Area Code Atlas

NPA 205 introduced for all of Alabama

Area code 205 was one of the original North American area codes created in 1947. The numbering plan area originally comprised the entire state of Alabama.

NANP - INTRODUCTION OF INTERCHANGEABLE CENTRAL OFFICE CODES IN THE 205 NPA

NANP-SPLIT OF 205 (ALABAMA) NUMBERING PLAN AREA (NPA)

NPA 334 split from 205

In 1995, area code 334 was created in a split from 205, reducing the geographic extent of 205 to the western and central parts of Alabama. This split was implemented to address number exhaustion in Alabama, with area code 334 taking over the region from Montgomery southward.

NPA 205 split to create 334

Area code 205 was split in January 1995 to create area code 334, covering southeastern Alabama including Montgomery and Mobile regions. This split established 334 as a new area code serving southeastern Alabama, with 205 remaining in the western and central parts of the state.

NPA 256 split from 205

In 1998, area code 256 was created in a split from 205, further reducing the coverage of 205 to the western and central parts of Alabama. The northern and eastern portions of area code 205 were assigned area code 256, further reducing the size of the 205 numbering plan area.

NANP-Split of 205 (Alabama) Numbering Plan Area (NPA)

NPA 256 split from 205

Area code 256 was created on March 23, 1998, as a geographic split from area code 205. The new code served northern and northeastern Alabama, including Huntsville and Decatur, while 205 continued to serve central and western Alabama.

Permissive dialing period for 256 and 205

A permissive dialing period began on March 23, 1998, allowing calls to be completed using either 205 or 256 in the affected region. This transition period lasted until September 28, 1998, to allow time for reprogramming and adjustment.

End of permissive dialing period for 205/256 split

The permissive dialing period allowing the use of area code 205 for calls in the 256 region ended on September 28, 1998. After this date, dialing area code 256 was mandatory for calls within the new 256 area.

Permissive dialing period ends for 205 and 256

The permissive dialing period following the split of 205 and 256 ended on September 28, 1998. After this date, callers were required to use the correct area code for calls within the affected regions.

NPA 205 split to create 251

In 2001, area code 205 was split to form area code 251, serving Mobile and southwestern Alabama. This split created 251 as a new area code for southwestern Alabama, including Mobile, while 205 remained in the northern and central regions.

NPA 659 overlay on 205 announced

New NPA 659 to Overlay NPA 205 (Alabama)

Suspension of 205/659 NPA Relief (Alabama)

659 overlay approved for 205 area

On August 7, 2018, the Alabama Public Service Commission approved an all-services distributed overlay for the 205 area code. The new 659 area code would serve the same geographic region as 205, providing relief for number exhaustion.

NPA 659 overlay on 205 announced

NPA 659 to Overlay NPA 205 (Alabama)

Permissive 10-digit dialing begins for 205/659

Permissive 10-digit dialing began on April 13, 2019, for the 205 and new 659 overlay area. During this period, callers could use either 7 or 10 digits for local calls as part of the transition to the overlay.

NPA 659 overlay in service

On September 7, 2019, area code 659 was placed in service as an overlay for the 205 region, providing additional numbering resources for western and central Alabama.

NPA 659 overlaid NPA 205

In October 2019, area code 659 was added as a second area code to the 205 numbering plan area, creating an overlay plan for the region.

Ten-digit dialing became mandatory in the 205/659 area

The addition of area code 659 as an overlay to 205 mandated ten-digit dialing for all calls in the affected region.

Mandatory 10-digit dialing for 205/659

Mandatory 10-digit dialing began on October 12, 2019, for all calls in the 205 and 659 area codes, following the introduction of the 659 overlay to ensure sufficient numbering resources. This completed the transition to the overlay complex.

NPA 659 overlays 205

Area code 659 was added as an overlay to the 205 region in October 2019, creating an overlay plan for western and central Alabama. This change required ten-digit dialing for all calls in the region.

659 overlay activated for 205 area

The 659 area code was activated as an overlay for the 205 region on November 12, 2019. New telephone numbers in the area could be assigned either the 205 or 659 code.