Frequently Asked Questions
Bellingham, Washington is in area code 360.
Area code 360 was created on January 15, 1995, as a split from area code 206.
Area code 360 was created due to the increasing demand for phone numbers in western Washington, relieving pressure on the existing area code 206, which primarily served the Seattle metropolitan area.
Area code 360 covers the western portion of Washington state, excluding the Seattle metropolitan area and areas west of the Cascade Mountains. This includes the Olympic Peninsula and stretches from the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the Oregon border.
Yes, 10-digit dialing (including the area code) has been mandatory for all calls within area code 360 since July 29, 2017, due to the overlay of area code 564.
Area code 564 is the overlay for area code 360. This means both area codes serve the same geographic region.
Olympia, Washington is in area code 360.
Area code 206 was originally assigned to the entire state of Washington in 1947.
The final prefix for area code 360 was assigned in 2021.
The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) oversees the regulation of area code 360.
Major cities covered by area code 360 include Bellingham, Bremerton, Lacey, Longview, Marysville, Mount Vernon, Olympia, and Vancouver.
Area code 206 was reduced to cover only western Washington in 1957.
Area code 360 was introduced on January 15, 1995. It was created as a split from the existing area code 206, which originally covered the entire state of Washington but was later reduced to just the western portion. This split helped accommodate the increasing demand for phone numbers in the region.
Ten-digit dialing (including the area code) became mandatory for area code 360 on July 29, 2017. This change was implemented due to the introduction of the overlay area code 564. Overlays help ensure enough phone numbers are available for a growing population without requiring existing numbers to change.
Washington State has multiple area codes, including 360 and 564, which cover western Washington. Area code 206 covers the Seattle metropolitan area. Historically, 206 covered the entire state, and later only western Washington, before 360 and 564 were introduced.
To dial a number within area code 360, you must dial 1 + 360 + the seven-digit phone number. Ten-digit dialing has been mandatory since 2017 due to the overlay of area code 564 within the same geographic region. This ensures calls are correctly routed.
The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) regulates area code 360. The WUTC oversees telecommunications services within the state, ensuring compliance with national standards set by the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA).
Originally, area code 206 covered all of Washington state starting in 1947. In 1957, it was reduced to cover just western Washington. Area code 360 was split from 206 in 1995. Later, in 2017, area code 564 was overlaid on top of area code 360 to provide additional phone numbers.
Area code 360 covers western Washington, including cities like Bellingham, Olympia, Vancouver, and Bremerton. It extends from the Strait of Juan de Fuca down to the Oregon border and encompasses the Olympic Peninsula, excluding the Seattle metropolitan area and regions west of the Cascades.
Area code 564 was introduced in Washington in 2017. It is an overlay on top of area code 360, meaning both area codes serve the same geographic area. This overlay was implemented to accommodate the growing demand for phone numbers in western Washington.
In the context of area code 360, an overlay refers to the addition of area code 564 to the same geographic region. This means both 360 and 564 serve the same area, requiring ten-digit dialing for all calls. This helps ensure a sufficient supply of phone numbers.
Area Code 360: Coverage, Cities, and Key Facts
Area code 360 is a significant part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), primarily serving western Washington state. This guide explores its coverage, major cities, dialing requirements, and regulatory framework.
What Is Area Code 360?
Area code 360 was introduced on January 15, 1995, as part of a split from area code 206. It serves the western portion of Washington state, excluding the Seattle metropolitan area and regions west of the Cascade Mountains. This area includes the Olympic Peninsula and stretches from the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the Oregon border.
Geographic Coverage of Area Code 360
Major Cities in Area Code 360
Area code 360 covers several key cities in Washington, including:
These cities are vital hubs within the state, contributing to the economic and cultural landscape of the region.
Technical and Regulatory Details
Technical Specifications
Dialing Requirements
Since July 29, 2017, ten-digit dialing has been mandatory in the region due to the overlay of area code 564. This change ensures sufficient number availability for the growing population and businesses in the area.
Regulatory Framework
The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission oversees the regulation of area code 360. The area code adheres to NANPA regulations, ensuring compliance with national standards for area code assignments and overlays.
Historical Milestones
Numbering and Network Infrastructure
Major Carriers and Services
Area code 360 is served by various carriers, providing landline, wireless, and VoIP services. Historically, US West played a significant role in telecommunications within the area.
Numbering Statistics
While specific data on total numbers available and utilization rates are not provided, projections in 2016 anticipated exhaustion by 2018. These statistics underscore the importance of efficient number management and planning.
Conclusion
Area code 360 is essential for connecting the diverse and vibrant communities of western Washington state. With its rich history and ongoing development, it remains a crucial part of the region's telecommunication infrastructure.
For more detailed insights, visit the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission or the official Wikipedia page on Area Code 360.
If you're interested in learning more about other area codes or telecommunication regulations, check out our related articles or contact local authorities for the most current information.