Where is Area Code 562?
Area Code 562 is designated primarily for regions in the southeastern portion of Los Angeles County and parts of Orange County. It serves a variety of communities, each governed by local authorities and subject to California state regulations. Notable cities and areas within this coverage include:
- Long Beach
- Lakewood
- Whittier
- Norwalk
- Downey
- La Mirada
The City of Long Beach, which is one of the central areas served by this area code, is administered through its main government offices at 411 W Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802. In Whittier, local governance is conducted from 13230 Penn St, Whittier, CA 90602, while the City of Lakewood maintains municipal services at 5050 Clark Ave, Lakewood, CA 90712. These local governments often coordinate with state authorities, such as the California area code assignment, to ensure compliance with regulations established by the California Public Utilities Commission, located at 505 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102.
What time zone is 562 area code in the USA?
The 562 Area Code falls under Pacific Standard Time (PST). During Daylight Saving Time (DST), it switches to Pacific Daylight Time (PDT). This transition typically begins in mid-March and ends in early November, in accordance with government phone numbering guidelines from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), headquartered at 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554. For official timekeeping standards, individuals may also consult the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s official time resources.
History of the 562 Area Code
Area Code 562 was created in 1997 as a split from the pre-existing 310 Area Code. Its establishment aimed to address the rapid increase in telephone usage, which resulted from both population growth and the expansion of telecommunication services. Key aspects of its historical development include:
- 1990s Split: Overextension of the 310 Area Code required a new designation, leading to the creation of 562.
- Technological Growth: Widespread adoption of mobile phones, fax machines, and pagers contributed to the need for more phone numbers.
- Regulatory Oversight: The California Public Utilities Commission worked in coordination with the FCC to manage the growing demand and ensure the availability of adequate numbering resources.
Anyone seeking formal documentation about area code changes may consult the California Public Utilities Commission guidelines or reach out to the commission’s main offices at 505 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102. Historical records often include detailed information on past splits, overlays, and projected usage statistics.
How Many People Use the 562 Area Code?
It is estimated that several million residents and businesses operate under the 562 Area Code. Due to its coverage of both densely populated urban centers like Long Beach and smaller communities throughout the region, exact numbers can vary. The Federal Communications Commission, at 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, oversees national numbering policies, but local implementation is largely handled by the California Public Utilities Commission. According to publicly available demographic data:
- Approximately 2 million individuals reside within the major cities served by Area Code 562.
- A variety of business sectors, including maritime, education, and healthcare, use 562 numbers.
- Continuous growth in telecommunication services may prompt future evaluations by regulatory agencies.
Is the 562 Area Code Toll-Free?
Area Code 562 is a geographic area code, meaning it is not designated as a toll-free number range. Calls placed within the 562 region may be subject to local or long-distance charges depending on the caller’s service provider. This limitation differentiates 562 from toll-free codes (such as 800, 888, and 877), which do not typically incur charges for inbound calls. Some considerations for 562 users include:
- Standard Billing: Calls are billed in accordance with the caller’s phone plan and the distance involved.
- Local Call Patterns: Within the 562 Area Code, local call costs generally apply for most phone users.
- Regulatory Compliance: Service providers must proportion calls, usage, and charges based on FCC and state-level rules.
Further details on toll-free or geographic number distinctions may be obtained from government phone numbering guidelines or by contacting the California Public Utilities Commission at 505 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102.