Area code 624 is a telephone area code in the North American Numbering Plan that serves the Western New York region. Rolled out in late 2023 by the New York State Public Service Commission, it acts as an overlay for the region’s historic 716 area code. It covers major cities like Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Jamestown, and Tonawanda, spanning across Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Niagara counties. The new code introduces a fresh supply of phone numbers to satisfy the region’s growing technological and economic demands without altering any existing 716 numbers.
What Is the 624 Area Code?
The 624 area code serves the Western New York region. Authorities introduced it in late 2023 as an overlay for the historic 716 area code, so it covers the same geographic area. The New York State Public Service Commission implemented the new code to provide more phone numbers as the 716 code neared exhaustion because of growing demand for mobile devices and business lines.
Where Is Area Code 624 Located?
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| State | New York |
| Region | Western New York |
| Major cities | Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Jamestown, Olean, West Seneca |
| Counties | Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara (all or parts) |
| Time zone | Eastern Time (ET) |
| Type | All-services overlay of 716 |
| Country | United States (NANP) |
Why Was the 624 Area Code Created?
The 624 area code was created because the region needed more phone numbers. The North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) forecasted that the available pool of unique phone numbers in the historic 716 area code would soon run out.
How to Dial a 624 Number
To dial a 624 number, you must use 10-digit dialing (or 11-digit dialing if using a landline), even if you are calling from a local 716 or 624 number within Western New York.
When Did 624 Start?
The 624 area code officially took effect on September 11, 2023, and NANPA formally placed it into commercial service on November 16, 2023.
Does 624 Replace 716?
No, the 624 area code does not replace the 716 area code.
Instead, it acts as an overlay, which means the two area codes coexist and serve the exact same geographic area in Western New York.
Does Calling a 624 Number Cost More?
No, calling a 624 number does not cost more.
Because the 624 area code is an overlay that shares the exact same geographic footprint as the 716 area code, calls between 716 and 624 numbers are billed as standard local calls.
624 vs 716 Area Code: Quick Comparison
| Feature | 716 | 624 |
|---|---|---|
| Introduced | 1947 (original NANP code) | Overlay, available from Nov. 16, 2023 |
| Coverage | Western New York | Same area as 716 |
| Dialing | 10 digits | 10 digits |
| Time zone | Eastern | Eastern |
| Prestige or cost difference | None | None |
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Conclusion
The introduction of the 624 area code marks a seamless evolution for Western New York’s telecommunications landscape. By acting as an overlay rather than a disruptive geographic split, it ensures that long-time residents and established local businesses can keep their historic 716 phone numbers completely unchanged.
