Area Code Atlas

NANP-Introduction of New 876 (Jamaica) Numbering Plan Area (NPA)

NPA 876 split from 809 for Jamaica

Area code 876 was created for Jamaica on May 1, 1997, as a geographic split from area code 809. This change assigned a unique code to Jamaica, removing 809 from the country and reassigning existing central office codes to 876.

Permissive dialing period began for NPA 876

A permissive dialing period began on May 1, 1997, allowing calls to Jamaican numbers to be completed using either area code 809 or 876. This transition period was implemented to ease the changeover to the new code.

Extension of Permissive Dialing Period for NPA 876 (Jamaica)

NPA 876 Conversion Extension for Jamaican NPA Relief

Mandatory dialing of NPA 876 in Jamaica

Mandatory dialing of area code 876 was implemented on July 31, 1998, ending the permissive period during which both 809 and 876 could be used for Jamaican numbers. After this date, only 876 was valid for calls to Jamaica.

End of permissive dialing for NPA 876

The permissive dialing period for area code 876 ended on July 31, 1998. After this date, calls to Jamaica required the use of the new 876 area code, and 809 was no longer accepted.

Fraud alert issued for 'one ring scam' involving Caribbean NPAs

In February 2014, the Better Business Bureau issued a fraud alert for the 'one ring scam,' which involved several Caribbean area codes including 284, 268, 809, 473, 876, and 649. The scam targeted victims by prompting them to return missed calls to these area codes, resulting in high international call charges.

Overlay of NPA 658 approved for Jamaica

Approval for an all-services overlay using area code 658 was granted on September 15, 2016, to relieve central office code exhaustion in Jamaica. The overlay was planned to serve the same geographic area as 876.

NPA 658 overlay on 876 announced

NPA 658 to Overlay NPA 876 (Jamaica).

Permissive 10-digit dialing began for NPAs 876 and 658

Permissive 10-digit dialing began on May 31, 2018, for all calls within Jamaica, allowing both 7-digit and 10-digit dialing as part of the transition to the new 658 overlay.

NPA 658 overlay on 876 announced

NPA 658 to Overlay NPA 876 (Jamaica) – Permissive Dialing Date Change

Mandatory 10-digit dialing implemented for NPAs 876 and 658

Mandatory 10-digit dialing was implemented in Jamaica on March 30, 2019, requiring callers to use the full area code and number for all local calls. This change coincided with the activation of the 658 overlay.

NPA 658 overlays 876 in Jamaica

Area code 658 was activated as an overlay for Jamaica on March 30, 2019, sharing the same geographic region as 876. This overlay provided additional numbering resources for the country.

NPA 658 overlay activated for Jamaica

Area code 658 was activated as an overlay for Jamaica on April 30, 2019, providing additional numbering resources alongside 876. The overlay covers the entire island and requires 10-digit dialing for all calls.

Permissive ten-digit dialing begins in Jamaica

Permissive ten-digit dialing began on 31 May 2019 in Jamaica, allowing calls to be completed using either seven-digit or ten-digit dialing in the 876/658 overlay area.

First numbers assigned in area code 658

The first telephone numbers in area code 658 were assigned in Jamaica in May 2023, marking the beginning of active use for the overlay code.