Area code on a local call?

Question

why do i have to dial my area code for a local call?

Answer 1

Because with many new customers needing new numbers, the telephone company had to create additional area codes in large metropolitan areas.

  

Here is a practical example.

Suppose your local calling area included only area code 211. Joe lived in your calling area and his number is 555-1212. Since only Joe had that number, you did not have to use the area code. However, later on, Bill is a new customer in your local calling area and needs a telephone number. Since all numbers in the 211 area code were used up, the phone company splits your local calling area code into two different area codes; 211 and 210. By adding a new area code number, that gives the telephone company an additional 9,999,999 new numbers. So Joe keeps 211-555-1212 while Bill is assigned 210-555-1212. Therefore, you have to use the area code to call either one of them since both area codes are now part of your local calling area.