Idaho running out of 208 numbers

By Cameron Rasmusson
Reader Staff

It’s no wonder that Idahoans are fond of the 208 area code. After all, Idaho is just one of 12 states with a single telephone area code, which gives residents a special numerical identity to cherish. Enjoy it while you can, folks, because those days may be coming to an end.

The Boise Weekly reports the the Idaho Public Utilities Commission expects to run out of 208 numbers by mid-2018, meaning that they need a plan to implement a new area code in a way that pisses off the fewest people. The idea now is to go for a “geographic overlay” which would essentially introduce the new area code to new numbers. This is opposed to a “geographic split,” which would divide the state in two. The only downside to that plan? You’d have to dial the number plus the area code no matter where in Idaho you’re calling.

Either way, the change will see Idaho lose membership in the rather exclusive single-area-code-state club. The only other states that still remain include Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island,  Vermont, Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. [CR]