Where is Area Code 272?
Area Code 272 is primarily located in northeastern and north-central Pennsylvania. It overlaps with the existing 570 Area Code, covering a broad region that includes both urban and rural areas. Major locations served by this code include:
- Scranton
- Wilkes-Barre
- Williamsport
- Bloomsburg
- Hazleton
- Pottsville
Counties covered by Area Code 272 include: Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming, Columbia, Schuylkill, Wayne, Pike, and others. Local officials encourage residents and businesses to stay informed about any changes in telephone policy through resources offered by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). Inquiries may be made directly to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission located at 400 North Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120.
What Time Zone Is 272 Area Code in the USA?
The entire 272 Area Code region falls under the Eastern Time Zone (ET). Standard Time is observed from early November through mid-March, and Daylight Saving Time applies from mid-March through early November, in line with nationwide regulations. Further details on time zone regulations and official guidance may be found on the National Institute of Standards and Technology website.
History of the 272 Area Code
Area Code 272 was introduced as an overlay to the preexisting 570 Area Code to accommodate growing demand for new telephone numbers. Prior to 272, many counties in northeastern and north-central Pennsylvania were served exclusively by 570, which itself was established in 1998 after splitting from the 717 Area Code.
- 1998: Area Code 570 created to relieve number exhaustion in the 717 territory.
- Early 2010s: Rapid expansion of mobile usage and new services increased the need for extra numbering resources.
- 2013: Area Code 272 implemented as an overlay, allowing both 570 and 272 to serve the same geographic zone.
Individuals or businesses seeking further historical details on telephone numbering plans can reference the FCC telephone numbering guidelines provided by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC headquarters can be contacted at 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554 for official documentation and regulations.
How Many People Use the 272 Area Code?
The population served by Area Code 272 is significant, as it covers much of northeastern Pennsylvania’s urban centers and surrounding locales. Estimates suggest that over 2.5 million residents, across multiple counties, have access to telephone numbers falling under the 570 and 272 codes combined. Beyond residential consumers, numerous businesses, institutions, and public services utilize these numbers.
Local authorities, such as county planning offices, monitor the number of assigned and available lines to ensure an adequate supply of telephone resources. Organizations and citizens may stay knowledgeable on new phone resource allocation updates through Pennsylvania telephone regulations, issued by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
Is the 272 Area Code Toll-Free?
The 272 Area Code is not designated as a toll-free range. Instead, like most geographic area codes, local and long-distance calling rates apply according to an individual’s calling plan or service agreement. Key points include:
- 272 operates as a standard geographic area code in conjunction with 570.
- Consumers are required to use ten-digit dialing (area code + seven-digit number) within this overlay region.
- Toll-free codes in the United States typically begin with 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877, or 888.
For those who wish to verify official rules or phone service provisions, the FCC official website contains authoritative guidelines. The Federal Communications Commission works with state agencies to ensure consistent telephone numbering practices and consumer protections are upheld in both toll-free and geographic code assignments.