Area code 212, Telephone prefix in Manhattan, US
Area code 212 is a telephone prefix in Manhattan, New York City, routing calls for homes and offices across the island. It shares the same territory with the more recent prefixes 646 and 332 within the borough.
AT&T and Bell Systems introduced the code in 1947 for all of New York City, covering every borough at the time. In 1984 it became limited to Manhattan alone, as growing demand for phone numbers required a split.
The 212 prefix represents success in Manhattan's business world, particularly among financial institutions, theaters, and high-end establishments.
New numbers stopped being issued in 2010, leading those who want one to buy existing numbers from specialized sellers. These transactions can reach high amounts, as access to this prefix remains limited.
It forms one of the smallest telephone numbering zones in North America by land area. Demand for this prefix remains high, as it is often linked with established business addresses in Manhattan.
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