Area Code Atlas

NPA 816 established as original Missouri area code

Area code 816 was established in 1947 as one of the original North American area codes, serving the western part of Missouri including Kansas City and St. Joseph.

Original Missouri area codes assigned

Missouri was divided into two original area codes, 314 for the eastern part and 816 for the western part, as part of the initial North American Numbering Plan in 1947.

NPA 417 split from 816

In 1950, area code 417 was created as the third area code in Missouri from a split of 816, reducing 816's coverage to the northern third of Missouri while 417 served the southwestern region including Springfield, Branson, and Joplin.

Area code 417 created

Area code 417 was created in 1950 as the third area code in Missouri, splitting from area code 816 to serve southwestern Missouri including Springfield and Joplin.

NPA 417 split from 816

Area code 417 was created in 1951 as a split from 816, serving southwestern Missouri. This change reduced the coverage area of 816 to the northern third of the state.

Jeopardy Situation declared for NPA 816

Southwestern Bell declared a Jeopardy Situation for area code 816 on April 10, 1997, due to the rapid depletion of available numbers. This declaration prompted regulatory and industry action to address the impending exhaustion.

Split of area code 816 announced

The Missouri Public Service Commission announced on June 4, 1997, that area code 816 would be split, creating area code 660 for the rural eastern and northwestern portions to minimize disruption in urban areas. A permissive dialing period was planned to start on October 12, 1997.

NANP-Split of 816 (Missouri) Numbering Plan Area (NPA)

NANPA announces split of 816

The North American Numbering Plan Administration announced on July 28, 1997, that area code 816 would be split to create a new area code for rural northern and western Missouri. The Kansas City and St. Joseph metropolitan areas would retain 816, while the new code would serve the surrounding rural regions.

NPA 660 split from 816

Area code 660 was announced on July 28, 1997, as a split from 816 to serve rural northern and eastern portions of Missouri outside the Kansas City metropolitan area, with a permissive dialing period from October 12, 1997, to April 19, 1998.

NPA 660 split from 816

Area code 660 was created on October 12, 1997, as a geographic split from 816. The new code covered rural northern and western Missouri, while 816 continued to serve the Kansas City metropolitan area and St. Joseph.

816 reduced by split creating 660

Area code 816 was reduced in size on October 12, 1997, when the rural northern and western portions were assigned to the new area code 660. Area code 660 was created to serve rural northern and western Missouri, while the Kansas City and St. Joseph metropolitan areas retained 816. This change was implemented to address number exhaustion in the region.

Permissive dialing begins for 660 overlay

A permissive dialing period commenced on October 12, 1997, allowing calls to the 660 territory to be completed using either 816 or 660 until April 19, 1998, to facilitate the transition after the 660 split.

Area code 660 activated

Area code 660 was activated on October 12, 1997, beginning a permissive dialing period during which calls to the new 660 territory could be completed using either 816 or 660. The permissive dialing period lasted until April 19, 1998.

Mandatory dialing begins for 660

Mandatory dialing of area code 660 began on April 19, 1998, ending the permissive dialing period and requiring callers to use the correct area code for calls to the 660 territory.

NPA 975 overlay on 816 announced

New NPA 975 to Overlay NPA 816 (Missouri)

NPA 975 Overlay of NPA 816 Implementation Date Change (Missouri)

Suspension Relief in the 816 NPA (Missouri)

NPA 975 overlay of 816 implemented

Area code 975 was implemented as an overlay to area code 816 on May 5, 2002, after initial plans and postponements. This created an overlay complex serving the same geographic area in northwestern Missouri.

Transition to 10-digit dialing for 816 due to 988

Area code 816 transitioned to mandatory ten-digit dialing by October 24, 2021, due to the nationwide designation of 988 as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline dialing code, which conflicted with seven-digit dialing.

NPA 975 overlay on 816 announced

NPA 975 to Overlay NPA 816 (Missouri)

NPA 975 overlay on 816 announced

NPA 975 to Overlay NPA 816 (Missouri) – supersedes PL-568

NPA 975 overlay activated for 816

Area code 975 was activated as an overlay for area code 816 on October 13, 2023, to address projected central office code exhaustion, with ten-digit dialing already in place.