Area code 971 is a telephone area code in the United States. It is used for dialing phone numbers within its designated region. This area code helps to identify the geographic location of the caller or recipient. When dialing a number with area code 971, it is important to include the full 10-digit number to ensure the call is properly connected.
Area code 971 covers parts of northwestern Oregon, including the Portland metropolitan area. It serves cities such as Portland, Salem, Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Gresham. The region encompasses both urban and suburban areas, providing telecommunications services to a diverse population. Additionally, 971 extends to smaller communities and rural areas within the region, ensuring comprehensive coverage across various landscapes in this part of Oregon.
Area code 971 was established in 1999 as an overlay for area code 503 in Oregon. It was introduced to address the growing demand for new phone numbers in the region. Overlays allow multiple area codes to coexist within the same geographic area, ensuring a sufficient supply of numbers. This change required residents to adopt 10-digit dialing for local calls, enhancing telecommunications efficiency.
Area code 971 serves a diverse mix of tech companies, startups, and creative agencies in Portland's growing business sector. It's commonly used by healthcare providers, educational institutions, and numerous small businesses. The code is popular among remote workers, freelancers, and digital entrepreneurs who contribute to the region's thriving innovation ecosystem.
Area code 971 has seen a rise in spam and scam calls, with many residents reporting robocalls, telemarketing, and fraudulent schemes. Common scams include fake IRS demands, tech support fraud, and lottery winnings notifications. Like many area codes serving metropolitan regions, 971 is frequently targeted by scammers using caller ID spoofing to appear local.
To get a 971 phone number, contact major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, or Sprint, who all offer numbers in this area code. When signing up for a new plan, specify that you want a 971 number. You can also try mobile apps or online services like Google Voice. If local numbers aren't immediately available, ask to be notified when one becomes free.