Area codes are an essential part of the phone system. They help route calls to the right place. Each area code corresponds to a specific geographic region.
The 312 area code is the primary area code for downtown Chicago. It’s also one of the original area codes, established in 1947.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the 312 area code. We’ll explore its history, pinpoint exactly where the 312 area code is located, and discuss how it’s used today.
Where is area code 312 located?
Area code 312 is located in downtown Chicago, including the area known as The Loop. The area code covers some of Chicago’s most famous attractions and business centers.
Compared to other area codes, 312 covers a small geographic area. Although the 312 area code encompasses 100% of the city of Chicago, it only accounts for 8% of its total area.
Overlap with area code 872
The 312 area code overlaps with the 872 area code.
The 872 area code was created in 2009 to overlay the existing 312 and 773 area codes.
This means if you live in the 312 area, your phone number may be assigned either a 312 or an 872 area code.
Time zone
Area code 312 is located in the Central Time Zone (America/Chicago). It’s important to remember this when you’re scheduling calls and meetings with people and companies in the 312 area.
A brief history of the 312 area code
The 312 area code has been around for a while. AT&T and the Bell System created it in 1947 as one of the first 86 area codes.
Originally, area codes had a 0 or 1 as the middle digit. This indicated that the area code didn’t cover an entire state. The restriction ended in 1953.
In 1996, the 312 area code split, and some phone numbers changed to the 773 area code.
In 2009, the 872 area code was created. It overlays both the 312 and 773 area codes.
Telephone Carriers and Prefixes
If you’re curious about which telephone companies are using the 312 area code, here’s some information.
Landline Carriers
Many landline carriers operate in the 312 area code. A few of them are Ameritech, Broadwing Communications, and MCI Metro ATS.
Wireless Carriers
Wireless carriers are also common in the 312 area code, including Cingular, Verizon, and USA Mobility.
Prefix Information
A telephone “prefix” is the first three numbers after the area code, such as 312-555-0100. Here’s some information about prefixes in the 312 area code:
- 99% of prefixes are assigned to a telephone company.
- 66% of prefixes are for landlines.
- 34% of prefixes are for wireless phones.
- 1% of prefixes are unknown.
Getting a 312 area code phone number for your business
Even if your business isn’t physically located in downtown Chicago, you can still snag a 312 area code phone number. Here’s why you might want to.
Why get a 312 number?
- Establish a local presence. With a 312 number, you’re signaling that you’re doing business in Chicago, which has a population of more than 2.9 million people.
- Improve your local advertising. Local customers are more likely to call a local number.
- See better results from cold calling. People are more likely to answer a call from a local number.
- Increase customer trust. Customers tend to trust businesses that have a local presence.
Ways businesses can use a 312 number
- Direct phone lines for employees
- Customer service numbers
- Sales department lines
- Marketing campaigns
Virtual presence
The best part is, you don’t have to be in Chicago to have a 312 area code. You can set up a virtual company using cloud-based phone systems that allow you to manage all your communications from anywhere in the world.
Modern Applications and VOIP Features
VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology now allows companies to use a Chicago 312 area code even if they aren’t physically located there. This is great for businesses that want to project a Chicago presence!
Cloud-based phone systems offer a bunch of powerful features, including:
- Custom greetings
- IVR (Interactive Voice Response) to route calls
- Call forwarding to different devices
- Call recording for training and quality assurance
- Call tracking and analytics to monitor performance
Plus, you can often use multi-devices and apps to manage your calls from anywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cities have a 312 area code?
The 312 area code is almost entirely contained within the city of Chicago, Illinois. It serves the downtown core and some surrounding neighborhoods, making it a very geographically concentrated area code. It doesn’t extend to any other major cities or suburbs.
Why is Chicago called 312?
Chicago is often referred to as “312” because it’s the city’s original and most iconic area code. The association is so strong that “312” has become a shorthand nickname for the city itself, used in branding, music, and everyday conversation as a symbol of Chicago pride.
Is 312 a good area code?
As far as area codes go, 312 is highly desirable. It’s associated with the heart of a major metropolitan area, implying a central, urban location. Businesses often seek phone numbers with the 312 area code for its prestige and recognition. For Chicagoans, it represents a connection to the city’s vibrant core.
What does 312 mean in a phone number?
In a phone number, 312 is the area code, which identifies the geographic region to which the phone number is assigned. When dialing a number with the 312 area code from outside that area, you must dial “1” followed by 312, then the seven-digit phone number.
Summary
Area code 312 is more than just a set of numbers; it’s a piece of Chicago history that continues to be important today.
For businesses, having a 312 area code is a great way to establish a local presence in the city. If you want to connect with the Chicago market, area code 312 is a valuable asset.