The area code 602 is located in the state of Arizona, United States. Specifically, it serves the city of Phoenix and its surrounding areas. Introduced in 1947, area code 602 was one of the original area codes assigned to the state of Arizona. Initially, it covered the entire state, but due to the rapid growth of the population, particularly in the Phoenix metropolitan area, the need for additional area codes arose.
Geographic Location and Service Area
Area code 602 is situated in the central part of Arizona, primarily serving Maricopa County, where Phoenix is the county seat and the state capital. The city of Phoenix, being the most populous city in Arizona, is the core of the 602 area code service area. This region includes not only Phoenix but also several surrounding cities and communities, such as Tempe, Glendale, and parts of Scottsdale, although some of these areas have been served by overlay area codes due to the increasing demand for phone numbers.
Overlay Area Codes
To accommodate the growing need for telephone numbers in the Phoenix area, additional area codes have been introduced as overlay codes. An overlay code is a new area code that covers the same geographic area as an existing code. For the 602 area code, the overlay codes include 480 and 623. Area code 480 was introduced in 1999 and serves the eastern and southern parts of the Phoenix metropolitan area, while area code 623, introduced in 1999 as well, serves the western parts of the metro area. Despite these overlays, area code 602 remains primarily associated with the city of Phoenix and its immediate vicinity.
| Area Code | Introduction Year | Serving Area |
|---|---|---|
| 602 | 1947 | Phoenix and surrounding areas |
| 480 | 1999 | Eastern and southern Phoenix metropolitan area |
| 623 | 1999 | Western Phoenix metropolitan area |
Key Points
Key Points About Area Code 602
- Area code 602 is primarily associated with Phoenix, Arizona, and its surrounding areas.
- It was one of the original area codes introduced in 1947 and initially covered the entire state of Arizona.
- Due to population growth, overlay area codes 480 and 623 were introduced to serve different parts of the Phoenix metropolitan area.
- Area code 602 remains a significant part of Phoenix’s telephone identity, despite the introduction of overlay codes.
- The management and introduction of new area codes are overseen by the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) to ensure efficient use of telephone numbers across the United States.
In conclusion, area code 602 holds a special place in the telecommunications history of Arizona, particularly in the Phoenix area. Its introduction as one of the original area codes and its continued use today, alongside overlay codes, reflect the growth and development of the region. Understanding area codes and their service areas is crucial for effective communication and for navigating the complexities of the modern telephone system.
What is the primary city served by area code 602?
+The primary city served by area code 602 is Phoenix, Arizona.
Why were overlay area codes introduced for the 602 area code?
+Overlay area codes were introduced to meet the increasing demand for new phone numbers in the Phoenix area, due to population growth and the need for more telephone numbers.
What are the overlay area codes for the 602 area code?
+The overlay area codes for the 602 area code are 480 and 623, serving different parts of the Phoenix metropolitan area.
