Where is Area Code 701?
Area Code 701 covers the entirety of North Dakota, making it one of the few single-code states in the nation. The following cities and regions are included under this code:
• Fargo
• Bismarck
• Grand Forks
• Minot
• Williston
• Dickinson
Many of the state’s counties, including Cass County, Burleigh County, and Grand Forks County, fall under 701. Local agencies, such as the North Dakota Public Service Commission (ND PSC), 600 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND 58505, help oversee telephone regulations within these areas. For verified coverage details, consult the official resources from the North Dakota official portal.
What Time Zone Is 701 Area Code in the USA?
The majority of the 701 Area Code follows the Central Time Zone (CT), observing Daylight Saving Time (DST) between March and November. During DST, clocks move forward by one hour, returning to standard time in early November. It is important to note that some southwestern parts of North Dakota utilize the Mountain Time Zone.
History of the 701 Area Code
The 701 Area Code is one of the original North American Numbering Plan (NANP) codes established in 1947. Unlike many other regions in the country, North Dakota has retained this singular code without major splits or overlays for decades. Key historical milestones include:
• 1947: 701 is introduced as the sole code for North Dakota.
• 1960s–1990s: No splitting occurred despite fluctuations in population and increased telephone usage.
• 2000s: Technological advancements led to discussions about relief planning, but the single code continued.
• 2020s: Modernized dialing procedures (e.g., 10-digit dialing) remain under consideration to accommodate growing telecommunication needs.
When area code adjustments are necessary in North Dakota, changes are generally coordinated by the ND PSC and the FCC guidelines for local area codes.
How Many People Use the 701 Area Code?
Because 701 encompasses the entire state, its user base corresponds closely with North Dakota’s overall population. Census data indicates that the state’s population stands at just over 770,000 residents, with the largest concentrations found in metropolitan areas such as Fargo and Bismarck. The following bullet points highlight key insights:
• Approximately 800,000 to 780,000 active phone lines are assigned within the 701 code, capturing both residential and commercial use.
• Rural communities and remote regions continue to rely heavily on landline services, while urban areas see wider cellular adoption.
• Statewide university systems, government agencies, and businesses collectively support the stability of 701.
For further demographic and statistical information, refer to US Census population details or contact the North Dakota Department of Commerce at 1600 E Century Ave, Bismarck, ND 58503.
Is the 701 Area Code Toll-Free?
The 701 Area Code is a geographic designation and not part of the toll-free system (e.g., 800, 888, 877). Calls to numbers with a 701 prefix may incur standard calling fees, especially if they are long-distance, out-of-state, or international. Local phone bills vary based on individual service plans, but the following guidelines generally apply:
• Intrastate calls within North Dakota often fall under local or extended local service charges.
• Interstate calls from or to 701 numbers may be charged under long-distance rates, depending on your carrier.
• Toll-free numbers typically begin with 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833, which identifies them as free to dial from standard telephones.
For additional guidance, please consult your service provider’s policies or review information from the FCC consumer help center.