Why area codes?

Today we are going to discuss area codes. In the most direct sense of the term, thy are simply a three digit set of numbers. Their main purposes is to categorize telephones according to their geographic location. The area code typically appears as a prefix to the telephone number. Their use is that of a routing code.

When you ask yourself what is an area code? You must thing of three important factors. The first is a fixed length. This can be any number, but it will always be the same length for that country. For example, the US has three digits but Brazil only has two.

However, this is not a universal law, there are some countries which openly prefer for their area codes to be of varying length. This can be anything from 2 to five numbers acting as an area code.

Other telephone providers prefer to integrate the area codes in the individual's phone numbers. This tends to create a closed telephone numbering system. The disadvantage of this is that it requires the entry of a truck code before a call can be made.

Usually the direct entry of an area code is only required if you are attempting to make a call to that country from a location outside of its boundaries. Traditionally the areas signified with the area codes were specific areas of geography containing a vast number of telephone exchange points. This is no longer the case, advancements in communications technology have changed the game making these areas less uniform and dependent on geography.

In the United States, area codes were introduced with the Bell system.This traditional form was created in line with existing technology. The old telephones would often break due to their dialing mechanisms, so areas which had a lot of people making phone calls had to have their area codes made shorter in order to prevent wear and tear on the telephone devices themselves.

Well there you have it folks, the noble area code. Using it you can always be sure that your call will reach its destination. So the next time you dial a number you should ask yourself, what is an area code?