Area Code for Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia, is primarily served by two area codes: 604 and 778. While 604 was the original area code for the entire province, the increasing demand for phone numbers led to the introduction of 778 as an overlay. This means that both area codes cover the same geographic area, including Vancouver and the surrounding regions.
History of Vancouver Area Codes
Area code 604 was established in 1947 as one of the original North American Numbering Plan (NANP) area codes. It initially encompassed the entire province of British Columbia. As the population and telecommunications infrastructure grew, it became necessary to introduce a new area code to accommodate the increasing number of phone lines.
In 2001, area code 778 was introduced as an overlay to 604. This meant that new phone numbers in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland would be assigned the 778 area code, while existing numbers with 604 remained unchanged. This strategy avoided the disruption of requiring existing customers to change their phone numbers. Later, area codes 236 and 672 were also introduced as overlays to further increase the availability of phone numbers. More details about this expansion can be found on Wikipedia’s article about area codes 604, 778, 236 and 672.
Geographic Coverage
The 604 and 778 area codes cover a large portion of southwestern British Columbia, including:
- Vancouver
- Burnaby
- Richmond
- Surrey
- Coquitlam
- North Vancouver
- West Vancouver
- Delta
- White Rock
Essentially, all of Metro Vancouver, as well as parts of the Fraser Valley, fall under these area codes.
Dialing Procedures
When dialing a number within the 604/778 area, you must dial the full 10-digit phone number, including the area code, even if you are calling from the same area code. This is due to the overlay system in place. Failure to dial the area code will result in the call not going through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do I need to dial the area code even for local calls in Vancouver?
Because Vancouver uses an overlay system with multiple area codes (604, 778, 236 and 672) covering the same geographic region, 10-digit dialing is mandatory to ensure your call reaches the correct destination.
How can I find out the area code of a Vancouver phone number?
You can often determine the area code by looking at the first three digits of the phone number. If it starts with 604, 778, 236 or 672, it is likely a Vancouver-area number.
What happens if I forget to dial the area code when calling in Vancouver?
If you forget to dial the area code for a local call, your call will likely not connect, and you will hear a message prompting you to dial the full 10-digit number.
Are there any new area codes planned for Vancouver?
Area codes 236 and 672 are also in use. At this point, there are no other new area codes planned, but it is always possible in the future if the existing numbers are exhausted.
Is it possible to request a specific area code when getting a new phone number in Vancouver?
Typically, you cannot request a specific area code. Phone numbers are assigned based on availability within the service provider’s system.
Summary
Vancouver, BC, utilizes area codes 604, 778, 236 and 672. Due to the overlay system, 10-digit dialing is mandatory for all calls within the region. Knowing this information ensures you can properly dial phone numbers in and around Vancouver.
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