900

Area code 900 has a unique role in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), distinct from standard geographic area codes. Premium-Rate Telephone Numbers: Area code 900 is used for premium-rate telephone services in the United States and Canada. Calls to 900 numbers are charged at higher rates than regular calls, and these charges are billed directly to the caller's phone bill. Various Applications: 900 numbers have been historically used for a variety of services, including televoting (voting by telephone), information services, entertainment, and adult content. They have also been used for services such as psychic readings, weather reports, and technical support lines. Regulation and Decline in Usage: Due to concerns about high costs and potential abuses, the use of 900 numbers has been heavily regulated. Consumer protection measures, such as mandatory cost disclosures and the ability to block these numbers, have been implemented. Additionally, the rise of the internet and alternative technologies has led to a decline in the use of 900 numbers for information and entertainment services. In summary, area code 900 is distinctive in the NANP for being associated with premium-rate services. While it has played a notable role in providing various telecommunication services, changes in technology and consumer protection concerns have influenced its usage patterns over time.