The introduction of the 624 area code in western New York has sparked questions for many residents and businesses, particularly concerning the existing 716 area code. If you’re asking “Where Is 716 Area Code?”, you’re likely in or near the region affected by this change. This article clarifies the location of the 716 area code, explains the new 624 overlay, and details what these changes mean for your phone service.
Decoding the 716 Area Code: Location and Coverage
The 716 area code serves the western portion of New York State. Specifically, it covers all or parts of several counties, painting a clear picture of where is 716 area code geographically. These counties include:
- Allegany
- Cattaraugus
- Chautauqua
- Erie
- Niagara
Within these counties, numerous communities utilize the 716 area code. Key cities and towns within the 716 area code region are:
- Buffalo
- Jamestown
- Cheektowaga
- Tonawanda
- Niagara Falls
- West Seneca
An illustrative map displaying the geographical boundaries of the 716 area code within Western New York, clearly outlining Erie County and adjacent regions.
If you reside or conduct business in any of these locations, your phone number likely carries the 716 area code. This region is experiencing growth, leading to the need for more phone numbers, hence the introduction of the 624 area code.
The 624 Area Code Overlay: Expanding Number Capacity in the 716 Region
To address the increasing demand for telephone numbers in western New York, the 624 area code is being introduced as an overlay to the existing 716 area code. This overlay means that the 624 area code will cover the same geographical area as the 716 area code.
The important thing to understand about an overlay is that it does not replace the existing area code. Instead, it adds a new area code to the same region. This eliminates the need for anyone with a 716 area code to change their number. However, new phone lines or services activated in this region after November 16, 2023, may be assigned a number with the new 624 area code.
Key Facts for 716 (and Future 624) Area Code Customers
It’s crucial to understand how this overlay affects you as a customer within the 716 region:
- Your current 716 number will not change. If you already have a phone number with the 716 area code, it will remain the same.
- New phone numbers might have the 624 area code. When ordering new service, you may be assigned a 624 number.
- Continue 10-digit dialing for local calls. Even when calling within the same area code (whether 716 or 624), you must dial the area code plus the seven-digit phone number. This practice was already in place within the 716 area and continues with the overlay.
- 1 + area code + number for long distance. The dialing procedure for long-distance calls remains unchanged.
- Local call definitions remain the same. What constitutes a local call will not change due to the overlay.
- Call prices and service areas are unaffected. The overlay does not impact the cost of calls, your coverage area, or any existing rates and services.
- Emergency and abbreviated dialing remain. You can still dial 911 and 988 for emergency services, along with other abbreviated codes like 211, 311, etc., if available in your community.
Staying Informed and Prepared for the Area Code Overlay
To ensure seamless communication, it’s vital to remember to provide your complete 10-digit phone number, including the area code, whenever sharing your contact information. Furthermore, verify that all your devices and services, such as automatic dialing equipment, contact lists, and alarm systems, are programmed to recognize both the 716 and 624 area codes as valid within the region.
For more detailed information, you can visit verizon.com/areacodes or the New York Public Service Commission’s website at https://dps.ny.gov/telecommunications. These resources provide comprehensive details about the 716/624 area code overlay and related information.
Understanding “where is 716 area code” and the implications of the 624 overlay ensures a smooth transition for everyone in western New York. The key takeaway is that while a new area code is being introduced, your existing service and dialing habits largely remain the same.
