Where Is Area Code 223?
Area code 223 primarily covers central and southeastern portions of Pennsylvania. It operates as an overlay to the original 717 area code, serving both urban centers and smaller communities. This region includes the following major locations:
- Harrisburg (Dauphin County)
- Lancaster (Lancaster County)
- York (York County)
- Lebanon (Lebanon County)
Additional areas also fall under the 223 overlay, encompassing townships, boroughs, and other municipalities in nearby counties. For more information about the specific regions included, consult the North American Numbering Plan Administration’s (NANPA) official resources (NANPA official resources). Travel and land use information within these counties may also be obtained by reviewing relevant data from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission information).
Public inquiries can be addressed to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission at 400 North Street, Keystone Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120, which oversees telecommunications guidelines within the state’s jurisdiction.
What Time Zone Is 223 Area Code in the USA?
The 223 area code is situated in the Eastern Time Zone (ET). This includes standard time (Eastern Standard Time) from early November to mid-March and Daylight Saving Time (Eastern Daylight Time) from mid-March through early November. All localities served by the 223 code observe these time changes in accordance with federal regulations. To view nationwide time zone policies and updates, please refer to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC guidelines).
History of the 223 Area Code
The 223 area code was introduced in 2017 as part of an overlay plan to meet the increasing demand for telephone numbers in the region. Previously, the 717 area code, established in 1947, covered the same geographic location. Due to population growth, business expansion, and the surge in mobile devices, an imminent phone number shortage became apparent.
Some key events and reasons leading to the creation of 223 include:
- Rapid industrial development in and around urban centers such as Harrisburg and Lancaster
- An upsurge in the use of mobile phones, internet-connected devices, and other telecommunications services
- Projections indicating the original 717 area code would run out of new telephone numbers
Relevant regulations and oversight on area code splits and overlays are handled by federal authorities in consultation with state regulatory agencies. The Federal Communications Commission’s main office, located at 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, coordinates with NANPA and state commissions to ensure orderly implementation of new numbering resources. The NANPA, headquartered at 46000 Center Oak Plaza, Sterling, VA 20166, manages the actual assignments following federal and state guidelines.
How Many People Use the 223 Area Code?
While exact figures can fluctuate, it is estimated that over two million residents, businesses, and governmental offices within southeastern and central Pennsylvania have access to the 223 overlay. This number includes both initial registrations and newly assigned numbers since the code’s inception. The area’s major population centers, such as Harrisburg, Lancaster, and York, account for a significant share of the active telephone lines.
A general overview of potential coverage within the 223 region can be summarized in the table below:
| Category | Approximate Population Range | Main Counties |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Centers | Over 500,000 collectively | Dauphin, Lancaster, York |
| Suburban Areas | Around 600,000 total | Lebanon, Cumberland |
| Rural Regions & Townships | 900,000 or more combined | Surrounding counties |
Citizens and businesses seeking more precise demographic and telephone service information can review detailed reports provided by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission or consult federal guidelines at FCC guidelines.
Is the 223 Area Code Toll-Free?
The 223 area code is not a toll-free area code. It functions as a standard geographic overlay for the existing 717 region. Calls placed using this code may incur standard local or long-distance charges, depending on each telephone service provider’s policies. There are no special toll-free rules associated with 223; it simply enables additional numbering capacity to meet the region’s demand.
For more details regarding toll-free regulations and phone numbering administration processes, stakeholders are encouraged to check FCC guidelines (FCC guidelines) or consult the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission information).