Where is Area Code 516?
Area code 516 is primarily assigned to Nassau County on Long Island, New York. This region is situated just east of New York City and is characterized by diverse residential, commercial, and governmental establishments. Notable communities within this area code include:
- Hempstead
- Mineola
- Freeport
- Levittown
- Hicksville
- Glen Cove
Nassau County serves as a significant suburban extension of the metropolitan area, offering comprehensive governmental, educational, and public resources. Residents and visitors can find official local information at the Nassau County official website. The main offices for the Nassau County government are located at 1550 Franklin Ave, Mineola, NY 11501.
What time zone is 516 area code in the USA?
The 516 area code resides in the Eastern Time Zone (ET). This time zone observes both Eastern Standard Time (EST) and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) according to seasonal changes. Daylight Saving Time (DST) usually begins in spring and ends in fall, during which clocks are moved forward or backward by one hour to maximize evening daylight. Further information regarding official time regulations can be found by consulting NIST time regulations.
Key points regarding time for area code 516 include:
- Winter: Eastern Standard Time (UTC-05:00)
- Summer: Eastern Daylight Time (UTC-04:00)
- Annual time adjustments for energy conservation
History of the 516 Area Code
Area code 516 was established in 1951 after a division of existing New York numbering resources to accommodate the region’s growing need for telephone assignments. Over the decades, the population surge on Long Island prompted further modifications to the local telephone plans:
- Original Formation (1951): Created to address increased demand separate from New York City’s numbering scheme.
- Subsequent Splits (1999): Area code 631 was formed to serve Suffolk County, leaving 516 reserved for Nassau County.
- Overlays and Future Plans: Continuous population expansion has led to periodic reassessments of numbering resources, including an overlay area code for callers in the same region.
According to FCC area code resources, regulatory agencies regularly evaluate area code exhaust projections to ensure there is an adequate pool of numbers. Oversight of these processes occurs through the Federal Communications Commission at 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554.
How Many People Use the 516 Area Code?
The 516 area code serves a substantial portion of Long Island’s population, with the majority of Nassau County’s 1.3 million residents using 516 numbers in their personal or business communications. While the exact number of assigned lines and active subscribers can vary, official figures indicate that the majority of households, government offices, and commercial establishments in the county rely on 516.
Estimates can be verified via US Census Bureau data for Nassau County statistics. The US Census Bureau, located at 4600 Silver Hill Road, Washington, DC 20233, compiles detailed demographic information that informs local governments, businesses, and service providers on the number of telephone users.
Below is a general breakdown of 516 assignments:
Category | Approximate Share |
---|---|
Residential Lines | 60% |
Business & Corporate | 30% |
Government & Public Services | 10% |
Is the 516 Area Code Toll-Free?
Area code 516 is a geographic code, not a toll-free number. Calls placed within 516 are typically subject to local calling rates and long-distance charges may apply when calling outside the designated service area. Toll-free area codes in the United States traditionally begin with 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833, and these are regulated differently than geographic codes.
For additional details on calling policies and consumer protections regarding area codes in New York, individuals may consult the New York State Department of Public Service situated at Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223-1350. General telephone fee structures, including surcharges and long-distance concerns, also fall under the purview of the FCC consumer help center, which operates from 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554.