Understanding area codes is essential for navigating the phone system, especially when calling numbers across different regions. One such area code that often raises questions is phone area code 971.
Whether you’re a local resident, a business owner, or someone making a call to Oregon, understanding the ins and outs of this area code can help you communicate more effectively. In this blog post, we will explore phone area code 971, its locations, dialling tips, and other important details you should know.
What is Phone Area Code 971?
Phone area code 971 is a North American telephone area code in the state of Oregon. It was officially introduced in 2000 as part of an overlay plan to meet the growing demand for phone numbers in the region. Area code 971 serves the same geographic area as the older area code 503, which was becoming exhausted due to the increasing population and the rise of mobile phones and technology.
The phone area code 971 is used in conjunction with area code 503, which means it covers a significant portion of Oregon, particularly in the Portland metropolitan area. This area code is an overlay, meaning it covers the same geographical area as another existing code, but it provides additional phone numbers for the region.
Locations Covered by Phone Area Code 971
Phone area code 971 primarily covers the following regions in Oregon:
Portland
Portland, Oregon’s largest city, is the heart of area code 971. Located in the northwestern part of the state, Portland is home to a diverse population and numerous businesses. This area code serves the entire Portland metro area, including neighbourhoods such as Northwest Portland, Northeast Portland, Southeast Portland, and more.
Vancouver, Washington
While phone area code 971 is predominantly associated with Oregon, it also extends to parts of Vancouver and Washington. Vancouver is located just across the Columbia River from Portland and is considered part of the Portland metropolitan area. Many residents and businesses in Vancouver share this area code, allowing for seamless communication between the two cities.
Beaverton and Hillsboro
Beaverton and Hillsboro are two cities located to the west of Portland that fall under the jurisdiction of phone area code 971. Beaverton is home to major tech companies, while Hillsboro has a growing tech industry and is known for its proximity to Silicon Forest, a region of Oregon known for its tech startups.
Tigard and Lake Oswego
Tigard and Lake Oswego are suburbs located south of Portland that are also included in phone area code 971. These cities are known for their residential neighbourhoods, retail centres, and proximity to Portland’s downtown area.
Other Suburbs and Smaller Cities
In addition to the larger cities, phone area code 971 also covers a variety of smaller cities and suburbs in the greater Portland area. These include towns like Gresham, Wilsonville, Sherwood, and West Linn.
Historical Context: Why Was Phone Area Code 971 Introduced?
The introduction of phone area code 971 was part of an overlay plan to address the growing demand for phone numbers in the Portland area. Originally, the area was served by just one area code—503. However, with the population increasing and the proliferation of mobile phones, it became clear that the 503 area code could no longer support the demand for phone lines.
To resolve this issue, the Oregon Public Utility Commission introduced phone area code 971 as an overlay. This meant that both area codes 503 and 971 would cover the same geographic area but with the benefit of providing more phone numbers for residents and businesses.
The overlay plan allowed for an easier transition compared to a geographic split, which would have involved dividing the region into two parts and requiring people to change their phone numbers. Instead, the addition of phone area code 971 meant that existing phone numbers remained the same, and new numbers could be issued with the new area code.
Dialing Tips for Phone Area Code 971
Understanding how to dial a number with phone area code 971 is essential for both local and long-distance calls. Here are some tips to help you make calls correctly:
Local Calls Within Area Code 971
When calling within phone area code 971, you don’t need to dial the area code if the number you are calling has the same area code as yours. You can simply dial the seven-digit phone number. However, if you are calling a number in a different area code (for example, area code 503), you will need to include the full 10-digit phone number, which includes both the area code and the local number.
Long-Distance Calls to Area Code 971
If you are calling phone area code 971 from another area code, you will need to dial 1, followed by the area code and the local number. For example, if you are calling Portland from another state, you would dial 1 + 971 + the local number.
International Calls to Area Code 971
To place an international call to a number in phone area code 971, you will need to dial your country’s exit code, followed by 1 (the U.S. country code), the area code (971), and the local number. For example, to call Portland from outside the U.S., you would dial your international exit code + 1 + 971 + local number.
Using the New Area Code with Existing Numbers
Since phone area code 971 is an overlay of 503, if you already have a phone number in the 503 area code, you’ll need to use the full 10-digit phone number when dialling any number in the region, including local calls. This change was made to ensure that the phone system could accommodate more numbers, especially with the increasing demand for mobile phone numbers.
The Importance of Phone Area Code 971 for Businesses
For businesses in Oregon, especially those in the Portland metropolitan area, phone area code 971 is crucial for effective communication. Here’s why:
Business Expansion
For businesses located in Portland and its surrounding areas, having a local number with phone area code 971 is a great way to establish a presence in the local community. A local number can make it easier for customers to reach your business, increasing trust and accessibility.
Competitive Advantage
Using a local area code, such as phone area code 971, can also give your business a competitive edge, especially if you’re targeting customers in the Portland area. People are more likely to answer calls from local area codes rather than unfamiliar ones, which can help improve your customer service and sales opportunities.
Customer Trust
Consumers tend to feel more comfortable working with businesses that have local phone numbers. Having a phone area code 971 number can help foster trust with customers, as it shows that your business is rooted in the local area.
VoIP and Virtual Phone Systems
Many businesses are also adopting VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) systems, which allow them to use phone area code 971 numbers even if they are not physically located in the area. This flexibility allows businesses to expand their reach without the need for a traditional phone line.
How to Get a Phone Number with Area Code 971
If you are looking to get a new phone number with phone area code 971, the process is straightforward. You can contact your preferred phone service provider, whether it’s a landline or mobile carrier, and request a phone number with area code 971. If you already have a number with a different area code, your provider may be able to transfer your number to area code 971, especially if you’re moving to the Portland area.
For businesses looking to set up a new phone number with phone area code 971, many VoIP services offer the option to choose an area code, making it easy to establish a local presence even if your business is located outside the region.
Conclusion
Phone area code 971 plays an essential role in the telecommunications landscape of Oregon, particularly in the Portland metropolitan area. From its introduction as an overlay of area code 503 to its current use in residential and business communication, this area code provides critical phone number resources for the region. By understanding the locations it covers, the dialling conventions, and how it fits into the broader phone system, you’ll be better prepared to navigate calls and communications in this area.
Whether you’re calling within the area, running a business, or moving to the Portland area, knowing about phone area code 971 will help ensure you’re making calls correctly and efficiently.
FAQs
What cities are covered by phone area code 971?
Phone area code 971 covers Portland, Vancouver (WA), Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, and several other suburbs in Oregon.
How do I dial a local number within area code 971?
To dial a local number within phone area code 971, simply dial the 7-digit phone number without needing to include the area code.
Do I need to dial 971 for local calls?
Yes, even for local calls within phone area code 971, you must dial the full 10-digit phone number, including the area code.
What is the history behind phone area code 971?
Phone area code 971 was introduced in 2000 as an overlay to the original 503 area code to accommodate the growing population and demand for phone numbers.
How can I get a phone number with area code 971?
To get a phone number with phone area code 971, simply contact your phone service provider, whether mobile or landline and request a number with that area code.
