The 720 area code is one of the key telephone area codes serving the state of Colorado, particularly the Denver metropolitan area. As a vital part of the telecommunications landscape, the 720 area code supports one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States, connecting residents and businesses in a diverse range of industries. In this article, we will explore the history of the 720 area code, its geographical coverage, its significance for local businesses, and how it operates today.
What Is the 720 Area Code?
The 720 area code serves the Denver metropolitan area and surrounding regions in Colorado. Introduced in 1998, the 720 area code was created as an overlay to the existing 303 area code, which originally covered the entire state of Colorado. As the population of the Denver area grew, so did the demand for phone numbers, necessitating the introduction of the 720 area code.
Today, the 720 and 303 area codes are used interchangeably, covering the same geographical region, which includes Denver, Aurora, Boulder, and several surrounding cities and towns. The overlay system allows both area codes to exist within the same region, providing ample phone numbers for the rapidly expanding population.
History of the 720 Area Code
The 720 area code was introduced on June 1, 1998, as part of an overlay plan for the 303 area code, which had been in place since 1947. The 303 area code initially covered the entire state of Colorado, but as the population grew, the demand for phone numbers outpaced the available supply. In 1988, the 970 area code was created to serve the northern and western parts of Colorado, leaving the 303 area code to cover the Denver metro area.
However, by the mid-1990s, even the 303 area code was running out of available phone numbers due to the explosive growth in the Denver area. To address this issue, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission introduced the 720 area code as an overlay for the 303 region, ensuring that new phone numbers could be issued without disrupting existing numbers. The overlay system also meant that 10-digit dialing became mandatory for all local calls within the region.
The Expansion of the Denver Metro Area
The introduction of the 720 area code coincided with a period of rapid population growth and economic expansion in the Denver metro area. The region became a hub for industries such as technology, healthcare, finance, and real estate, attracting new residents and businesses to the area. As a result, the demand for telecommunications services continued to grow, making the 720 area code an essential part of the region’s infrastructure.
Geographical Scope of the 720 Area Code
The 720 area code covers the Denver metropolitan area and surrounding regions in central Colorado. This area is known for its dynamic economy, cultural diversity, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The 720 and 303 area codes serve a wide range of cities, from the bustling streets of downtown Denver to the scenic beauty of Boulder and the suburbs of Aurora.
Key Areas Served by the 720 Area Code:
- Denver: The capital of Colorado and the largest city in the region, Denver is a major economic and cultural center, known for its booming tech industry, financial institutions, and vibrant arts scene.
- Aurora: A large suburban city located east of Denver, Aurora is known for its diverse population, growing healthcare sector, and proximity to Denver International Airport.
- Boulder: A scenic city located northwest of Denver, Boulder is home to the University of Colorado and is known for its outdoor recreational activities, high-tech industries, and environmentally conscious community.
- Lakewood: A suburban city located west of Denver, Lakewood is known for its residential neighborhoods, shopping districts, and access to the Rocky Mountains.
- Thornton: A rapidly growing suburb located north of Denver, Thornton is known for its family-friendly communities and expanding real estate market.
Table: Breakdown of Cities Served by the 720 Area Code
| City in Denver Metro Area | Primary Area Code | Overlay Area Code |
| Denver | 303 | 720 |
| Aurora | 303 | 720 |
| Boulder | 303 | 720 |
| Lakewood | 303 | 720 |
| Thornton | 303 | 720 |
The 720 and 303 area codes together cover a large portion of central Colorado, providing essential telecommunications services to both residential and business customers.
How to Dial the 720 Area Code
Dialing a number with the 720 area code follows the standard North American dialing procedures. Since the 720 area code is overlaid with the 303 area code, 10-digit dialing is required for all local calls, even within the same area.
Dialing from the US
- Local Calls: To dial a local number with the 720 area code from within the Denver metro area, dial the full 10-digit number, including the 720 area code, followed by the 7-digit local number (e.g., 720-123-4567).
- Long-Distance Calls: If you’re calling a number with the 720 area code from outside the Denver area but within the U.S., dial 1 (the U.S. country code), followed by 720 and the 7-digit local number (e.g., 1-720-123-4567).
Dialing from Abroad
When dialing a number with the 720 area code from outside the U.S., you will need to include the international dialing code for the U.S., which is +1, followed by the 720 area code and the local number. The format is as follows:
- Dial +1 720 followed by the 7-digit local number (e.g., +1 720 123 4567).
This ensures that your call is directed to the correct recipient in the Denver metro area.
Also Read: 818 Area Code
Importance of the 720 Area Code for Businesses
The 720 area code is particularly important for businesses operating in the Denver metro area, which has become a major economic hub in the western United States. Denver’s diverse economy, highly educated workforce, and strategic location make it an attractive destination for businesses in industries such as technology, healthcare, finance, and real estate. Having a phone number with the 720 area code can help businesses establish credibility and connect with local customers.
Benefits for Businesses Using the 720 Area Code:
- Local Presence: A phone number with the 720 area code signals that your business is based in or serves the Denver metro area, helping to build trust with local customers and clients.
- Access to a Thriving Economy: The Denver area is experiencing rapid growth in industries such as technology, healthcare, and real estate. Having a local phone number allows businesses to tap into this expanding market.
- Connection to Major Industries: The Denver metro area is home to a diverse range of industries, including aerospace, finance, renewable energy, and telecommunications. Businesses with a 720 area code can easily connect with local companies and consumers.
Businesses located outside of Colorado can also acquire a 720 number through VoIP services, allowing them to establish a virtual presence in the Denver metro area and connect with customers and clients in this dynamic region.
The Future of the 720 Area Code
As the Denver metro area continues to grow, the 720 area code will remain a crucial part of the region’s telecommunications infrastructure. The overlay system with the 303 area code ensures that there are enough phone numbers available to meet the needs of the region’s expanding population and economy.
While the 720 area code remains widely used today, many new phone numbers in the region are now assigned the 303 area code. However, the 720 area code retains its importance and will continue to be an essential part of Denver’s telecommunications network for years to come.
FAQs About the 720 Area Code
What areas are covered by the 720 area code?
The 720 area code covers the Denver metropolitan area and surrounding regions in central Colorado, including cities such as Denver, Aurora, Boulder, Lakewood, and Thornton.
Is the 720 area code still available for new phone numbers?
Yes, the 720 area code is still in use, and new phone numbers with the 720 area code are assigned in the Denver metro area. The 303 and 720 area codes are used interchangeably.
How do I call a number with the 720 area code from outside the U.S.?
To call a number with the 720 area code from abroad, dial +1 (the U.S. country code), followed by 720 and the 7-digit local number.
Can businesses outside of Colorado get a 720 area code number?
Yes, businesses can acquire a 720 area code number through VoIP services, allowing them to establish a virtual presence in the Denver metro area.
Why was the 720 area code introduced?
The 720 area code was introduced in 1998 as an overlay to the 303 area code to accommodate the growing demand for phone numbers in the Denver metropolitan area.
The 720 area code is a key part of the telecommunications infrastructure in Colorado, serving the Denver metropolitan area and surrounding regions. Since its introduction in 1998, the 720 area code has supported the rapid growth of one of the most dynamic and economically significant regions in the United States. As Denver continues to expand, the 720 area code will remain an important part of its identity and connectivity, helping businesses and residents stay connected in this thriving region.