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If you have ever received a call from a number with the area code 986, you may be wondering where it is located and what it means. The 986 area code is a relatively new addition to the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), and it is important to understand what it represents. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about the 986 area code, including its location, history, and usage.
What is the 986 Area Code?
The 986 area code is an overlay for the existing 360 area code in Washington state, which includes the cities of Vancouver, Olympia, Bellingham, and Everett. An overlay is a new area code that is introduced into an existing area code’s geographical area to address the shortage of available phone numbers. The 986 area code was introduced on July 29, 2017, and became mandatory on July 28, 2018.
Why Was the 986 Area Code Created?
The 986 area code was created to address the shortage of available phone numbers in the 360 area code region. The 360 area code was nearing exhaustion due to the rapid growth of the population and increased demand for phone numbers. The creation of the 986 area code allows for the addition of millions of new phone numbers while still maintaining the existing phone numbers in the 360 area code.
How Does the 986 Area Code Affect You?
If you live or work in the 360 area code region, the introduction of the 986 area code means that you may need to change the way you dial local calls. The introduction of the overlay means that you must include the area code when dialing all local calls, even if you are calling someone in the same area code. If you forget to include the area code, your call may not go through, or you may reach a different number entirely.
If you have a phone number with the 360 area code, you do not need to change your phone number. However, if you are getting a new phone number, you may be assigned a number with the 986 area code instead of the 360 area code. It is also important to note that calls between numbers with the 360 and 986 area codes are considered local calls and will not incur long-distance charges.
Conclusion
The introduction of the 986 area code has allowed for the addition of millions of new phone numbers in the 360 area code region while still maintaining the existing phone numbers. The overlay means that local calls in the 360 area code region must include the area code, and new phone numbers may be assigned with the 986 area code. It is essential to understand the 986 area code’s usage and history, particularly if you live or work in the 360 area code region.
FAQ’S
Q: What is the 986 area code?
A: The 986 area code is a telephone area code in North America, specifically in the state of Washington in the United States.
Q: When was the 986 area code created?
A: The 986 area code was created on July 29, 2017. It was created as an overlay of the 360 area code, which had exhausted its available phone number prefixes.
Q: What cities or regions are covered by the 986 area code?
A: The 986 area code covers the same geographic area as the 360 area code, which includes several counties in southwestern Washington, such as Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Pacific, Skamania, and Wahkiakum.
Q: How do I call a phone number with the 986 area code?
A: To call a phone number with the 986 area code, you need to dial the full 10-digit phone number, including the area code, from within North America. If you’re calling from outside North America, you need to dial your country’s international access code, followed by 1 (the country code for the United States), then the area code and the phone number.
Q: Can I still use my current phone number if I’m in the 986 area code?
A: Yes, if you’re already using a phone number with the 360 area code, you can keep that number. However, new phone numbers that are issued in the affected area may have the 986 area code.
Q: Will I be charged extra for calling a phone number with the 986 area code?
A: No, calling a phone number with the 986 area code should not result in any extra charges, as long as you have a calling plan that covers calls within North America. However, if you’re calling from outside North America, you may incur international calling charges.
Q: How do I find out if a phone number is in the 986 area code?
A: You can find out if a phone number is in the 986 area code by checking the first three digits of the phone number. If the first three digits are 986, then it’s a phone number with the 986 area code. You can also use an online area code lookup tool to check the area code for a given phone number.
Q: Are there any other area codes that overlap with the 986 area code?
A: No, the 986 area code does not overlap with any other area codes. It was created specifically as an overlay of the 360 area code.
