The 720 area code is a telephone number that is associated with a specific region in the United States, and in this case, it covers a significant portion of the state of Colorado. This area code is an essential piece of the telephone numbering system, helping to identify local calls within this region. In this article, we will explore the origin of the 720 area code, the cities and areas it covers, and how it fits into the history and development of Colorado’s telecommunications infrastructure.
The Origin of Area Code 720
The 720 area code was introduced on June 1, 1998, as a solution to address the depletion of available numbers in the 303 area code, which had already been in use since 1947. Rapid population growth and expansion of use of cell phones and other devices in Colorado increased the demand for telephone numbers, leading to the need for a new area code.
To handle this growing demand, a technique called area code overlay was chosen. This means that code 720 was added to the same geog Phone num Spain Phone Number ber data
raphic area as code 303, rather than dividing the region into two zones with different area codes. As a result, both 303 and 720 can be used for new numbers in the same area, and all residents must dial 10 digits (area code + local number) even for local calls.\
What Areas Does Area Code 720 Cover?
The 720 area code covers a large portion of the Denver metropolitan region and surrounding areas. Some of the major cities and areas that fall under the 720 area code include:
Denver: Colorado’s capital and largest city, known for its vibrant cultural and economic scene.
Aurora: One of the largest cities in the state, located east of Denver, known for its diversity and rapid expansion.
Lakewood: Located west of Denver, Lake Belgium phone number wood is a city that combines residential areas with commercial developments.
Boulder: A city northwest of Denver, famous for its university atmosphere and proximity to the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
Westminster: Located between Denver and Boulder, Westminster is known for its parks and recreational opportunities.
Thornton: A city north of Denver, which has experienced rapid growth in recent decades.
Arvada: Located west of Denver, known for its charming historic downtown and well-established community.
In addition to these cities, area code 720 also extends to other suburbs and surrounding areas in Colorado’s Front Range urban corridor.
How Does Area Code 720 Affect Residents?
The introduction of the 720 area code not only increased the availability of telephone numbers, but also changed the way residents of the region should dial local calls. Below are some important aspects:
10-Digit Dialing: Residents of areas covered by area codes 303 and 720 must dial the full 10 digits (area code + local number) for all local calls. This may require an adaptation for those who were used to dialing only 7 digits for calls within the same area code.
Technology Compatibility: Overlapping area codes also means that businesses and residents must ensure that their telephone systems, including speed dial features and security devices, are configured to handle 10-digit dialing.
Assigning New Numbers: New phone numbers in the region can be assigned with either area code, 303 or 720, which provides flexibility but can also lead to initial confusion about where calls are coming from.
The Future of Area Code 720
As Colorado continues to grow, the demand for phone numbers will likely continue to increase. This could lead to the introduction of more area codes in the future. For now, however, the 720 area code remains a crucial part of the Denver metropolitan region’s telephone numbering system.
Conclusion
The 720 area code is more than just a series of numbers; It is an integral part of the telecommunications infrastructure that supports one of the most dynamic and growing regions of the United States. Covering a vast area that includes Denver and its suburbs, the 720 facilitates communication and commerce in this vibrant region. For residents and businesses in Colorado, understanding the importance and scope of the 720 area .
