779 Area Code: Everything You Need to Know

The 779 area code is a relatively new addition to the North American Numbering Plan. It was created in 2016 to serve the growing population of southern Nevada. The 779 area code covers the counties of Clark, Lincoln, and Nye, which include the cities of Las Vegas, Henderson, and Pahrump.

Brief History of the 779 Area Code

Prior to the creation of the 779 area code, the entire state of Nevada was served by the 702 area code. However, due to the rapid growth of the Las Vegas metropolitan area, the 702 area code was nearing exhaustion. In order to avoid having to split the Las Vegas area into multiple area codes, the 779 area code was created as an overlay to the 702 area code. This means that both 702 and 779 area codes are used in the same geographic area.

Population Served by the 779 Area Code

The 779 area code serves a population of approximately 2.7 million people. This includes the entire population of Clark County, the most populous county in Nevada. Clark County is home to the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which is the 25th largest metropolitan area in the United States.

Industries Served by the 779 Area Code

The 779 area code serves a diverse range of industries, including:

• Gaming
• Tourism
• Hospitality
• Retail
• Healthcare
• Education

Las Vegas is known as the "Entertainment Capital of the World", and the gaming industry is the largest employer in the area. Tourism is also a major industry, with over 42 million visitors coming to Las Vegas each year.

Transition to the 779 Area Code

The transition to the 779 area code was relatively smooth. However, there were some initial challenges, such as businesses having to update their phone systems and marketing materials. Additionally, some people were confused about whether they should use the 702 or 779 area code when calling within the Las Vegas area.

Future of the 779 Area Code

The 779 area code is expected to continue to grow in the future. As the population of southern Nevada continues to increase, the need for additional phone numbers will grow as well. It is possible that the 779 area code will eventually be split into multiple area codes, but this is not expected to happen anytime soon.

Table 1: Population of Counties Served by the 779 Area Code

| County | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Clark | 2,270,881 |
| Lincoln | 5,274 |
| Nye | 46,821 |
| Total | 2,322,976 |

Table 2: Largest Cities Served by the 779 Area Code

| City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas | 644,644 |
| Henderson | 320,188 |
| North Las Vegas | 262,527 |
| Pahrump | 41,160 |
| Boulder City | 16,363 |

Table 3: Economic Profile of the 779 Area Code

| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|---|
| GDP | $118.7 billion |
| Unemployment rate | 3.8% |
| Median household income | $65,927 |
| Poverty rate | 12.3% |

Three Stories and What We Learn

Story 1:

A small business owner in Las Vegas was confused about whether to use the 702 or 779 area code when updating their phone system. They called the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) for clarification. NANPA informed them that both area codes could be used in the Las Vegas area.

What we learn:

It is important to stay up-to-date on changes to the North American Numbering Plan. NANPA is a valuable resource for businesses and individuals who have questions about area codes.

Story 2:

A resident of Pahrump was frustrated that they had to change their phone number when the 779 area code was created. They contacted their phone company and were informed that they could keep their existing 702 area code number.

What we learn:

Residents of the 779 area code area have the option of keeping their existing 702 area code numbers. This is especially beneficial for businesses that have established a strong brand identity with their 702 area code number.

Story 3:

A tourist visiting Las Vegas was unsure of whether to dial the 779 area code when calling a local business. They decided to dial the 779 area code anyway, and the call went through without any problems.

What we learn:

It is safe to dial either the 702 or 779 area code when calling a business or individual in the Las Vegas area. Both area codes are used interchangeably in the area.

Effective Strategies for Using the 779 Area Code

• Use the 779 area code for all new phone numbers in the Las Vegas area.
• Update your phone system and marketing materials to reflect the 779 area code.
• Inform your customers and clients about the 779 area code change.
• Be patient with customers and clients who may be confused about the 779 area code change.

Tips and Tricks

• When dialing a local number in the Las Vegas area, you can omit the area code.
• When dialing a long distance number from the 779 area code, you must dial the area code (779) followed by the seven-digit phone number.
• If you are unsure of whether to use the 702 or 779 area code when calling a business or individual in the Las Vegas area, you can always dial both area codes.

Call to Action

If you have any questions about the 779 area code, please contact the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) at 1-888-463-2627.