Where Is Area Code 720

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

Area code 720 is a telephone area code that serves a significant portion of the Denver metropolitan area in Colorado. Understanding its geographical coverage is crucial for anyone making calls to, or from, this region. This article provides a comprehensive overview of area code 720, delving into its history, geographical boundaries, associated cities and counties, and frequently asked questions to help you navigate the complexities of this important area code.

Introduction: Understanding Area Code Overlays

Before diving into the specifics of area code 720, it's important to understand the concept of area code overlays. As the number of telephone lines needed in a region increases, existing area codes can become saturated. Instead of splitting the existing area code into multiple, smaller codes (which can cause confusion and high costs for businesses), telephone companies often introduce an overlay plan. This means a new area code is added to serve the same geographic area as an existing one. Both area codes then coexist, sharing the same territory. This is precisely what happened with area code 720.

Geographical Scope of Area Code 720

Area code 720 is an overlay area code serving the same geographic region as area code 303 in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). This means that calls made within this area might be answered by either a 720 or a 303 number, depending on the service provider and when the phone line was established.

The area covered by 720 encompasses a large part of the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood MSA, including:

• Denver County: The heart of Colorado, Denver is the largest city within the 720 area code region, boasting a vibrant urban landscape and a diverse population.

• Adams County: Located northeast of Denver, Adams County offers a blend of suburban and rural settings, contributing to the expanding metropolitan area.

• Arapahoe County: Southeast of Denver, Arapahoe County features thriving suburban communities and a significant portion of the region's population.

• Boulder County: While portions of Boulder County fall under area code 303, a significant part, particularly areas closer to Denver, utilizes the 720 area code. This showcases the fluidity of area code boundaries within the expansive Denver metro region.

• Douglas County: Located south of Denver, Douglas County includes a mix of urbanizing areas and more rural landscapes, further demonstrating the broad reach of area code 720.

• Jefferson County: To the west of Denver, Jefferson County encompasses a substantial portion of the Denver metropolitan area, integrating seamlessly into the 720 service region.

It’s crucial to remember that the boundaries are not rigidly defined by city limits. Parts of some cities or towns within the Denver MSA might use either area code 303 or 720, demonstrating the complex nature of overlay area codes.

The Historical Context of Area Code 720

Before the introduction of area code 720, the Denver metropolitan area was solely served by area code 303. However, due to the rapid population growth and increasing demand for telephone lines, the existing area code became insufficient to meet the growing need. This led to the implementation of area code 720 as an overlay in February 2002. The introduction of 720 prevented the need for a more disruptive geographic split, which would have significantly impacted existing phone numbers and businesses.

Navigating Area Code 720: Practical Implications

The coexistence of area codes 303 and 720 presents some practical implications to consider:

• Dialing: When making calls within the Denver metropolitan area, you must always dial the full ten-digit number (area code + seven-digit local number) regardless of whether the numbers have the same or different area codes. This ensures proper routing of the call.

• Emergency Services: Emergency services (911) are still reachable with just three digits, regardless of the area code in use.

• Business Implications: Businesses in the Denver area should be aware that their customers may be calling from either area code 303 or 720. This affects customer relationship management, marketing strategies, and overall customer experience.

• Identifying Locations: While area code 720 strongly indicates a location in the Denver metropolitan area, it does not pinpoint an exact address. Additional information is always needed for precise location identification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q: I'm moving to Denver. Will my phone number have area code 720?

  A: It depends on the phone company and the availability of numbers. Both 303 and 720 numbers are assigned within the Denver area, so you could receive either.*

• Q: Can I still use my 303 number?

  A: Yes, area code 303 continues to be used alongside 720 within the Denver metropolitan area. There are no plans to discontinue its use.

• Q: Why was an overlay chosen instead of a geographic split?

  A: An overlay avoids the disruption and expense associated with changing existing phone numbers and area code boundaries. It's a more efficient way to expand capacity within an established region.

• Q: Do I need to dial differently for calls within the Denver area now?

  A: Yes, it's essential to dial the full ten-digit number (area code + phone number) for all local calls within the Denver metropolitan area, regardless of whether the numbers share the same area code or not.

• Q: What if I dial a 7-digit number without the area code?

  *A: The call may fail, or may be routed incorrectly. Always use the full 10 digits for calls within the area covered by area codes 303 and 720.

• Q: Are there any other area codes used near Denver besides 303 and 720?

  *A: Yes, surrounding areas utilize other area codes depending on their location relative to Denver. However, 303 and 720 represent the vast majority of the Denver metropolitan area.

Conclusion: Understanding the Significance of Area Code 720

Area code 720 is an integral part of the telecommunications infrastructure serving the dynamic Denver-Aurora-Lakewood Metropolitan Statistical Area. Understanding its geographical coverage, historical context, and practical implications is crucial for residents, businesses, and anyone interacting with the region. The introduction of the overlay model demonstrates a proactive approach to managing the increasing demand for telephone lines in a rapidly growing urban area, ensuring continued service without causing significant disruption. By comprehending the nuances of this area code, you can confidently navigate the Denver metropolitan area's communication landscape and ensure your calls connect seamlessly. Remember the importance of dialing the full ten digits for all local calls – a simple practice that contributes to smooth and efficient communication within this thriving region.