preserved existing numbers while providing capacity for future growth without requiring customers to change their established phone numbers.
Historical Exhaustion Forecasts:
Business Applications and Industry Focus
Key Industries Using Idaho Numbers
Technology Sector: Boise's growing tech industry, including software development, cybersecurity, and data centers, benefits from local 208/986 numbers for customer trust and regional presence.
Healthcare Networks: Major hospital systems and medical practices across the state use Idaho numbers for patient communication and inter-facility coordination.
Agriculture and Food Processing: Idaho's agricultural economy relies on local numbers for farmer-to-processor communications and supply chain coordination.
Tourism and Hospitality: Resort areas like Sun Valley and Coeur d'Alene use local numbers to establish regional authenticity and customer connection.
Education and Research: Universities, colleges, and research institutions, including Idaho National Laboratory, maintain extensive telecommunications networks. INL celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2024 and has grown to approximately 6,400+ employees as of 2025, expanding significantly from 3,750 in 2017. The laboratory operates four nuclear reactors and is building its first new reactors in 50 years – specifically preparing two new reactors and one reactor experiment, with additional projects planned as reactors 53 and 54 and beyond through the next decade.
How to Get an Idaho Phone Number for Your Business
Modern Communication Options
VoIP and Cloud Solutions
Idaho businesses increasingly adopt cloud-based communications for:
5G and High-Speed Internet
Recent infrastructure investments provide:
Regulatory Environment
Idaho Public Utilities Commission Oversight
The IPUC regulates telecommunications services under Idaho Code Title 61 and Title 62, ensuring:
Regulatory Authority Framework: Under Idaho Code § 62-622, the IPUC regulates prices for basic local exchange services only for incumbent telephone corporations that provided service before February 8, 1996. Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLECs) and new entrants are not subject to price regulation but must file price lists with the commission. However, the IPUC retains authority under Idaho Code § 61-622 over service quality standards, billing practices, tariff approvals, and customer relations for all providers of basic local exchange service.
Federal Compliance
Idaho telecommunications operate under:
Future Outlook and Planning
Capacity Management
The 208/986 overlay system provides sufficient number capacity with no exhaustion concerns or relief planning currently underway (NANPA, 2025). The combined capacity of 15.6 million phone numbers supports:
Number Availability Status:
Infrastructure Development
Ongoing improvements include:
AT&T-Lumen Transaction Details:
Frequently Asked Questions About Idaho Area Codes
Q: What area code is 208?
A: Area code 208 is Idaho's primary telephone area code, covering the entire state. It was established in 1947 as one of the original North American Numbering Plan area codes.
Q: Where is area code 208 located?
A: Area code 208 covers all of Idaho, including major cities like Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Coeur d'Alene, Twin Falls, Caldwell, Lewiston, and Moscow.
Q: What is the 986 area code?
A: Area code 986 is an overlay code added to Idaho in November 2016. It covers the same geographic area as 208 and was implemented to provide additional phone number capacity for Idaho's growing population.
Q: Can I choose between 208 and 986 for a new number?
A: Number assignment depends on availability from your chosen provider. Both codes serve identical geographic areas with the same local calling features.
Q: Do I need to dial the area code for local calls in Idaho?
A: Yes, all calls within Idaho require 10-digit dialing (area code + 7-digit number) since August 2017. This applies to both local and long-distance calls within the state.
Q: Are there any differences between 208 and 986 numbers?
A: No functional differences exist. Both codes provide identical coverage, features, and calling capabilities across all of Idaho.
Q: Can businesses use Idaho phone numbers for operations outside the state?
A: Yes, number portability and VoIP technology enable businesses to maintain Idaho local phone numbers regardless of physical location, providing a local presence without physical offices.
Q: Is area code 208 running out of numbers?
A: No. The combined 208/986 overlay system provides 15.6 million phone numbers with no exhaustion concerns through 2040+. NANPA reports no relief planning is currently underway.
Q: What time zone is area code 208?
A: Most of Idaho (area code 208) uses Mountain Time (MT). The northern panhandle region near the Washington border uses Pacific Time (PT).
Q: How much does it cost to get a 208 phone number?
A: Costs vary by provider and service type. VoIP services typically start at $10-30/month for basic service. Traditional landlines and cellular plans vary based on features and data packages. Check with individual carriers for current pricing.
Conclusion
Ready to get your Idaho phone number? Area code 208, supported by overlay 986, continues to serve Idaho's diverse telecommunications needs from urban tech hubs to remote mountain communities. Whether you need a local Boise phone number for your business, want to understand 10-digit dialing requirements, or are comparing service providers, this complete guide covers everything about Idaho's area codes.
The 208/986 overlay system ensures adequate phone number capacity through 2040 and beyond, while preserving established business relationships and local identity. With comprehensive statewide coverage, 5G expansion, and modern VoIP options, Idaho's telecommunications infrastructure supports both growing businesses and residential users.
Next Steps:
Get Started Today: Whether you're establishing a local presence in Boise, expanding statewide operations, or moving to Idaho, securing a 208 or 986 area code number connects you to Idaho's thriving business community and 2+ million residents.
Sources and Data Verification:
Last Updated: October 2025 | Information verified as of October 2025. Contact service providers for the most current rates and availability.