Where Is Area Code 720

Decoding Area Code 720: A Comprehensive Guide to its Location and Coverage

Area code 720 is a telephone area code that serves a significant portion of the Denver metropolitan area in the state of Colorado. Understanding its precise coverage is crucial for businesses and individuals alike, whether you're planning a call, moving to the region, or simply curious about the geographic boundaries of this important telecom designation. This comprehensive guide will delve into the specifics of area code 720's location, its history, and the communities it encompasses. We'll also explore some common misconceptions and provide helpful resources for verifying numbers and planning communication strategies.

A Quick Overview: Where is Area Code 720?

In short, area code 720 covers a large swathe of Denver and its surrounding suburbs. It's not limited to the city's downtown core but extends to many of the communities that contribute to the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood Metropolitan Statistical Area. However, defining its precise boundaries requires a more detailed examination.

The History of Area Code 720: A Response to Growth

Before the introduction of area code 720, the Denver metropolitan area relied solely on area code 303. As the city and its surrounding suburbs experienced rapid population growth and technological advancements, the existing area code was nearing capacity. To alleviate this potential crisis and ensure sufficient numbers for future growth, the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) implemented 720 as an overlay area code in 1999. This "overlay" system means that both 303 and 720 coexist within the same geographic region, serving a larger pool of telephone numbers.

Beyond Denver: Cities and Towns Covered by Area Code 720

While Denver forms the heart of area code 720's coverage, many other significant cities and towns fall under its jurisdiction. This includes but isn't limited to:

• Aurora: Colorado's third-largest city, a major suburb of Denver.
• Lakewood: Another substantial Denver suburb, known for its parks and recreational opportunities.
• Centennial: A planned community southwest of Denver.
• Arvada: A city located northwest of Denver, renowned for its parks and open spaces.
• Englewood: A city situated south of Denver.
• Wheat Ridge: A city west of Denver, nestled near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
• Littleton: A city south of Denver, known for its charming downtown and proximity to Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
• Commerce City: Located northeast of Denver, a significant industrial and commercial center.
• Thornton: A rapidly growing city northeast of Denver.

This list is not exhaustive. Many smaller towns and unincorporated communities also fall within the 720 area code region. The precise boundary lines can be complex and may shift slightly over time due to changes in phone number allocation.

Understanding the Overlay System: 303 and 720 Coexistence

The overlay system involving 303 and 720 can lead to some confusion. It's important to remember that both area codes serve the same geographic region. The assignment of a particular area code (303 or 720) to a specific phone number is determined by the telephone service provider and the availability of numbers within each code. There's no geographical division separating 303 and 720 numbers. You might find both area codes used within the same neighborhood or even on the same street.

Practical Implications for Residents and Businesses

Knowing that area code 720 covers a large portion of the Denver metro area has several practical implications:

• Business Location: Businesses considering establishing a presence in the Denver area should be aware that 720 is a common area code used in the region. This information is crucial for marketing materials, website contact information, and general business communications.

• Customer Service: Businesses operating in the Denver area should expect to receive calls from both 303 and 720 numbers. Properly handling calls from either area code is crucial for ensuring effective customer service.

• Real Estate: When searching for properties in the Denver metropolitan area, you'll likely encounter listings with both 303 and 720 area codes. This shouldn't be viewed as indicative of different locations but rather as a result of the overlay system.

• Emergency Services: It's crucial to remember that area codes don't affect emergency services. Dialing 911 will connect you with emergency responders regardless of the area code of the phone you're using.

Dispelling Common Misconceptions

Several misconceptions surround area code 720:

• Myth 1: 720 is only for specific parts of Denver. This is false. 720 covers a wide expanse of the Denver metropolitan area, not just isolated sections.

• Myth 2: A 303 number is "older" or more prestigious than a 720 number. This is untrue. The assignment of an area code is purely based on number availability and has no bearing on the age or standing of a business or individual.

• Myth 3: Calling a 720 number costs more. This is incorrect. The cost of a call is determined by your long-distance plan, not the area code.

Verifying Area Code 720 Numbers and Resources

If you need to verify a phone number's location or area code, several resources are available:

• Reverse phone lookup services: Many online services allow you to search for a phone number and receive information about its location and associated area code. Use these services with caution and be aware of privacy concerns.

• Telephone directories: Although less prevalent in the digital age, online phone directories still offer listings based on area code and location.

• Your phone service provider: Contacting your phone service provider directly is always a reliable way to obtain information about a particular phone number or area code.

Conclusion: A Deeper Understanding of Area Code 720

Area code 720 is an integral part of the telecommunications infrastructure of the Denver metropolitan area. Its vast coverage extends to many key cities and towns, reflecting the region's significant population and economic growth. By understanding its history, its boundaries, and its relationship with area code 303, individuals and businesses can effectively navigate the complexities of communication within the Denver area and avoid common misconceptions associated with the overlay system. Remembering that both 303 and 720 serve the same general region is crucial for accurate communication and strategic planning within the dynamic Denver metropolitan area. Further research using the resources mentioned above can help you obtain specific information related to your particular needs.