The Ultimate Guide to the 787 Area Code: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

The 787 area code is a relatively new addition to the Puerto Rican telecommunications landscape, having been introduced in 1996. Despite its short history, it has quickly become one of the most important area codes on the island. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about the 787 area code, including its history, coverage, and usage.

A Brief History of the 787 Area Code

The 787 area code was created on April 1, 1996, to meet the growing demand for telephone numbers in Puerto Rico. Prior to this, the entire island was served by the 939 area code. The new area code was initially assigned to the western and southern regions of the island, including the cities of Mayagüez, Ponce, and San Germán.

Over the years, the 787 area code has gradually expanded its coverage to include most of Puerto Rico. However, there are still a few small areas of the island that are served by the 939 area code.

Coverage of the 787 Area Code

The 787 area code covers the majority of Puerto Rico, including the following regions:

• Western Puerto Rico
• Southern Puerto Rico
• Central Puerto Rico
• Eastern Puerto Rico

The only major city in Puerto Rico that is not served by the 787 area code is San Juan, which is located in the northeastern part of the island and is served by the 787 area code.

Usage of the 787 Area Code

The 787 area code is used for all types of telephone calls within Puerto Rico, including local calls, long distance calls, and international calls. It is also used for calls to and from the United States mainland.

In addition to traditional telephone service, the 787 area code is also used for a variety of other services, such as:

• Cellular phone service
• Internet service
• Fax service
• Pager service

Advantages of Using the 787 Area Code

There are a number of advantages to using the 787 area code, including:

• Convenience: The 787 area code is the most widely used area code in Puerto Rico, making it easy to reach people on the island.
• Cost: Calls within the 787 area code are typically less expensive than calls to other area codes.
• Recognition: The 787 area code is instantly recognizable as a Puerto Rican number, which can be helpful when doing business or communicating with people from other countries.

Disadvantages of Using the 787 Area Code

There are a few disadvantages to using the 787 area code, including:

• Confusion: The 787 area code is sometimes confused with the 939 area code, which can lead to errors when dialing phone numbers.
• Limited coverage: The 787 area code does not cover all of Puerto Rico, which can be inconvenient for people who live in areas that are not served by the area code.
• Spam calls: The 787 area code is a popular target for spam calls, which can be annoying and disruptive.

Tips for Using the 787 Area Code

Here are a few tips for using the 787 area code:

• Always dial the area code when making a call within Puerto Rico. This will help to ensure that your call is routed correctly.
• Be aware of the coverage area of the 787 area code. If you are not sure whether or not your area is served by the area code, you can check with your local telephone company.
• Be careful of spam calls. If you receive a call from a number that you do not recognize, be suspicious and do not answer the call.

Frequently Asked Questions about the 787 Area Code

Q: What is the area code for Puerto Rico?
A: The area code for Puerto Rico is 787.

Q: Is the 787 area code the same as the 939 area code?
A: No, the 787 and 939 area codes are not the same. The 787 area code covers most of Puerto Rico, while the 939 area code covers only a small part of the island.

Q: Can I use my cell phone in Puerto Rico?
A: Yes, you can use your cell phone in Puerto Rico. However, you may need to contact your cell phone provider to activate roaming service.

Conclusion

The 787 area code is an important part of the Puerto Rican telecommunications landscape. It is the most widely used area code on the island and is used for a variety of purposes, including local calls, long distance calls, and international calls. While there are a few disadvantages to using the 787 area code, such as confusion with the 939 area code and limited coverage, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.