Where is Area Code 717?
Area code 717 covers a large portion of south-central Pennsylvania. It encompasses both urban and rural jurisdictions, playing a vital role in the state’s telecommunications. Major cities and regions in this area code include:
- Harrisburg, the state capital and an administrative hub
- Lancaster, a prominent city known for its rich colonial history
- York, a historically significant city with industrial roots
- Gettysburg, a noteworthy site of American Civil War history
- Lebanon, a growing community with manufacturing and service-oriented industries
Several counties, such as Dauphin, Lancaster, York, Cumberland, and Franklin, are also served by area code 717. According to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, which is located at Address: 400 North St, Harrisburg, PA 17120, this area code ensures that residents and businesses across these counties benefit from consistent telephone numbering services.
What Time Zone Is 717 Area Code in the USA?
Area code 717 is located in the Eastern Time Zone (ET). This zone observes Eastern Standard Time (EST) when Daylight Saving Time (DST) is not in effect, and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) during DST. The switching of clocks in this region is mandated by federal regulations overseen by the Federal Communications Commission, situated at Address: 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554. For precise official details, individuals are encouraged to consult Time.gov or local government resources.
History of the 717 Area Code
The 717 area code was established in 1947 as one of the original codes introduced by the North American Numbering Plan. Over time, increased population, economic development, and a surge in mobile devices contributed to the depletion of available numbers. As a result, the area code underwent notable changes:
- In 1998, area code 570 was split off from 717 to meet growing demand for telephone numbers in northeastern Pennsylvania.
- By 2017, the supply of new phone numbers again approached exhaustion. To address this issue, the 223 area code was overlaid on the existing 717 region, allowing both area codes to serve the same geographic boundaries.
These measures were taken in close consultation with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to ensure minimal disruption of communication services.
How Many People Use the 717 Area Code?
Estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that the south-central Pennsylvania region, covered by area code 717, has a population surpassing two million residents. This figure includes people in both heavily populated metropolitan areas like Harrisburg and more sparsely populated rural areas across multiple counties. While not every individual living within the code area holds a unique telephone number, active landlines, cell phones, and business numbers make up a substantial volume of assignments.
Some key demographic notes from local planning commissions include:
- A steady increase in mobile phone registrations each fiscal year
- A continued demand for business-focused telecommunication solutions
- Ongoing efficiency measures by local regulators to reuse or reassign unutilized numbers
Local authorities and state agencies, such as the Pennsylvania Department of State, Address: 302 North Office Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120, regularly track data regarding population growth and business expansions to evaluate future numbering needs.
Is the 717 Area Code Toll-Free?
The 717 area code is not classified as toll-free. Instead, it is designated for geographic use within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Businesses and residents within the 717 territory are subject to standard calling rates, which may vary depending on specific carrier contracts and long-distance fee structures. Calls to this area code typically fall under one of the following categories:
- Local calls within the 717/223 overlay: Usually included in basic service plans, depending on exact location
- In-state long-distance calls: May incur per-minute or flat-rate charges under some calling plans
- Out-of-state calls: Subject to interstate calling rates mandated by the Federal Communications Commission
Users seeking toll-free services commonly use area codes such as 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833. These toll-free prefixes are distinct from 717 and do not have specific geographic limitations. For more details about toll-free calling regulations, consult the official guidelines provided by the Federal Communications Commission.