208 & 986 Explained

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Complete Guide to Idaho Area Codes: 208, 986 & Local Number Solutions

Trying to understand the phone area codes for Idaho? Whether you're a resident, business owner, or researcher, our detailed post will cover everything you need to know about Idaho’s area code history.

Overview of Idaho Area Codes

Idaho is primarily served by two area codes:

208 – The original area code
986 – An overlay to accommodate growing demand

The 208 area code was created in 1947 as part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). In 2017, the state adopted 986 to ensure number availability.

Cities and Regions Covered by Idaho Area Codes

There is no geographical distinction between the two. Major cities include:

Boise
Idaho Falls
Coeur d’Alene
Twin Falls
Nampa
Pocatello

Smaller towns and rural communities also share these codes, thanks to the statewide overlay.

Why Idaho Added the 986 Area Code

According to FCC reports, Idaho was approaching number exhaustion in the 208 zone. The North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) and the Federal Communications Commission approved an all-services overlay with 986 in 2015, effective statewide by 2017.

How the Overlay Works

An overlay means no one has to change their existing number, but everyone must dial 10 digits.

Impact on Dialing

10-digit dialing became mandatory statewide
Existing 208 numbers remained unchanged
New numbers may receive the 986 code

Virtual Phone Numbers in Idaho

Want to appear local while operating remotely? Using a virtual phone system lets you choose between 208 and 986 with full call routing and SMS features.

Check out learn more about virtual phone numbers through Bling.

Using Idaho Numbers for Business

Customers often prefer to engage with here numbers that appear local or familiar.

Get your Idaho business phone number to build instant credibility.

VoIP and Idaho Area Codes

Business VoIP plans offer benefits like call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, IVR, and CRM integrations.

Explore VoIP services in Idaho.

Phone Number Lookup and Spam Detection

Use reverse phone lookup tools to get details on unknown callers:

These tools help identify robocalls, telemarketers, or legitimate users.

Watch: How Area Codes Are Managed

Watch this short YouTube explainer on how area codes like Idaho’s are planned, approved, and rolled out nationally.

Idaho Area Code Lookup Resources

Modern Business Calling in Idaho

A modern business phone system provides call routing, auto attendants, voicemail, and performance analytics.

Visit Bling Cloud phone solution to explore all features.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What area codes are used in Idaho?

Idaho uses two area codes: 208 and 986

Why was the 986 area code added to Idaho?

986 was added as an overlay to 208 due to the growing demand for phone numbers

Do I need to change my number if I live in Idaho?

You can keep your number; only new numbers may receive 986

Can I get a virtual phone number with an Idaho area code?

Many VoIP providers, including Bling, let you pick an Idaho area code

Are Idaho area codes affected by spam or robocalls?

Caller ID lookup can help prevent phone scams in Idaho

Final Thoughts on Idaho Area Codes

Understanding the 208 and 986 codes helps you manage calls, run a business, and stay safe from spam.

Get started with a local Idaho number and stay connected anywhere

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208 & 986 EXPLAINED

208 & 986 Explained