Frequently Asked Questions
Area code 773 serves a large portion of Chicago, Illinois, excluding the downtown Loop area. It was introduced in 1996 to address the growing communication needs of the city and prevent number exhaustion in the existing 312 area code.
Dial 1, followed by the 10-digit number, including the 773 area code. Eleven-digit dialing is required even for local calls within Chicago area codes 773, 312, and 872.
Chicago has multiple area codes (312, 773, and 872) due to the city's large population and high demand for phone numbers. Area code 773 was added as an overlay in 1996, and 872 was added later to accommodate continued growth.
Always use 11-digit dialing (1 + area code + number) when calling any number within the 773, 312, and 872 area codes. This rule was implemented in 2009 after the introduction of the 872 overlay.
No, you cannot use 7 digits to call within area code 773. You must dial all 11 digits (1 + area code + 7-digit number) even for local calls, due to the introduction of the 872 area code overlay in 2009.
Downtown Chicago Loop primarily uses area code 312. While 773 covers a majority of Chicago, the Loop area retained the original 312 code.
To determine the area code for a specific Chicago number, you can use online area code lookup tools. These tools provide accurate information and are more reliable than solely relying on latitude and longitude.
The North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA), administered by Somos, Inc., manages area code 773. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) oversees NANPA and sets the regulatory framework for telecommunications.
Area code 773 was introduced on October 12, 1996, as an overlay to area code 312. It was implemented as the 182nd area code in North America and the 9th in Illinois to address increasing phone number demands in Chicago.
If experiencing connection problems with a 773 number, ensure you are dialing all 11 digits (including the '1'). Verify the number's accuracy and try again. If problems persist, contact your service provider.
Area Code 773: Chicago, Illinois
Important Note: This article covers area code 773, which serves Chicago, Illinois. West Chicago is a separate city in DuPage County using area codes 630 and 331, not 773. For West Chicago information, refer to area code 630/331 resources.
> Citation1. From source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Area_codes_630_and_331 and https://www.allareacodes.com/630, Title: West Chicago Area Code Assignment, Text: West Chicago, Illinois is located in DuPage County and uses area codes 630 and 331. Area code 630 was put into service on August 3, 1996, and area code 331 was created as an overlay to 630 in 2007. These area codes serve Chicago's western suburbs, including the majority of DuPage County, and are distinct from area codes 312/773 which serve Chicago proper.
Area code 773 serves millions of Chicago residents and businesses across the city's diverse neighborhoods. Looking for information about 773 phone numbers, dialing procedures, or coverage areas? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Chicago's 773 area code, including its history, geographic boundaries, 11-digit dialing requirements, the 872 overlay system, and troubleshooting tips for seamless communication.
History and Evolution of Area Code 773: From 312 Split to 872 Overlay
Area code 312 originally served the entire Chicago metropolitan area. As the city's population and communication needs grew, the 312 area code faced number exhaustion. By the mid-1990s, Chicago's growth and the proliferation of cell phones and pagers created urgent demand for additional telephone numbers. An area code contains 792 available prefixes (each prefix holds 10,000 numbers), and as telecommunications providers received these prefixes, 312 approached exhaustion.
To address this, NANPA put area code 773 into service on October 12, 1996, as the 182nd area code in North America. This was a geographic split, not an overlay – area code 773 took over most of Chicago's neighborhoods outside the downtown Loop, while 312 retained the downtown core and innermost neighborhoods. The split required approximately half of Chicago's telephone customers to change their area code, affecting printed materials like business cards, stationery, advertising, and signage. Businesses updated PBX systems, call routing lists, and customer databases. Permissive dialing of 312 continued across Chicago until January 11, 1997, providing a transition period for residents and businesses.
> Citation2. From source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Area_code_773, https://www.allareacodes.com/773, and https://www.nanpa.com/sites/default/files/2024-10/AreaCodeReliefPlanningFAQs_0.pdf, Title: Area Code 773 Implementation History and Number Allocation Process, Text: Area code 773 was put into service on October 12, 1996, by the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) as the 182nd area code in service. It was created to relieve pressure on the 312 area code as numbers were being exhausted due to Chicago's continued growth and the proliferation of cell phones and pagers. An area code consists of 792 available prefixes (NXXs), where N is a number from 2 to 9 and X is a number from 0 to 9. Numbers are allocated to telecommunications service providers by prefix consisting of 10,000 numbers each. The split was geographic, with 773 covering Chicago's outer neighborhoods while 312 retained the downtown Loop. Permissive dialing of 312 continued until January 11, 1997, when mandatory dialing of the correct area code began.
What Neighborhoods and Cities Use Area Code 773?
