If you’ve ever seen a phone number starting with 907 and wondered where it’s from, you’re not alone. The 907 area code isn’t as common as 212 or 310, yet it covers a vast and unique region. Whether you’re trying to dial a friend in Alaska or figure out if a call from 907 is local or long distance, this guide has you covered.
Let’s break it all down in a simple, straightforward way.
What Geographic Region Does the 907 Area Code Cover?
The 907 area code is solely assigned to the state of Alaska. Yep, the entire state—every corner of it—all shares this one area code.
This means that whether someone is calling from Anchorage, Juneau, Fairbanks, or the tiny town of Barrow (now called Utqiaġvik), they’re all using 907. The area code covers Alaska’s vast expanse, including:
- Anchorage – The largest city in Alaska
- Fairbanks – Known for its cold weather and northern lights
- Juneau – The state capital, accessible only by boat or plane
- Smaller communities – Like Kodiak, Sitka, and Nome
Because Alaska is so huge geographically—over 663,000 square miles—having a single area code for the whole state is both interesting and practical.
Why Is It Unique to Alaska?
Unlike many states that have multiple area codes, Alaska has just one. That means 907 is unique and exclusive to Alaska. No other state or city in the United States shares the 907 area code.
So, if you see a phone number beginning with 907, you can be confident the call is coming from somewhere in Alaska.
The History and Origin of the 907 Area Code
To understand 907’s story, we have to rewind to the late 1940s.
When the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) was introduced in 1947, area codes were assigned based on geography and population. Most states received one or more area codes depending on their size and demand for phone numbers.
The Birth of 907
According to the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA), 907 was assigned to Alaska in 1957, about a decade after the initial area codes were distributed[1]. Prior to that, Alaska’s telephone system was somewhat isolated and limited, but as the state grew and modernized, it needed its own dedicated area code.
At the time, Alaska was still a U.S. territory—it became the 49th state in 1959. The assignment of the 907 code helped unify the state’s communication network and connected Alaska to the broader U.S. telephone system.
Dialing Rules and Special Considerations for the 907 Area Code
Now, let’s talk about making calls with this area code. This is where confusion often creeps in for people unfamiliar with Alaska’s system.
How to Dial to 907
If you’re calling from within Alaska, you generally don’t need to dial the area code. Most local calls only require the seven-digit phone number.
But when you call from outside Alaska to a 907 number, you must dial 1 + 907 + the seven-digit number. For example, if you’re in Seattle and want to call a friend in Anchorage, you’ll dial:
1 907 XXX XXXX
Calling Out of Alaska From 907
When calling outside Alaska from a 907 number, you dial:
1 + area code + seven-digit phone number
So, calling New York from Alaska would be:
1 212 XXX XXXX
One Key Point: Ten-Digit Dialing
In some parts of the U.S., ten-digit dialing (area code + number) has become mandatory even for local calls. Alaska does not require ten-digit dialing for local calls. You can dial the seven-digit number inside Alaska without any problem.
However, because 907 covers the entire state, anything outside your local calling area within Alaska might still be a long-distance call. But the dialing format stays the same.
Clearing Up the Confusion: Is a 907 Number Local or Long Distance?
This is where things get tricky for many people.
Because Alaska is so massive geographically but small in population, what counts as a local call varies depending on where you are.
Example Scenario: Anchorage vs. Fairbanks
If you live in Anchorage and call a number also in Anchorage, it’s a local call—just dial the seven digits.
But if you’re in Anchorage calling Fairbanks (about 360 miles away), that’s technically a long-distance call, even though both use the 907 area code.
This can mess with your head because in most of the U.S., area codes are designed to signal whether a call is long distance or local. In Alaska, a 907 number might be local or long distance depending on the caller’s and recipient’s locations.
Why Does This Matter?
- Billing: Long-distance calls can cost more, depending on your phone plan.
- Dialing: You still only need the seven-digit number for local calls in Alaska.
- Caller ID: The 907 area code doesn’t differentiate between local or long distance because it covers the whole state.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to check with your phone carrier or ask the person you’re calling to avoid surprise charges.
Quick FAQs About the 907 Area Code
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does 907 cover any other states? | No, 907 is unique to Alaska only. |
| Can I dial 907 numbers without the area code in Alaska? | Yes, for local calls, just dial the seven-digit number. |
| Is 907 a long-distance area code? | It covers both local and long-distance calls within Alaska. |
| When was 907 introduced? | The code was assigned in 1957, before Alaska became a state. |
| Do I need to dial 1 before 907? | Yes, when calling from outside Alaska, dial 1 + 907 + number. |
What If You’re Getting Calls From 907?
Sometimes, people get calls from unknown 907 numbers and wonder if it’s local spam or something else.
Here are a few tips:
- Is the person or business in Alaska? If you don’t know anyone there, be cautious.
- Check the number online: Websites like TrueCaller or the Better Business Bureau can help spot spam or scams.
- If unsure, don’t answer. You can always call back later if it’s important.
Bottom Line: Why Knowing About 907 Matters
If you live in Alaska, it’s simple—907 is your area code and dialing mostly follows standard rules, minus some quirks because of the state’s size.
If you’re outside Alaska, knowing that 907 means Alaska helps you immediately place where the call is coming from. Plus, it tells you to dial the “1” before the number, so your call connects properly.
And if you get a call from 907, it’s a good clue the caller is somewhere in the Last Frontier.
So next time you see a phone number with 907, you’ll know exactly who you’re dealing with—no guesswork needed.
References
- According to the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA), 907 was assigned to Alaska in 1957, just before statehood. NANPA – Area Code History
- FCC guidelines on dialing procedures and local vs. long-distance calls describe how area codes like 907 operate within a state. FCC – Understanding Area Codes
- Alaska’s vast geography and communications infrastructure detailed by Alaska Public Media. Alaska Public Media – Phone Systems
If you’ve got any questions or want to share your own experiences with the 907 area code, just leave a comment. I’m happy to help!
sourav
Danny Inayat