551 Area Code: Location, History & Coverage
Every phone number in the United States begins with an area code, which indicates where the call is coming from. The 551 area code is one of many used in New Jersey. But what topics does it address, and why was it created? Understanding area codes is critical for businesses, residents, and anybody curious about how telephone lines work. In this blog post, we’ll look at the 551 Area Code: Location, History, and Coverage to offer you a thorough grasp of its significance.
Understanding the 551 Area Code
An area code is a three-digit number that is included in a phone number and is used to identify a specific geographical region. It assists in routing calls to the relevant places and is managed by the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).
The 551 area code is an overlay for New Jersey’s 201 area code, which means it was created to cover the same geographical area without replacing existing numbers. This system makes more phone numbers available as demand grows.
Location & Cities Covered by 551 Area Code
The 551 area code covers the northern region of New Jersey, notably Hudson and Bergen counties. This area code covers several important cities and municipalities, including Jersey City and Hackensack.
Bayonne
Hoboken
Fort Lee Englewood
West New York
Ridgewood
Because 551 is an overlay of 201, both area codes serve the same regions, therefore households and businesses in these areas could have a 201 or 551 phone number.
History & Evolution of the 551 Area Code
The 201 area code was one of the first North American area codes, created in 1947, and served the entire state of New Jersey. As the demand for phone numbers increased owing to population growth and mobile phone usage, the 551 area code was added in 2001 as an overlay to assure a steady supply of numbers.
An overlay means that new phone numbers in the area are assigned the new code (551), but existing numbers retain their previous 201 area code. This eliminates the need for residents and businesses to change their numbers while simultaneously increasing availability. Must Read 978 Area Code
How the 551 Area Code Affects Communication
With the introduction of the 551 area code, there were a few important changes to how people in New Jersey made phone calls:
Ten-Digit Dialing Requirement
Because 201 and 551 serve the same area, callers must dial the entire 10-digit phone number (area code + local number) for all local calls. This update ensures that calls are routed properly.
Business and Residential Adaptation
- Many firms have to change their marketing materials to include both the 201 and 551 area codes.
- Residents have to become used to using the 10-digit dialing system for local calls.
Who Uses the 551 Area Code?
The 551 area code is used by a variety of individuals and businesses, including:
- Local inhabitants from northern New Jersey.
- Small and large enterprises require multiple phone numbers.
- Governmental offices and agencies.
- Mobile phone subscribers have been allocated new numbers with this code.
- Telecom and internet service companies provide VoIP and mobile services.
Comparison with Other New Jersey Area Codes
New Jersey has multiple area codes, and the 551 area code is just one of them. Here’s how it compares to others:
| Area Code | Region Covered | Type |
| 201 | Hudson & Bergen counties | Original |
| 551 | Hudson & Bergen counties | Overlay for 201 |
| 609 | Central & Southern NJ | Original |
| 732 | Central NJ | Original |
| 973 | Northern NJ | Original |
| 862 | Northern NJ | Overlay for 973 |
The main takeaway is that 551 and 201 serve the same region, while other area codes serve different parts of the state.
Future of the 551 Area Code
As phone number demand continues to rise, it’s possible that New Jersey may need additional overlays in the future. Factors that could contribute to this include:
- Population growth is increasing the number of residents needing phone numbers.
- Business expansion requiring more dedicated lines.
- Technology shifts, such as more demand for VoIP services and mobile lines.
For now, the 551 area code is expected to meet the demand in northern New Jersey for the foreseeable future.
Common Questions About the 551 Area Code
Is the 551 area code toll-free?
No, 551 is not a toll-free number. Calls made to and from this area code may incur charges based on your phone plan.
Can I keep my 551 number if I move?
Yes, you can keep your 551 number if you move within the United States by transferring it to a new provider (number portability).
How do I get a 551 area code number?
You can get a 551 number by contacting a local service provider when signing up for a new landline or mobile phone.
What happens if I dial a 7-digit number in the 551 area?
If you only dial 7 digits, your call will not go through. You must dial the full 10-digit number for all local calls.
Conclusion
The 551 Area Code: Location, History, and Coverage explains how this overlay area code covers northern New Jersey and helps fulfill the growing demand for phone numbers. Understanding its history, location, and influence enables you to grasp how it fits within New Jersey’s expanding telecommunications network. Knowing the 551 and 201 area codes is essential for efficient communication, whether you are a resident, a business owner, or new to the area.
