In an age of constant connectivity, the three-digit codes that precede our seven-digit phone numbers are a ubiquitous part of American life. We often associate them with a sense of place, a digital shorthand for home. You might have heard whispers or seen online speculation about a new area code, the 723 area code. But what’s the real story behind this number?
Currently, the 723 area code is not an active area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). This means you won’t find it assigned to any specific city or region in the United States. However, the fact that it isn’t in use today doesn’t mean it will remain that way forever. The world of area codes is a dynamic one, constantly shifting to meet the insatiable demand for new phone numbers.
This article will delve into the reasons why a new area code like the 723 area code might be introduced, the process behind its implementation, and what that means for you.
Contents
The Engine of Communication: The North American Numbering Plan
At the heart of our telephone system is the North American Numbering Plan. Overseen by the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA), this system governs the assignment of telephone numbers in the United States, Canada, and a number of Caribbean nations. The NANP is the reason why a phone number in New York City has a different area code than one in Los Angeles. Each of these geographic territories is known as a Numbering Plan Area (NPA).
The original system of area codes, established in the mid-20th century, was designed to last for many decades. However, the explosive growth in population, the advent of fax machines, and more recently, the proliferation of cell phones and other mobile devices, has placed an enormous strain on the available pool of phone numbers.
Running Out of Numbers: The Reality of Area Code Exhaustion
The primary driver for the creation of new area codes is a phenomenon known as “area code exhaustion.” This occurs when nearly all of the possible seven-digit phone number combinations within a particular area code have been assigned. With the rise of smartphones, tablets, and even smartwatches that require their own unique phone numbers, the rate at which we consume numbers has accelerated dramatically.
When a region is projected to run out of available numbers, telecommunications regulators and providers begin the process of introducing a new area code. This is likely the future scenario for the 723 area code – it is waiting in the wings, ready to be deployed to a region in need.
The Birth of a New Area Code: How It Happens
The introduction of a new area code is a carefully planned and regulated process. It typically involves the following steps:
- Petition and Projection: A telecommunications carrier or a state public utilities commission will petition NANPA when they project that an existing area code is nearing exhaustion.
- Public Input: Public meetings and comment periods are held to inform the affected community and gather their feedback on the proposed changes.
- The Big Decision: Overlay vs. Split: A crucial decision is whether to implement the new area code as an “overlay” or a “geographic split.”
- An overlay introduces the new area code to the same geographic region as the existing one. This means new phone lines in that area could be assigned the new area code, while existing numbers keep their original code. The major consequence of an overlay is the necessity of ten-digit dialing for all local calls.
- A geographic split divides the existing area code’s territory into two. One part retains the original area code, while the other is assigned the new one. This allows residents in each section to continue with seven-digit dialing for local calls within their respective area codes.
- Permissive and Mandatory Dialing Periods: Once a plan is approved, a “permissive dialing period” begins. During this time, people can use either seven or ten-digit dialing for local calls. This is followed by a “mandatory dialing period,” where ten-digit dialing becomes necessary for all local calls to go through.
Should the 723 area code be activated, it will follow this well-established procedure.
The Future of the “723 Area Code”
While we can’t say for certain where the 723 area code will eventually be assigned, we can look at areas currently experiencing rapid growth and a high demand for new numbers. States like Texas, Florida, and California are frequently adding new area codes to accommodate their expanding populations. It is plausible that the 723 area code could one day serve a bustling metropolitan area or a growing suburban region in one of these states.
The introduction of the 723 area code will be a sign of progress and development in the area it is assigned to. It will ensure that there are enough new phone numbers to meet the needs of new residents and businesses for years to come.
What a New Area Code Means for You
When a new area code is introduced in your region, it’s important to be prepared. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Update Your Contacts: You may need to update the contact information for local businesses and individuals to include the area code.
- Reprogram Your Devices: Any device that automatically dials phone numbers, such as alarm systems, medical alert devices, or speed dialers, will need to be reprogrammed for ten-digit dialing.
- Stay Informed: Pay attention to announcements from your local public utilities commission and telecommunications providers. They will provide detailed information about the timeline for the new area code’s implementation.
conclusion
While the 723 area code may not be on the map today, its eventual arrival is a certainty in our ever-connected world. Understanding the forces that drive the creation of new area codes and the process by which they are implemented can help you navigate these changes with ease when the time comes.
