Area code 817 is a telephone area code in the United States. It is used for dialing phone numbers within its designated region. Area codes are essential for routing calls to specific geographic areas, ensuring efficient communication. When dialing a number with the 817 area code, it is important to include it before the local number to successfully connect the call.
Area code 817 serves the north-central region of Texas, including the cities of Fort Worth, Arlington, and the surrounding areas. It covers parts of Tarrant, Johnson, Parker, and Denton counties. This area code is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, providing service to a diverse range of communities, from bustling urban centers to quieter suburban neighborhoods.
Area code 817 was established in 1953 as part of the North American Numbering Plan. It was created to serve the western portion of Texas, splitting from area code 915. Over the years, as the demand for telephone numbers increased, area code 817 underwent several changes, including the introduction of overlay area code 682 in 2000 to accommodate the growing population and technological advancements.
Area code 817 serves a diverse business community, including major aerospace and defense contractors, healthcare facilities, and technology companies. It's frequently used by Fortune 500 corporations, educational institutions, and manufacturing facilities. The code is essential for telecommunications in areas with high concentrations of corporate headquarters, logistics centers, and medical complexes.
Area code 817, serving the Fort Worth region of Texas, has seen its share of unwanted calls. Residents frequently report spam calls about extended car warranties, fake IRS demands, and tech support scams. Robocalls claiming to be from local numbers are common. Some scammers use number spoofing to make calls appear to originate from legitimate 817 numbers.
To get an 817 phone number, contact major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, or Sprint. When signing up for a new plan, specify that you want an 817 area code. You can also try internet-based services like Google Voice or VoIP providers. If numbers aren't immediately available, ask to be notified when one becomes free. Some carriers may require proof of residence within the service area.