Where Is Area Code 646?
Area code 646 primarily covers Manhattan, a borough of New York City. It operates alongside other overlays in the same region, such as 212 and 917. The area code is predominantly associated with:
- Manhattan neighborhoods from the Upper East Side to the Lower West Side
- A variety of local businesses, government offices, and residential lines
- Mobile services that also serve parts of administrative districts adjacent to Manhattan
For official resources about numbering assignments, consult the North American Numbering Plan Administration website. Details regarding local telecommunications regulations can be obtained in person at Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 or through the State Department of Public Service website.
What Time Zone Is 646 Area Code in the USA?
Area code 646 operates within the Eastern Time Zone (ET). This time zone observes Eastern Standard Time (EST) from late autumn to early spring, and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) during the warmer months:
- Standard time begins the first Sunday in November
- Daylight Saving Time starts the second Sunday in March
For precise and official timekeeping information, see the U.S. Naval Observatory page on Time Service details, or visit 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20899 for additional guidance from the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
History of the 646 Area Code
Originally introduced in July 1999, area code 646 was implemented as part of an overlay plan to accommodate the growing demand for new telephone numbers in Manhattan. Prior to this, most numbers in Manhattan were covered by area code 212, with 917 also serving as an overlay.
Key historical points include:
- The rapid increase in mobile devices necessitated additional numbering capacity.
- Overlay solutions were considered more favorable than geographic splits, preserving existing numbers.
- Regulatory oversight was provided by agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission, located at 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, and the State Department of Public Service.
This managed approach to issuing new phone numbers ensured that businesses and residents retained uninterrupted service while meeting the demand for fresh lines.
How Many People Use the 646 Area Code?
Based on estimates for Manhattan and surrounding regions where 646 is commonly assigned, the area code serves a substantial portion of the overall population:
- Manhattan's population alone is approximately 1.6 million residents.
- A significant number of business lines, especially those dedicated to technology, finance, and hospitality, use 646.
- Mobile carriers frequently assign 646 to accommodate new subscribers and business expansion.
For comprehensive statistical data, consult the State Department of Public Service website or visit their offices at Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 to research publicly available reports on the number of assigned and available lines.
Is the 646 Area Code Toll-Free?
The 646 area code is not toll-free. It is classified as a standard geographic area code, meaning calls may incur local or long-distance charges depending on the caller’s location and service plan:
- Toll-free numbers in the United States generally begin with 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833.
- Calls to 646 can be charged at standard rates set by individual phone carriers.
- Certain landline or mobile plans may offer free local calls within the same mainland area, but this is entirely provider-specific.
For additional information regarding free telephone lines and relevant regulations, refer to the FCC resource for Toll Free information.