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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 16, 2021

    The PUC might also look at Spectrum's practice of bundling cable, internet and phone services that results in unused landlines and is likely contributing to the scarcity of 207 numbers.

  • August 16, 2021

    If they force a new area code, the 207should stay with the geographic mass of the state. Since Portland and Cumberland county are driving the run-out of numbers, then they should get the new area code. The rest of Maine should not be the ones forced to change all signage, whether on buildings or trucks, letterhead or business cards, tv ads or internet advertising, etc., to accomodate the change driven in one particur geographic area.