Area Code Atlas

NPA 868 split from 809 for Trinidad and Tobago

Area code 868 was created for Trinidad and Tobago as part of the split of area code 809 among Caribbean countries in the 1990s. This split, which occurred in 1996, designated the new code specifically for Trinidad and Tobago, reflecting its national identity within the North American Numbering Plan.

NANP-Introduction of New 868 (Trinidad & Tobago) Numbering Plan Area (NPA)

NPA 868 activated and service began with permissive dialing period

Area code 868 was put into service on June 1, 1997, initiating a permissive dialing period where both 809 and 868 could be used. This allowed callers to adjust to the new code before mandatory dialing began, marking the beginning of Trinidad and Tobago's own area code within the North American Numbering Plan.

Mandatory dialing of NPA 868 begins

Mandatory dialing of area code 868 began on May 31, 1998, ending the permissive dialing period. After this date, all calls to Trinidad and Tobago required the use of the 868 area code.