I. Introduction
You may have wondered about the origin and significance of the area code you dial before making a phone call. In this article, we provide you with a comprehensive guide to area code 720, the history of its creation, the geographical locations covered, and practical aspects that matter for everyone using it.
II. What is Area Code 720?
Before we delve into the specifics of area code 720, it is important to understand what area codes mean in general. Area codes are three-digit codes that designate a particular geographic region. When you dial someone’s phone number, you include the area code to route the call to the correct destination.
Area codes were first introduced in 1947 as the Bell System, formerly known as AT&T, created the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) to standardize the numbering system for all phone calls within the United States, Canada, and various territories. Today, NANP oversees approximately 25 countries, 24 of which are in North America.
Once established, area codes enable carriers to assign unique phone numbers to every phone in the country. Phone numbers are as important to regions as zip codes are to postal codes. Without them, it would be impossible for carriers to operate across vast areas, and for consumers to dial each other’s phones correctly.
Area code 720 is a North American area code serving parts of the state of Colorado, including Denver, Boulder, Aurora, and Longmont. It was first activated on June 1, 1998, as an overlay area code for area code 303, which had become exhausted due to the population growth and increased demand for new phone numbers.
III. Everything You Need to Know About Area Code 720
Area code 720 covers a diverse range of municipalities in Colorado, providing VoIP and telephone services to urban and suburban communities alike. It spans across several counties, including Adams, Douglas, Elbert, Arapahoe, Jefferson, and Boulder. Currently, the area code has more than 2.2 million phone numbers assigned to it and, when calling within the area, 10-digit dialing is mandatory.
The code was created to cater to the ever-increasing population in eastern Colorado. Prior to this, area code 303 was the only area code serving eastern Colorado. But after it had run out of new prefixes, the authorities needed to create a new area code to meet the increasing demand for phone numbers. That’s when a new 720 area code was introduced, giving carriers a new batch of phone numbers to assign to customers.
If you’re wondering what kind of services area code 720 covers, it serves both landline and cellular services. It also supports Voice over IP (VoIP) phone services, which allow you to make phone calls over the internet instead of traditional copper wire or cellular networks.
IV. Who Is Calling from Area Code 720? The Mystery Caller Revealed
Receiving a call from an unfamiliar area code can be confusing and even alarming, especially if that area code is unfamiliar to you. When an area code is not from your local region, it might indicate a telemarketing call, a collections call, or even a scam.
Area code 720 is no different in this respect. Due to its location in eastern Colorado, it is a sought-after area for scams and other illegal phone activities. One of the most common scams is where the callers pretend to be representatives of government agencies or non-profit organizations, seeking to get people to send them money or personal information. Scammers have also been known to impersonate bank representatives, falsely claiming to need personal information to prevent fraudulent activity.
It is always advisable to be cautious when answering calls from area codes that you do not recognize. Scammers use many tricks, including “spoofing” phone numbers to make it look as if they are calling from the credible organization’s number. Be wary of any requests for personal information or money over the phone and never provide financial or sensitive details without verifying the source.
V. How to Change Your Phone Number to a 720 Area Code
If you are looking to change your phone number to a 720 area code, there are various ways to do so. Firstly, you can contact your service provider and request a number that has a 720 area code prefix. Alternatively, you can visit the company’s website and select your desired area code when signing up for a new phone service plan. You might have to pay a fee, depending on the provider, to change to a new phone number with the area code that you want.
VI. 720 Area Code Facts and Figures
According to recent data, the 720 area code serves approximately 2.2 million people and spans over 8000 square miles. With a median age of 34.4 years, the 720 region is relatively young, with a gender split of 49.4% and 50.6% between males and females. The region’s median household income is over $91,000, making it one of Colorado’s most affluent regions.
The 720 area code’s historical growth showcases how telecom infrastructure expands to meet growing demand as cities increase in population and industry. The area’s evolution reflects the history of urbanization and social changes that have taken place over the past century and continue to this day.
VII. The Psychology of Area Codes: What 720 Says About You
People make assumptions based on many things, including the area code of someone’s phone number. Individuals may believe that people with a particular area code are wealthy, snobbish, friendly, or even dangerous.
Area codes are about more than geography; they are a social marker of where someone is from or where they live. While these perceptions aren’t necessarily true, area codes can still have a psychological impact on the caller and receiver.
The 720 area code can carry both positive and negative associations, depending on the nature of the interaction and the individual’s powers of imagination. However, one possible positive aspect of the 720 area code is its affiliation with one of the most prosperous metropolitan regions in the US.
VIII. Interview with a 720 Area Code Business Owner
We spoke with a business owner within the 720 area code to get their take on doing business in the region. We spoke with John, who runs a small tech company in Boulder.
Q: What motivated you to start a business in the 720 area code region?
A: Boulder, which is in the 720 area code, has a vibrant startup scene. The region boasts many small businesses and tech startups that offer diversity, competitive rates, and excellent employee talent. Additionally, the low cost of living and low taxes make it a business-friendly location.
Q: What challenges have you experienced in doing business in the 720 area code?
A: One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced is finding affordable office space. The real estate market is competitive, and office space in downtown Boulder can be quite pricey. Additionally, hiring employees can be challenging as the region has an ongoing talent shortage, and companies often engage in bidding wars over top-tier candidates.
IX. Conclusion
Area codes provide vital insights that help us connect with people across the world. As our world continues to grow and become more connected, area codes remain a critical tool that we must understand and use. Area code 720 is a vibrant and growing area that provides vital services and represents some of the best aspects of a modern and dynamic society. We hope that this guide has given you a deeper understanding of area code 720, its history, and its practical aspects.
If you found this article helpful, please share it with your friends and family. Additionally, feel free to leave us a comment below with your thoughts and feedback.