347 Area Code: Everything You Need to Know

The 347 area code is one of the key telephone area codes serving New York City, specifically covering the boroughs of Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and parts of Manhattan. Introduced to address the growing demand for new phone numbers in the city, the 347 area code is commonly associated with mobile phones but can be assigned to landlines as well.

In this article, we’ll explore the details of the 347 area code, its geographic coverage, how it came to be, and why it’s important for New Yorkers.

What Is the 347 Area Code?

347 area code

The 347 area code is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) and was introduced as an overlay for the 718 area code in New York City. Initially, the 718 area code was sufficient for the city’s outer boroughs, but the rising demand for new phone numbers, particularly with the advent of cell phones and internet services, led to the introduction of the 347 area code in 1999.

What Areas Does the 347 Area Code Cover?

The 347 area code covers the following boroughs of New York City:

  • Bronx
  • Brooklyn
  • Queens
  • Staten Island
  • Parts of Manhattan

It overlaps with the 718 and 929 area codes, meaning that these three area codes serve the same geographic region in the outer boroughs of New York City. New phone numbers in these areas can be assigned any of these area codes.

History of the 347 Area Code

The 347 area code was introduced in 1999 to help relieve the pressure on the 718 area code, which had been in place since 1984 to serve the outer boroughs of New York City. As mobile phones, pagers, and other communication devices became more common, the number of available phone numbers in the 718 area code quickly began to run out.

Here’s a brief timeline of the area code changes in New York City:

  • 1947: The 212 area code was introduced to cover all of New York City.
  • 1984: The 718 area code was introduced to serve Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, leaving 212 for Manhattan.
  • 1992: The 917 area code was introduced as an overlay for all of New York City, primarily for mobile phones.
  • 1999: The 347 area code was added as an overlay for the 718 area code to meet the increasing demand for phone numbers.
  • 2011: The 929 area code was introduced as an additional overlay for the 718 and 347 area codes, further expanding the available numbers.

Today, the 718, 347, and 929 area codes all serve the outer boroughs of New York City, while the 917 area code serves the entire city, including Manhattan.

Why the 347 Area Code Is Important

Serving New York City’s Outer Boroughs

The 347 area code plays a crucial role in serving the rapidly growing population of Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island. These boroughs are home to millions of residents, businesses, and cultural institutions, making the availability of phone numbers essential for communication.

Accommodating Mobile Growth

With the rise of mobile phones in the late 1990s, New York City faced a shortage of available phone numbers. The introduction of the 347 area code helped accommodate the growing demand for both mobile and landline numbers. Today, it is still commonly used for cell phones but is also assigned to landlines.

Expanding Phone Number Availability

By introducing the 347 area code as an overlay, New York City was able to expand the number of available phone numbers without disrupting existing ones. This allows residents and businesses in the same geographic region to keep their original 718 numbers while new customers are assigned 347 or 929 numbers.

347 Area Code and Overlay System

347 Area Code and Overlay System

The 347 area code is part of an overlay system that includes the 718 and 929 area codes, which all cover the same geographic region in New York City’s outer boroughs. The overlay system was implemented to provide more phone numbers to residents and businesses without changing their existing numbers.

Here’s how the 347/718/929 overlay system works:

  • 718 area code: The original area code for Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, introduced in 1984.
  • 347 area code: Added in 1999 to supplement the 718 area code and provide additional phone numbers.
  • 929 area code: Introduced in 2011 to further expand the number of available phone numbers in the same area.

With the overlay system, residents and businesses may be assigned any of these area codes for new phone numbers. For local calls, 10-digit dialing is required, meaning you must dial the area code along with the 7-digit phone number, even for calls within the same borough.

Also Read: 646 Area Code

What Does It Mean to Have a 347 Area Code?

For residents and businesses in New York City’s outer boroughs, having a 347 area code is a clear indication of being located in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island. While the 718 area code may carry some historical significance due to its earlier introduction, the 347 area code is now just as commonly used and equally recognizable.

For businesses, having a 347 number can help establish a local presence in one of New York City’s vibrant outer boroughs. Whether it’s a restaurant in Brooklyn, a law firm in Queens, or a cultural institution in the Bronx, the 347 area code connects businesses to a large and diverse population.

FAQs About the 347 Area Code

Is 347 still a valid area code?

Yes, the 347 area code is still valid and actively used in New York City. It covers the outer boroughs, including Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.

Can I get a phone number with the 347 area code?

Yes, it is possible to get a 347 phone number, though it depends on availability. The 347, 718, and 929 area codes all cover the same regions, so new numbers may be assigned any of these area codes.

Is the 347 area code only for mobile phones?

No, the 347 area code is used for both landlines and mobile phones. Although it was initially introduced to meet the demand for mobile numbers, it is now assigned to both types of phone lines.

Do I need to dial 1 before the 347 area code?

If you’re making a long-distance call to a 347 number, you may need to dial 1 before the area code and number. For local calls within New York City, 10-digit dialing (area code + phone number) is typically required, but you don’t need to dial 1 for local calls.

What other area codes are used in the same area as 347?

The 347 area code shares its geographic region with the 718 and 929 area codes, which also serve the outer boroughs of New York City. The 917 area code is used citywide for both mobile and landline numbers.

The 347 area code plays an essential role in serving New York City’s outer boroughs, including Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Introduced in 1999 as an overlay for the 718 area code, the 347 code helps meet the high demand for phone numbers in these populous and dynamic parts of the city. Whether you’re a resident or a business owner, having a 347 number provides a strong connection to one of the most diverse and vibrant regions of New York City.

With its use for both landlines and mobile phones, the 347 area code remains a critical part of New York’s telecommunications system, offering residents and businesses reliable communication in the Big Apple.

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