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As the largest and smallest states by area, Alaska and Rhode Island are in some ways diametrically opposed. But they do share one particular quirk: Each has just one area code. In fact, there are a total of 11 U.S. states whose residents use the same area code — Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming — and the reason has to do with the lower population numbers in those locations.
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It's a factIn 1864, Helena was founded as a camp for miners. Within a few years, many of the town’s residents saw their wealth skyrocket. By 1888, there were around 50 millionaires living among the 12,000 locals, making Helena home to the most millionaires per capita in the world.
In 1947, AT&T introduced area codes in an effort to standardize phone numbers across the United States and parts of Canada. The company issued 86 original area codes that are still in use today; the more well populated a state was, the more likely it was to be allotted multiple area codes. Back then, it was common practice for the middle digit to be “0” if the area code covered an entire state, and “1” if it covered only a portion. Today, many states have grown large enough to be given additional area codes, but there are still 11 holdouts. For instance, every inch of Alaska’s 665,384 square miles uses the same 907 area code. The same is true for the fourth largest state by area, Montana, whose residential phone numbers all start with 406. Many of these 11 states have come to embrace their singular area codes as an emblem of local pride. You’ll often find those three digits emblazoned on shirts, craft beers, bumper stickers, and other souvenirs sold throughout each state.
Numbers Don't Lie
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Alaska is nicknamed the "______."
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Alaska is nicknamed the "Last Frontier."
Multiple states with single area codes will soon run out of phone numbers.
Of the 11 states that still rely on a single area code, several are projected to run out of available phone numbers in the near future. Once that happens, those states will have to implement new area codes for the first time since 1947. Experts project North Dakota will run out of 701 numbers by 2026, and Montana is estimated to max out its capacity of 406 numbers the following year. Maine is also teetering on the precipice, as it’s expected to supplement its 207 area code by the year 2033. This is due to growing populations and increased cellphone use, both of which require additional phone numbers. However, many local leaders in these states are attempting to delay the addition of other area codes by changing the way phone numbers are assigned, as the current system leads to many numbers being left unused.
Bennett Kleinman is a New York City-based staff writer for Optimism Media, and previously contributed to television programs such as "Late Show With David Letterman" and "Impractical Jokers." Bennett is also a devoted New York Yankees and New Jersey Devils fan, and thinks plain seltzer is the best drink ever invented.
