Blog
Guides, history, and safety tips about America's phone system — written by our telecom editor, Jake Morrison.
The Story Behind America's Area Codes: From 1947 to Today
How AT&T and the Bell System created the numbering plan that still organizes every phone call in America.
Why Did My Area Code Change? Understanding Splits and Overlays
The two ways new area codes get created, and why your town might have gotten a new one.
The NPA-NXX System Explained: How Phone Numbers Actually Work
A clear breakdown of the 10-digit phone number format and what each part means.
Vanity Numbers and Toll-Free Codes: The Business of 800, 888, and 877
From 1-800-FLOWERS to modern vanity numbers, the business of memorable phone numbers.
The Race for Area Code 212: Why NYC's Original Code Became a Status Symbol
Manhattan's original area code is one of the most coveted phone numbers in America.
10-Digit Dialing: Why You Can't Just Dial 7 Digits Anymore
The shift to mandatory 10-digit dialing happened across America, and here's the reason.
How Area Codes Get Assigned: Inside the North American Numbering Plan
The process behind picking new area codes, from NANPA forecasting to public hearings.
VoIP and the Future of Area Codes: Do They Still Matter?
With internet calling and virtual numbers, area codes are losing their geographic meaning.
The Most Common Phone Scams in 2026 and How to Avoid Them
An updated rundown of the phone scams hitting Americans hardest right now.
Robocall Blocking: What Actually Works in 2026
A no-nonsense review of the tools and settings that actually reduce unwanted calls.
Spoofed Caller ID: Why Scammers Can Fake Your Area Code
Caller ID was never designed to be secure. Here's how spoofing works and why it's hard to stop.
What to Do If You Answered a Scam Call
Picked up a suspicious call? Here's your step-by-step recovery checklist.
Area Codes Scammers Love: The Most Spoofed Codes in America
Some area codes show up in scam calls far more than others. Here's which ones and why.
One-Ring Scams: Why You Shouldn't Call Back Unknown Numbers
That missed call from a strange number? It might be a trap designed to charge you money.
How to Tell If a Phone Number Is a Scam: A Complete Guide
Red flags to watch for when an unknown number calls, and what to do about it.
How to Get a Specific Area Code for Your Business
Want a local presence in a city where you don't have an office? Here's how to get the area code.
How to Block Unwanted Calls on iPhone and Android
Step-by-step instructions for blocking spam and scam calls on your phone.
How to Look Up Who Called You: Free Methods That Work
A practical guide to identifying unknown callers without paying for expensive services.
Porting Your Phone Number: How to Keep Your Number When You Switch
Yes, you can keep your phone number when you change carriers or move. Here's how.
International Calling Codes vs. US Area Codes: What's the Difference?
Country codes and area codes are different systems. Here's how to tell them apart.
Google Voice, Burner Numbers, and Virtual Area Codes Explained
Virtual phone numbers let you have a number in any area code. Here's how they work.
Small Town, Big Code: The Story of Area Codes That Cover Entire States
Some area codes serve millions. Others cover a whole state with just a few hundred thousand people.
Every US State's Area Codes: The Complete Guide
A state-by-state reference of every area code in America, from Alabama to Wyoming.
The Newest Area Codes in America: 2024-2026 Additions
Which area codes were just added or are coming soon? A look at the latest changes.
Area Codes by Time Zone: When to Call Across the Country
Don't call someone at 6 AM their time. Use this guide to check time zones by area code.