All About Denver's 720 Area Code

Did you know that Denver residents once had to dial just seven digits to make a local call? That all changed in 1998 with the arrival of the 720 area code. Denver, the "Mile High City," is a bustling metropolis with a rich history and a vibrant culture. As the city has grown and evolved, so too has its telecommunications infrastructure. One notable aspect of this evolution is the introduction of the 720 area code. In this article, we'll explore the history of the 720 area code, its geographic coverage, some interesting facts, and the advantages and disadvantages of having a 720 area code for businesses and individuals in Denver.

History of the 720 Area Code

For 40 years, the entire state of Colorado was served by a single area code: 303¹. However, with the state's population boom in the latter half of the 20th century, particularly in the Denver-Boulder area, it became clear that a new area code was necessary¹. In 1988, area code 719 was split off to cover the southeastern portion of the state, including Colorado Springs and Pueblo¹. This provided temporary relief, but within five years, the demand for new phone numbers, fueled by the rise of cell phones and pagers, necessitated another split¹. In 1995, the northeastern and western parts of the state, including Fort Collins, Grand Junction, and Aspen, were assigned area code 970¹.

Despite these splits, the Denver metropolitan area continued to experience rapid growth. To address the increasing demand for phone numbers, area code 720 was introduced in 1998 as an overlay to the existing 303 area code¹. This meant that both area codes would serve the same geographic region, requiring 10-digit dialing for all local calls¹. In fact, even when calling another 720 number, 10-digit dialing is required¹. To allow residents time to adjust to this change, a permissive dialing period was implemented, similar to the one described in ⁴. During this time, calls could be completed by dialing either seven or ten digits. However, this period eventually ended, and 10-digit dialing became mandatory for all local calls¹. The 720 area code was activated on September 1, 1998¹.

Geographic Coverage

The 720 area code covers a significant portion of north-central Colorado, including the following major cities and counties: ²

Interesting Facts about the 720 Area Code

• The 720 area code was the first overlay area code in Colorado². This means it was the first area code to be implemented in the same geographic region as an existing area code (303)².
• The introduction of the 720 area code was necessary due to the high demand for new phone numbers in the Denver metropolitan area². This demand was driven by factors such as population growth, the rise of cell phones and pagers, and the increasing number of businesses in the region².

Advantages and Disadvantages of the 720 Area Code

The introduction of the 720 area code has had both positive and negative impacts on businesses and individuals in Denver. Here's a breakdown of the key advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages

• Local Presence: A 720 area code number can help businesses establish a local presence in the Denver metropolitan area, even if they are not physically located there. This can increase credibility and trust with local customers².
• Marketing and Branding: Businesses can use their 720 area code number to target local marketing efforts and create a stronger brand identity in the Denver region².
• Increased Customer Trust: Local customers are more likely to answer calls from a local number, and a 720 area code can help businesses build trust and rapport with their clientele².
• Cost-Effective Communication: Virtual phone numbers with a 720 area code can be more cost-effective than traditional landlines, especially for businesses with multiple locations or remote employees⁵.
• Enhanced Communication: Businesses can use their 720 area code number to access a wide range of advanced communication features, such as call forwarding, call routing, voicemail transcription, and call analytics⁵.
• Connectivity: Denver is ranked 2nd for the most connected cities in America, highlighting the city's strong telecommunications infrastructure and the importance of the 720 area code in supporting this connectivity³.
• Industry Growth: The 720 area code serves a region with a diverse and thriving economy. Denver residents are likely to work in prominent industries such as education and healthcare, professional and scientific services, and finance and insurance³. This provides ample opportunities for businesses with a 720 area code to connect with potential customers and partners.
• Major Employers: The 720 area code covers a region with a strong presence of major employers, including Lockheed Martin, Denver Public Schools, Kaiser Permanente, and the State of Colorado³. This further enhances the business opportunities for companies with a 720 area code.
• Local Identity: A 720 area code number can provide individuals with a sense of local identity and connection to the Denver community.
• Privacy: Individuals can use a 720 area code number for business or online activities, keeping their personal phone number private².
• Convenience: A 720 area code number can be used with a variety of devices and services, including cell phones, landlines, and virtual phone systems.

Disadvantages

• Limited Geographic Reach: While a 720 area code number can be beneficial for businesses targeting the Denver metropolitan area, it may not be suitable for those with a national or international customer base⁹.
• Potential Confusion: Some customers may be confused by the overlay system and may not realize that 720 is a local area code for Denver¹. This can lead to missed calls or misdirected communications, highlighting the need for clear communication strategies for businesses operating in the 720 area code.
• Potential for Scams: Scammers may use 720 area code numbers to target Denver residents, so it's important to be cautious when answering calls from unfamiliar numbers¹⁰.
• Number Exhaustion: As the Denver metropolitan area continues to grow, there is a risk that the 720 area code may eventually run out of available numbers¹. This could necessitate the introduction of another area code in the future, potentially leading to further confusion and dialing changes for residents and businesses.