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Poll results

Sponsored by: OTELCO

The single area code that is synonymous with Maine could lose that distinction if the state is forced to add another after running out of "207" telephone numbers — expected to happen in 2024, according to the most recent estimates.

The window of time has been closing. When Mainebiz reported on the growing shortage of unused numbers in February 2020, the supply was expected to last until 2026.

The Maine Public Utilities Commission and the state's congressional delegation are looking at ways of conserving the available 207 numbers. The PUC also recently launched an investigation to see if demand forecasts by Verizon Wireless are unnecessarily tying up the digits.

Maine is one of only 12 states with a single area code. The use of 207 dates to 1947, when the original 86 codes in North America were established.

Although 207 blankets the state, the prefix actually isn't the only one assigned to Maine localities. Estcourt Station, a village in the Big Twenty Township in northern Aroostook County, shares the 418 and 581 area codes with the neighboring Canadian province of Quebec.

What would the possible addition of a second area code mean for Maine and Maine businesses?
A big loss. The single, 207 area code is a distinctive part of Maine's "brand." (53%, 133 VOTES)
Not much of a loss. Besides, many Mainers already use out-of-state numbers. (29%, 72 VOTES)
Perhaps a benefit. A new area code could signal that Maine's population and number of businesses are growing. (19%, 47 VOTES)
Poll Description

Sponsored by: OTELCO

The single area code that is synonymous with Maine could lose that distinction if the state is forced to add another after running out of "207" telephone numbers — expected to happen in 2024, according to the most recent estimates.

The window of time has been closing. When Mainebiz reported on the growing shortage of unused numbers in February 2020, the supply was expected to last until 2026.

The Maine Public Utilities Commission and the state's congressional delegation are looking at ways of conserving the available 207 numbers. The PUC also recently launched an investigation to see if demand forecasts by Verizon Wireless are unnecessarily tying up the digits.

Maine is one of only 12 states with a single area code. The use of 207 dates to 1947, when the original 86 codes in North America were established.

Although 207 blankets the state, the prefix actually isn't the only one assigned to Maine localities. Estcourt Station, a village in the Big Twenty Township in northern Aroostook County, shares the 418 and 581 area codes with the neighboring Canadian province of Quebec.

  • 252 Votes
  • 7 Comments
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7 Comments

  • August 20, 2021

    I love that we have one distinctive area code. If this change were to go through, I would feel bad for businesses that have 207 in their name. I remember when Boston’s 617 area code was broken up. Sadly, landlines are becoming obsolete and area codes seem to be too.

  • August 16, 2021

    Keep 207 for businesses, and XXX for residential, YYY for non-terrestrials.

  • Jim Bowers
    August 16, 2021

    It would be a loss for businesses and branding. It's bad enough we've lost decent postal service to save a mere pittance. Spectrum and Verizon have done a lazy job of parsing numbers, with technology today it should be easy to make more numbers available.

  • Patricia Girr
    August 16, 2021

    The only winners would be printers and sign-makers!

  • August 16, 2021

    “Big loss” is a bit of a stretch but it’d definitely be disappointing!