The Arizona Corporation Commission’s Utilities Division Staff has been monitoring the allocation of telephone numbers in the 520 area code to prevent the depletion of available numbers. By collaborating with voice service providers throughout Arizona, staff have worked to reduce the number of requests for new numbers within this area code.
According to a recent forecast from the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA), these efforts have delayed the projected exhaustion date for the 520 area code in southern Arizona. Initially expected to run out of available numbers by early 2027, the revised estimate now places that date in the second quarter of 2030. “The results of Staff’s efforts can be seen in a recent forecast report by the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA). This recent report shows that since the Staff’s efforts began in late 2023, the potential exhaust date of the 520 area code in southern Arizona has been pushed back from early 2027 to 2030. Commission Staff will continue to monitor the 520 area code to ensure that Arizonans’ numbering resources are being used responsibly,” according to a statement from Commission staff.
NANPA is responsible for projecting when area codes may run out and works with state regulators such as the Arizona Corporation Commission and telecommunications companies on plans for relief if necessary. The 520 area code was created in 1995 after splitting from Arizona’s original 602 area code.
Further details about Arizona’s area codes are available on the ACC website at https://azcc.gov/utilities/industry-types/telephone/all-about-area-codes. Residents can also contact their local telephone service provider or email UtilitiesDiv@azcc.gov for more information.
