Have you ever received a call from a number starting with 217, or are you planning to set up business in Central Illinois, US, and worried about your area code? You are not the one. Many of us wonder about what the 217 area code is and what it represents. Generally, the area code is a three-digit number that comes as a prefix for a seven-digit number. This code represents the geographic location where the number is associated with and streamlines call routing across different areas.


The area codes are used to identify the location of the telephone, establish seamless connectivity, and ensure efficient call routing. Whether you are establishing a business or an individual having curiosity about area codes to prevent common scams, understanding the area code 217 and its significance is crucial for effective and secure communication. Today, we will shed light on a comprehensive overview of the 217 area code and its historical evolution. Additionally, you will learn how it works, where it is used, and what makes it significant.


Key Takeaways:


  • The 217 area code is a 10-digit telephone region identifier, representing central Illinois under the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).

  • The area code covers 38 countries and 249 cities, including Springfield and Champaign, in the Central Time Zone (GMT 06:00).

  • It was introduced in 1947 as an original area code, designed for clear and secure communication.

  • Due to number exhaustion, the single area code 447 was added as an overlay to ensure consistent mobile number availability.

  • For those who want to start their business in the US, they require the area code 217 for targeting local audiences and identifying market trends for business growth.

  • It is a key code that has become an important historical and economic part of the state.

What is the 217 Area Code and Where is It Located?


Area code 217 is a 3-digit North American area code representing the central part of the state of Illinois, created in 1947. This area has a single 447 area code as the overlay for 217 in the same geographical location on 27 March 2021. Primarily, it serves central Illinois, and the region significantly includes these cities:


  • Springfield, IL (the capital of the state and Abraham Lincoln’s home)

  • Champaign-Urbana (the place where the University of Illinois is located)

  • Charleston (Also called “Holi city”, known for its historical buildings)

  • Decatur (Roots of agricultural and manufacturing industries)

  • Danville (Renowned as a “playful city” worldwide)

  • Jacksonville (known for its beauty, cultural scenes, and bustling downtown)

  • Mattoon (small towns with an interconnected community vibe)

The 217 region code expands from the Indiana border to the Mississippi River, covering urban centers, rural communities, and college towns.


History of the Area Code 217


In 1947, when the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) was established, the 217 telephone code was among the first area codes assigned to Illinois. However, in the beginning, the 217 area code covered a larger area. In 1954, the major parts of the St. Louis metropolitan east area switched from the 217 telephone code to 618. Then in 1957, the northern portion of area code 217 was split off to create the cities of area code 309, like Bloomington and Peoria. Over time, as population and phone number requirements grow, the area code 447 is introduced as an overlay for 217 in 2021.


The Area Code 447 Overlay


In 2021, the 447 area code overlay for 217 regions was introduced on March 27, 2021, to stay abreast of the increasing requirements for phone numbers. However, what does this overlay mean? The new numbers have the 447 codes as a prefix, but they serve the area code 217. Both area codes serve the same region, central Illinois, including counties like Champaign, Decatur, and Adams. The purpose of this overlay is to add more numbers without changing their existing phone numbers. Ultimately, for those users who have 217 phone numbers, nothing changes. But if you are planning for a new number, you might get a number with the area code 447 instead.


Potential Challenges with the 217 Area Code


Unlike other area code prefixes, this code, 217, is commonly used in various scams like robocalls, spoofing, and phishing. Scammers leverage the “neighbor spoofing” strategy to display local area codes and impersonate government agencies to steal sensitive information. This may feel like the call is from a trusted source, which increases the chances of answering the call. Scammers may also use automated robocalls to offer you fake deals and services that trap you into providing personal details and money. If you receive a call starting with a 217 phone number claiming to be from government agencies or trusted institutes and offering suspicious, favourable terms, be careful; it may be risky. Now the question is how to prevent yourself from such suspicious activities:


  1. Don’t answer calls from 217 phone numbers: if you receive a call with the 217 prefix or are unsure about the call, it is beneficial to ignore it.

  2. Register on the “Do Not Call” registry: After registering, this can limit the telemarketing calls and avoid scam calls you may receive.

  3. Report Suspected Scams: If you are targeted by scammers, take immediate action---report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

  4. Do not share personal or sensitive information: Never give your personal information, bank details, and security numbers like OTP to anyone over the phone.

Additionally, many businesses operate using CRMs like SuiteCRM, which offers a robust solution to ensure secure communication and mitigate such threats. To ensure you never miss any business calls, the Twilio Click to Call Plugin can instantly authenticate caller details. This enables users to protect their sensitive data from unauthorized access, especially when dealing with location-based calls with the 217 area code. With features like on-screen caller pop-ups and automatic call recording, this plugin stands out as a powerful tool for more secure and trackable interaction.


If you manage clients or leads from the 217 area code, our Twilio Click to Call and Twilio SMS Integration for SuiteCRM lets you connect instantly, right from your CRM.


Conclusion:


Area code 217 is not just a string of numbers—it represents valuable context in central Illinois’s identity. From Champions to Springfield, the area code covers several countries representing cultural, historical, and economic values. Whether moving to another region, setting up new businesses, or receiving a suspicious call, understanding the regional area code makes a difference. However, knowing the 217 area code, its overlay, and potential scams can protect you from misleading calls. Meanwhile, understanding these area codes is vital for both individuals and businesses to maintain effective communication. This enables you to identify where the 217 telephone code is associated with—the heart of Illinois.