The History of Area Code 857
As we look at the history of area code 857, we see a story of adaptation and change that reflects broader societal shifts. From the invention of direct-dial long-distance calling to the rise of cellular technology, the evolution of the area code system in the United States, including area code 857, tells a fascinating story of innovation, growth, and progress.
To fully understand the creation and history of Area Code 857, one must first look at the telephonic landscape of Massachusetts, where this code was implemented. When the NANP was first introduced, Massachusetts was initially assigned two area codes: 617 and 413. Area code 617 was designated for the eastern part of the stateю. Over time, the increasing population density and growing demand for phone lines led to a depletion of available numbers in the 617 area. Technology advancements like fax machines, pagers, and, later, cellular phones increased the pressure on the existing area code.
The solution to this numbering shortage came as an overlay plan, adding a new area code to the same geographic area as an existing one. This overlaying of area codes was introduced in the 1990s as a less disruptive alternative to a geographical split of existing area codes. The Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable, in collaboration with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), introduced area code 857 in May 2001.
This list comprises all the towns and cities in Massachusetts that use area code 857:
857 Area Code FAQs
Q: What area code is 857?
A: Area Code 857 is a telephone code in the North American Numbering Plan for Massachusetts.
Q: When the 857 area code was created?
A: The 857 area code was put in service in May 2001.
Q: Where is area code 857?
A: Area code 857 covers the eastern part of Massachusetts, including the cities of Boston, Cambridge, Quincy, and Newton.
Q: Who needs to dial 1 before the 857 area code?
A: Dialing 1 before the area code is typically needed for long-distance calls within the United States.
Q: Why are area codes like 857 important?
A: Area codes like 857 are important for several reasons. They help identify a phone number’s geographic location, assist in routing phone calls to their correct destinations, and allow for the allocation of millions of unique phone numbers.
Q: Is Area Code 857 overlaid with another area code?
A: Yes, Area Code 857 is overlaid with Area Code 617. They both cover the same geographic area in eastern Massachusetts.
Q: What other area codes are nearby area code 857?
A: Nearby area codes 857 and 617 include 781 and 339 (north of Boston), 508 and 774 (south and central Massachusetts), and 413 (western Massachusetts).
Q: Can I obtain a phone number with Area Code 857?
A: Yes, it is possible to obtain a phone number with Area Code 857. It depends on the availability of numbers and can be done through a telephone company.
Q: What is the population of the area covered by area code 857?
A: According to the last census data, the exact population figure might have changed, but the area covered by area codes 857 and 617 has more than a million people
Q: What is the timezone for Area Code 857?
A: Area Code 857 is in the Eastern Time Zone.
Find the real owner of someone with a 339, 351, 413, 508, 617, 774, 781, 857, or 978 area code