Area Code Atlas

NPA 501 introduced as original Arkansas area code

Area code 501 was created in 1947 as one of the original North American area codes. It initially served the entire state of Arkansas.

NPA 870 split from 501

In 1995, area code 870 was created as a split from 501 to serve north-central, northeast, eastern, and southern Arkansas. This relieved the original 501 area code, which had previously covered the entire state.

Declaration of Jeopardy Situation in NPA 501 (Arkansas)

NANP-Split of 501 (Arkansas) Numbering Plan Area (NPA)

Extraordinary NPA-Specific Conservation Procedures for 501 NPA (Arkansas)

Area code 870 created in split from 501

On April 14, 1997, area code 870 was created in a split from area code 501. The new code served most of Arkansas outside the Little Rock, Fort Smith, and Fayetteville/Springdale/Rogers areas, while 501 was retained for the central region.

501 NPA Split; Creating 479 NPA (Arkansas)

Amended 501 NPA Split Creating 479 NPA (Arkansas)

Revised Dialing Plan for the 501 and 479 NPAs (Arkansas)

NPA 479 split from 501

In 2002, area code 479 was created as a split from 501, serving the northwestern part of Arkansas including Fort Smith and Fayetteville.

NPA 479 split from 501

On January 19, 2002, area code 479 was created in a split from area code 501. The new area code was assigned to the northwestern region of Arkansas, including thirteen counties and several major cities, to address the need for additional numbering resources.

Permissive 10-digit dialing begins in NPA 501

On April 24, 2021, permissive 10-digit dialing began in area code 501 as part of the nationwide transition to accommodate the new 988 code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. During this period, both 7-digit and 10-digit dialing were allowed.

NPA 501 transitions to mandatory ten-digit dialing

On October 24, 2021, area code 501 transitioned to mandatory ten-digit dialing due to the nationwide designation of 988 as the three-digit code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Transition to 10-digit dialing for 501 due to 988 implementation

Area code 501 transitioned to ten-digit dialing on October 24, 2021, due to the nationwide implementation of 988 as a dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.