Where is Area Code 217?
Area code 217 encompasses a significant portion of central Illinois. This region includes both urban centers and rural communities, spanning numerous counties. The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) regulates intrastate telecommunication services within this area. The ICC’s main office is located at 527 East Capitol Avenue, Springfield, IL 62701. Some of the major cities and counties that utilize area code 217 include:
- Springfield (the state capital)
- Decatur
- Champaign
- Urbana
- Mattoon
- Danville
- Macon County
- Champaign County
- Sangamon County
Area code 217 primarily serves government offices, businesses, and residential lines in these designated areas. For further detailed information about nationwide area code assignments, consult the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554.
What time zone is 217 area code in the USA?
The 217 area code is located in the Central Time Zone (CT). This time zone adheres to daylight saving time (DST). When DST is in effect, clocks are moved forward by one hour in the spring and turned back again in the fall, following guidelines established by federal and state legislation. For the official time zone regulations in Illinois, refer to the National Institute of Standards and Technology website.
Key points regarding the Central Time Zone:
- Standard Time (CST) is six hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-06:00).
- Daylight Saving Time (CDT) shifts to UTC-05:00, typically from March to November.
- Updates to time zone or DST regulations are overseen by federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Transportation.
History of the 217 Area Code
Area code 217 is one of the original numbering plan area codes created as part of the North American Numbering Plan, which was developed in 1947. Since its inception, 217 has served as a critical telecommunication identifier for many parts of central Illinois. Years after its establishment, the region experienced heightened demand for phone numbers due to population growth and increased business requirements.
Notable developments:
- 1947: Area code 217 was introduced, covering most of central Illinois.
- Over subsequent years, the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) tracked the allocation of phone numbers to carriers.
- Technological advances, voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services, and an ever-growing need for personal and commercial lines contributed to ongoing planning efforts to expand or overlay area codes as needed.
Though attempts were made over the years to preserve numbering resources, the increasing volume of phone services eventually led to the implementation of new strategies. One such solution, used elsewhere across the country, has involved overlaying existing area codes to extend the available pool of phone numbers.
How Many People Use the 217 Area Code?
Millions of residents and businesses within central Illinois rely on the 217 area code. It is estimated that roughly 1.5 to 2 million people live in the counties served by this code, though exact numbers can vary based on municipal boundaries. The ICC and other regulatory bodies routinely examine population changes and telephone usage to ensure an adequate supply of numbers. Individuals or organizations seeking to confirm the availability of numbers under area code 217 may consult resources provided by NANPA’s official resource site.
A generalized breakdown of users in area code 217:
- Residential households: Significant portion of allocated numbers.
- Small businesses: Shops, professional services, and local trades across all major cities.
- Corporations and governmental agencies: Offices in Springfield, Decatur, and Champaign.
Is the 217 Area Code Toll-Free?
The 217 area code is not a toll-free code. It is designated for geographic usage in central Illinois and adheres to the standard local calling regulations enforced by state and federal authorities, including the FCC’s rules and guidelines. Toll-free numbers in the United States typically begin with prefixes such as 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833, and these prefixes are distinctly different from geographic codes like 217.
Special considerations:
- Calls within the 217 region may be subject to local or long-distance charges based on specific telephone carrier plans.
- Businesses and individuals seeking a toll-free option must acquire a dedicated toll-free code from their telecommunication service provider, in compliance with regulations set forth by the FCC and ICC.
For questions regarding toll-free regulations or to report issues, contact the FCC phone complaint center or the Illinois Commerce Commission at 527 East Capitol Avenue, Springfield, IL 62701 for state-level assistance.