Where is Area Code 706?
Area code 706 covers a significant portion of northern and western Georgia in the United States. It encompasses both large urban centers and smaller communities. The area stretches from the northern end of Georgia’s border with Tennessee down toward the central part of the state. The following major cities fall within the 706 service region:
- Athens
- Columbus
- Rome
- Dalton
- LaGrange
- Toccoa
Several counties in this region include Muscogee County, Clarke County, Floyd County, and Whitfield County, among others. Residents in these areas rely on 706 for regular telecommunications services such as landlines, mobile lines, and fax. Oversight of telephone number allocation in the state of Georgia is provided by the Georgia Public Service Commission resources ((Georgia Public Service Commission, 244 Washington Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30334)). Further federal guidelines regarding area code administration can be found on the FCC official guidelines website ((Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554)).
What time zone is 706 area code in the USA?
The 706 area code region operates under the Eastern Time Zone (ET). This time zone observes Daylight Saving Time (DST), which typically begins in March and ends in November. During DST, the region adjusts clocks forward by one hour to take advantage of longer daylight hours in the warmer months. After DST concludes, clocks revert to Standard Time, which offers more daylight in the morning hours during late fall and winter. Individuals and businesses in the 706 area code, including those in Muscogee County and Clarke County, should remain aware of these time changes to ensure accurate scheduling and telecommunications usage.
History of the 706 Area Code
Area code 706 was established in 1992 as part of a split from Georgia’s original 404 area code. The primary reason for the split was the increasing population and growing demand for additional telephone numbers in the state at that time. Previously, much of Georgia fell under 404, but self-sustained growth in both residential and commercial telephone usage led regulators, including the Georgia Public Service Commission resources, to determine that an additional code was necessary.
In 2006, to further accommodate demand for phone numbers, the 762 overlay was introduced to new lines within the same geographic area. This overlay meant that residents and businesses in the 706 region sharing the same territory would now also be assigned telephone numbers in the 762 area code. For instance, some blocks of phone numbers for utilities or government offices in areas such as Athens or Dalton would come under 762 instead of 706.
The process of splitting and overlaying area codes follows guidelines set forth by both state agencies and the FCC official guidelines, ensuring that all telecommunications carriers have equal access to lines and that each region maintains its capacity for new subscribers.
How Many People Use the 706 Area Code?
Area code 706 covers a population in the millions, with the central hub around Columbus and its surrounding counties accounting for a substantial share. While the exact figures can fluctuate, estimates indicate that more than 1.8 million residents and numerous businesses rely on this code or its overlay for telecommunications. The region’s growth has been steady, reflecting the economic development in urban centers such as Athens, LaGrange, and Rome.
The increasing need for mobile and landlines across these communities is reflected in annual reports submitted by local telecommunication carriers to the state. For official population and usage data, resources from the Georgia Public Service Commission ((Georgia Public Service Commission, 244 Washington Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30334)) and federal data from the Federal Communications Commission ((Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554)) remain the most reliable reference points.
Below is a brief overview of the nature of usage within the 706 area code:
- Substantial connection to universities and research centers (e.g., the University of Georgia in Athens).
- Significant number of corporate headquarters, particularly in Columbus, supporting higher volumes of business telephony.
- Residential growth in areas such as Rome and Dalton, driving continued demand for new phone numbers.
Is the 706 Area Code Toll-Free?
The 706 area code is a geographic code, not a toll-free number range. Toll-free area codes in the United States are generally 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833. Calls placed to or from the 706 area are typically subject to standard regional or long-distance rates, depending on individual phone service plans. Certain local calling rules may apply, especially in cities where an overlay area code coexists. For instance, local calls within the same city or county might only require a seven-digit dial, whereas other calls might require 1+ ten-digit dialing.
Specific regulations and guidelines related to toll-free and local calling practices may be found through:
In most cases, carriers will include provisions in service contracts explaining applicable charges for intra- and interstate calls for both landline and mobile services. Residents, businesses, and government agencies in the 706 territory are advised to consult these official resources for the most current information when establishing new lines or evaluating service plans.