The 706 area code serves a significant portion of Northern and Eastern Georgia, including areas outside of the Atlanta metropolitan area. Known for covering several important cities and communities in Georgia, the 706 area code plays a vital role in the state’s telecommunications system, connecting both rural and urban areas to one of the largest networks in the southeastern United States.
In this article, we’ll explore the 706 area code, its geographic coverage, history, and why it’s important for residents and businesses in Georgia.
What Is the 706 Area Code?
The 706 area code is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) and serves much of Northern and Eastern Georgia, excluding the Atlanta metropolitan area. It was introduced in 1992 due to the growing demand for phone numbers in Georgia as the state’s population continued to rise.
What Areas Does the 706 Area Code Cover?
The 706 area code covers a large portion of Northern and Eastern Georgia, including several major cities and rural areas. Some of the key cities and regions within the 706 area code include:
- Augusta
- Athens
- Columbus
- Dalton
- LaGrange
- Rome
- Gainesville
- Fort Benning
The area code encompasses a wide geographic region, providing phone services to both urban centers and rural communities throughout northern and eastern parts of Georgia.
History of the 706 Area Code
The 706 area code was introduced in 1992 as a split from the 404 area code, which originally covered much of the state, including Atlanta. As the population of Georgia grew, particularly in the Atlanta metro area, the 404 area code began to run out of available phone numbers. To alleviate this, the 706 area code was created to serve areas outside of Atlanta.
In 1998, the 762 area code was introduced as an overlay for the 706 region, providing additional numbers to meet the demand for phone services in Northern and Eastern Georgia.
Timeline of Key Events in 706 Area Code History:
- 1947: The 404 area code is introduced as one of the original area codes, covering all of Georgia.
- 1992: The 706 area code is created from a split of the 404 area code, serving Northern and Eastern Georgia.
- 1998: The 762 area code is introduced as an overlay to cover the same geographic region as 706, allowing for more phone numbers without requiring changes to existing numbers.
Why the 706 Area Code Is Important
Serving Northern and Eastern Georgia
The 706 area code serves a large and diverse geographic region in Northern and Eastern Georgia, connecting both rural and urban areas. Cities like Augusta (home to the prestigious Masters Tournament in golf) and Athens (known for the University of Georgia) are major hubs in the state, and the 706 area code ensures reliable communication for residents and businesses in these important cities.
Historical Significance
As part of the effort to manage Georgia’s population growth in the 1990s, the introduction of the 706 area code was essential in maintaining efficient telecommunications across the state. It provided much-needed relief for the 404 area code, which had previously covered most of Georgia. The 706 area code has since become a defining aspect of the region, linking communities across Northern and Eastern Georgia.
Regional Identity
For many residents and businesses, having a 706 phone number is a way to identify with Northern and Eastern Georgia, as it separates this region from the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is served by different area codes. The 706 area code is associated with both urban and rural lifestyles, providing a sense of identity to the communities it serves.
706 Area Code and the 762 Overlay
The 706 area code is part of an overlay system with the 762 area code, meaning that both area codes serve the same geographic region. The 762 overlay was introduced in 1998 to address the growing demand for phone numbers in Northern and Eastern Georgia, ensuring that there are enough numbers available for residents and businesses without having to change existing phone numbers.
What Is an Overlay System?
An overlay system allows two or more area codes to serve the same geographic region. Instead of splitting the region and assigning different area codes to different areas, an overlay means that new phone numbers can be assigned multiple area codes in the same area. In Georgia, both the 706 and 762 area codes are used in Northern and Eastern Georgia.
Dialing Requirements
Because of the overlay system, 10-digit dialing is required for all local calls within the 706/762 area code region. This means that you must dial the area code (either 706 or 762) plus the 7-digit phone number, even for local calls.
Also Read: 917 Area Code
What Does It Mean to Have a 706 Area Code?
For residents and businesses in Northern and Eastern Georgia, having a 706 area code signifies being part of a broad and diverse region of the state that includes both major cities and smaller rural communities. The 706 area code connects people from various walks of life, from students in Athens to golf enthusiasts in Augusta, and from military personnel at Fort Benning to small businesses in the rural areas surrounding these cities.
For businesses, a 706 phone number can help establish a local presence, signaling to customers and partners that the business is part of the Georgia community. A 706 phone number also carries with it the regional identity of Northern and Eastern Georgia, making it an important part of the area’s communication network.
FAQs About the 706 Area Code
Is 706 still a valid area code?
Yes, the 706 area code is still valid and actively used in Northern and Eastern Georgia. However, it is part of an overlay system with the 762 area code, so new phone numbers in the region may also be assigned the 762 area code.
Can I get a phone number with the 706 area code?
Yes, it is possible to get a 706 phone number, though availability may depend on the specific area and demand. New numbers in this region could also be assigned the 762 area code, which serves the same geographic area.
Is the 706 area code only for landlines?
No, the 706 area code is used for both landlines and mobile phones. Like other area codes, it is assigned to a variety of telecommunications devices, including residential landlines, business phones, and mobile devices.
Do I need to dial 1 before the 706 area code?
If you’re making a long-distance call to a 706 number, you may need to dial 1 before the area code and phone number. However, for local calls within the 706/762 area code region, 10-digit dialing (area code + phone number) is typically required.
What other area codes are near the 706 area code?
The 706 area code is bordered by several other area codes, including:
- 404/678/470: These area codes serve the Atlanta metropolitan area.
- 423: Covers parts of Eastern Tennessee, including Chattanooga.
- 864: Serves South Carolina, particularly the Upstate region, including Greenville and Spartanburg.
Together, these area codes help provide comprehensive telecommunications coverage for Georgia and its neighboring regions.
The 706 area code is a critical part of the telecommunications network in Northern and Eastern Georgia, serving cities such as Augusta, Athens, and Columbus. Introduced in 1992 as a split from the 404 area code, the 706 area code provides phone services to a large and diverse population, ensuring reliable communication across both rural and urban areas.
For businesses and residents alike, having a 706 phone number is a mark of regional identity and connection to this important part of Georgia. With the 762 overlay, the 706 area code continues to play a vital role in supporting the state’s growing population and economy.