971

Area code 971 is an integral part of the telephone numbering plan in the United States, specifically in the state of Oregon. Geographical Coverage: Area code 971 serves the northwestern part of Oregon, including the Portland metropolitan area. It operates as an overlay for the existing area code 503. This means that it covers the same geographic area as 503, encompassing cities like Portland, Salem, and Astoria. Introduction as an Overlay Code: The 971 area code was introduced in 2000 to provide additional numbering resources for the region. The demand for phone numbers in the Portland area had increased significantly, particularly due to the proliferation of cell phones and other communication devices. The introduction of 971 allowed for more phone numbers without changing the existing 503 numbers. Impact on Dialing Patterns: With the introduction of the 971 overlay, 10-digit dialing (area code + phone number) became mandatory for all calls within this region. This means that even for local calls within the same area code, the full 10-digit number must be dialed. In conclusion, area code 971 plays a vital role in Oregon's telecommunication infrastructure, particularly in the northwestern part of the state, including the Portland metropolitan area. Its implementation as an overlay area code reflects the growing telecommunications needs and technological advancements in this economically vibrant and culturally diverse region.