Where is Area Code 716?
Area code 716 primarily serves the western region of New York State. It encompasses various cities, towns, and counties, offering telephone services for residents, businesses, and governmental agencies. Local municipalities under the 716 area code include:
• Buffalo
• Niagara Falls
• Jamestown
• Lockport
• Dunkirk
• Tonawanda
Several counties also fall within its boundaries, notably Erie County, Niagara County, and parts of Chautauqua County. Individuals or organizations that require more detailed administrative information can consult the New York State Department of Public Service official page for comprehensive area code inquiries. For in-person assistance, the Erie County Clerk’s Office can be visited at 95 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202, while the Niagara County Clerk’s Office is located at 175 Hawley St, Lockport, NY 14094.
What time zone is 716 area code in the USA?
The entire 716 region lies within the Eastern Time Zone (ET). During standard time, clocks follow Eastern Standard Time (EST), which is UTC-5. Adjustments for Daylight Saving Time (DST) occur in the spring when clocks move forward one hour to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), UTC-4. This seasonal shift typically commences in March and concludes in November. Official regulations regarding time zones and Daylight Saving observances may be reviewed through the National Institute of Standards and Technology guidelines. Residents may also consult local government offices, such as the Chautauqua County Clerk at 1 N Erie St, Mayville, NY 14757, for specific details.
History of the 716 Area Code
The 716 area code was among the original codes introduced in 1947 as part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). This system, governed by regulatory bodies such as the Federal Communications Commission website, aimed to streamline telephone numbering across the United States. Over the years, 716 has undergone changes based on demand and population growth:
• 1947: Area code 716 was officially assigned to western New York as one of the original NANP codes.
• 2001: Due to an increased need for new telephone lines, a portion of 716’s coverage was split off to create the new area code 585, serving Rochester and its surrounding counties.
With the 585 split, 716 maintained its focus on Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus Counties. Beyond the introduction of new area codes, a pressing need for modern telecommunication services often drives further splits or overlays. Should future modifications become necessary, local residents can find official announcements through state channels, including the New York State Department of Public Service official page. Furthermore, municipal records—stored at offices like 303 Court St, Little Valley, NY 14755 for Cattaraugus County—offer historical context and additional data on area code adjustments.
How Many People Use the 716 Area Code?
Area code 716 services multiple counties and a population of well over one million people. The region’s principal urban center, Buffalo, houses more than 250,000 residents, while Niagara Falls and other municipalities contribute to a sizeable pool of consumers who rely on the 716 telephone prefix. Although exact figures may fluctuate with the addition of cellular and business lines, the area code remains an essential component for:
• Residential telephony
• Business telephone services (both large corporations and small enterprises)
• Government and public agencies at the municipal and county levels
For a more thorough demographic breakdown, local census data may be consulted through county offices or the U.S. Census Bureau data sets. Buffalo City Hall, located at 65 Niagara Square, Buffalo, NY 14202, also maintains regional population statistics, including figures on telecommunication usage.
Is the 716 Area Code Toll-Free?
The 716 area code is classified as a geographic code, not a toll-free number. Calls placed within the 716 region may incur local charges based on the caller’s telephone plan. Businesses and consumers often maintain local phone lines using the 716 prefix. Key points to consider include:
• Toll-Free Status: Numbers starting with 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833 are designated as toll-free. The 716 area code does not fit into these categories.
• Local Calling: Charges for calls within the 716 area code vary by service plan and provider.
• Regulatory Oversight: The Federal Communications Commission website provides guidance on telephone numbering and toll-free usage structures.
Questions regarding billing practices or access to telecommunication services can be addressed by contacting the Public Service Commission of New York, whose main office is at Empire State Plaza, Agency Building 3, Albany, NY 12223. This agency oversees utility regulations and disputes related to telephony within the state.