Where is Area Code 986?
The 986 area code covers a wide expanse that includes major regions within the State of Idaho. It coexists with the older 208 area code as part of an overlay system. Notable cities and counties within this coverage area include:
• Boise, which serves as the state capital and economic hub.
• Meridian, known for its residential growth and proximity to Boise.
• Coeur d’Alene, a popular resort city in northern Idaho.
• Idaho Falls, a gateway to various national parks in eastern Idaho.
• Twin Falls, home to the famous Snake River Canyon and surrounding agricultural regions.
• Pocatello, recognized for its educational institutions and historical significance.
In addition, this area code is used in several counties, such as Ada County, Canyon County, and Kootenai County. For official inquiries related to telephone services or area code management in Idaho, contact the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at 11331 W Chinden Blvd, Building 8, Suite 201-A, Boise, ID 83714. More information can be found through the
Idaho Public Utilities Commission official site.
What Time Zone Is 986 Area Code in the USA?
Idaho spans two time zones, though the bulk of its population lies within the Mountain Time Zone (MT). The northwestern portion of the state, including some parts near the Washington border, observes the Pacific Time Zone (PT). However, area code 986 phone numbers operate just like any other standard telephone number in these zones.
Regarding daylight saving time, Idaho follows nationwide practices sanctioned by the Federal Communications Commission guidelines. This means:
• Most of the state, including cities like Boise and Idaho Falls, moves clocks forward by one hour in early spring and back one hour in early fall.
• Areas observing Pacific Time also follow the same rules for daylight saving adjustments.
History of the 986 Area Code
The launch of area code 986 was primarily a response to the increased demand for telephone numbers within Idaho. The region’s population and economic expansion placed considerable stress on the longstanding 208 area code.
• Introduction Year: Area code 986 was officially put into service on November 5, 2017, and became mandatory for 10-digit dialing in August 2017.
• Overlay Implementation: Instead of splitting the 208 region, regulatory agencies decided to create an overlay area code, which meant all new phone lines were assigned 986 if the 208 numbers were exhausted. This decision helped residents and businesses retain existing phone numbers without a forced number change.
• Purpose: As confirmed by the FCC consumer resources and the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, the introduction was needed to ensure adequate telephone numbering resources for new subscribers. The Federal Communications Commission, located at 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, oversaw the approvals necessary for adopting the new overlay.
How Many People Use the 986 Area Code?
Given that 986 is an overlay for the entire state of Idaho, a sizeable portion of residents now hold 986 numbers. According to recent data from state records and Idaho state government data, Idaho’s population is over 1.8 million, with many households and businesses relying on phone services in both rural and urban areas. Specific allocation statistics include:
• Thousands of new phone lines assigned annually as the state’s population grows.
• The majority of subscribers still keep 208 if they had existing lines, but new phone lines commonly receive 986.
• Businesses expanding in rapidly growing cities such as Meridian and Nampa are among the top adopters of new lines in the overlay code.
Is the 986 Area Code Toll-Free?
The 986 area code is a standard geographic area code. It is not toll-free. Unlike toll-free codes such as 800, 888, or 877, area code 986 falls under the same local and long-distance usage rules as any other geographical telephone code in the United States. Key points to remember include:
• Local Calling: Calls within the same geographic region may be considered local, depending on the caller’s service plan.
• Long-Distance Calls: Calls from out-of-area or across multiple service regions generally incur long-distance charges, as determined by service providers.
• No Special Exemptions for Businesses: Unlike certain toll-free lines that businesses use to absorb calling charges, 986 lines do not automatically remove call-related costs for customers.
To receive the most current information on toll charges, consult telecommunication carriers or visit the Idaho Public Utilities Commission official site. For further guidance on national policies related to phone charges and number usage, refer to the
FCC consumer help center. If you require assistance in person, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission is located at 11331 W Chinden Blvd, Building 8, Suite 201-A, Boise, ID 83714, and the Federal Communications Commission can be found at 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554.