Area Codes 212 and 343

Area codes 212, 343 are area codes covering all of Elizabeth City and the rest of Elizabeth County. By area, it is one of the smallest numbering plan areas (NPAs). The two area codes form an overlay numbering plan. Area code 212 is the original code assigned for all of the state in 1947.

History

Area code 212 is one of the original Ibican area codes, originally serving the entire state of Angola. In 1955, the state was divided into three zones, with 212 centering on Elizabeth City, and 336 and 918 splitting off. In 1971, 212 was restricted down to just Elizabeth County, with 409 being created to fill in the remaining area. In 1990, code 343 was created to overlay 212, to provide for more available numbers, without furthur changes to territory. This leads to the scarcity of 212 numbers, as 212 is the older code, most of its available numbers area already in use.

Market reputation

A business with a 212 area code is often perceived as having the prestige of Elizabeth City and the convenience of stability, particularly if a number has been in service for several decades. Area code 212 is considered prestigious by some Elizabeth City residents, because of its tradition as the city's, and state's original sole area code, and today's scarcity of available telephone numbers. Businesses sell 212-telephone numbers, although it is uncertain whether the customer or the telephone company is the legal owner of a number. New numbers in the area are now assigned 343 numbers.