Area code 773 serves the city of Chicago, Illinois, specifically covering most of the city's neighborhoods excluding the downtown Chicago Loop (which remains under area code 312). The 773 area code region encompasses numerous neighborhoods throughout Chicago's outer areas.
Major Neighborhoods in Area Code 773:
> Citation3. From source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_neighborhoods_in_Chicago, https://www.zip-codes.com/area-code/area-code-773.asp, and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Area_code_773, Title: Area Code 773 Geographic Coverage and Chicago Neighborhoods, Text: Area code 773 serves the outer areas of Chicago, outside the Loop and the innermost neighborhoods. Chicago has 77 official community areas containing 178 neighborhoods. The 773 area code encompasses neighborhoods across the North Side (Rogers Park, Edgewater, Uptown, Lincoln Square, Lakeview, Lincoln Park), Northwest Side (Albany Park, Irving Park, Portage Park), West Side (Austin, Humboldt Park, Logan Square, Wicker Park), and South Side (Hyde Park, Kenwood, Woodlawn, South Shore, Beverly, Morgan Park). Area code 773 is bounded by area code 312 to the east (downtown), area code 847 to the north, and area code 630 to the west. It primarily serves Cook County within the Chicago city limits.
For precise 773 area code location verification, use online area code lookup tools or phone number lookup services, as latitude and longitude coordinates don't fully capture the complex boundaries of overlapping area codes in Chicago.
How to Dial Area Code 773: 11-Digit Dialing Requirements
For calls within the 773 area code region and to other Chicago area codes (312 and 872), dial the full 11 digits: 1 + area code + 7-digit number. The 11-digit dialing requirement was implemented on November 7, 2009, due to the introduction of the 872 overlay.
> Citation4. From source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Area_code_872 and https://www.chicago.gov/dam/city/depts/bacp/rulesandregs/consumerfactsheets/areacodefactsheet.pdf, Title: Chicago 11-Digit Dialing and Area Code 872 Overlay, Text: Area code 872 was implemented as an overlay for area codes 312 and 773 on November 7, 2009. The Illinois Commerce Commission announced this overlay on August 10, 2007. With the implementation of 872, all local calls in Chicago must be dialed with the full 11-digit phone number (1 + area code + 7-digit number), even for local calls within the same area code. This requirement was necessary due to population growth and increased cell phone usage.
Follow these dialing procedures:
Always include the "1" before the area code, even for local calls within 773. This ensures correct call routing.
Emergency Services
Dial 911 to reach emergency services from any phone in the 773 area code. You don't need to dial an area code or prefix to reach 911. The FCC requires all telephone service providers (wireline, wireless, VoIP) to route 911 calls to the appropriate Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). Enhanced 911 (E911) provides emergency dispatchers with your telephone number and location information, though accuracy varies by service type.
> Citation5. From source: https://www.fcc.gov/general/9-1-1-and-e9-1-1-services, Title: FCC 911 and E911 Services Requirements, Text: 911 is the universal emergency number for all telephone services in the United States. The FCC requires all carriers to route 911 calls to an appropriate Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). Enhanced 911 (E911) automatically reports the telephone number and location of 911 calls. For wireless services, Phase II E911 requires carriers to provide latitude and longitude information to PSAPs, meeting accuracy standards generally within 50 to 300 meters. 911 can be dialed without an area code from any phone. Kari's Law requires multi-line telephone systems (MLTS) to allow users to dial 911 directly without dialing a prefix.
International Dialing Format
To call a 773 number from outside the United States, use the international format: +1 773 XXX-XXXX. The "+1" represents the North American Numbering Plan country code. To call internationally from a 773 number, dial 011 (the U.S. exit code) followed by the country code, area/city code, and local number.
> Citation6. From source: https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/international-long-distance-calling-made-simple-tip-sheet, Title: FCC International Dialing Instructions, Text: To call a phone in another country from the United States, dial 011, then the code for the country you are calling, the area or city code, and the phone number. The procedure for calling Canada and most Caribbean nations is the same as making a domestic long distance call: dial 1, the area code, and the number. When calling the United States from abroad, callers dial their country's international exit code, followed by +1 (the U.S. country code), then the area code and local number.
Who Manages Area Code 773? NANPA and FCC Oversight
The North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) regulates area code 773, like all North American area codes. NANPA, administered by Somos, Inc., manages numbering resources and coordinates area code relief planning. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) oversees NANPA and sets the overall regulatory framework for telecommunications in the United States.
Number Allocation Process
Telecommunications service providers request telephone number prefixes (also called Central Office codes or NXX codes) from NANPA. Each prefix holds 10,000 numbers. NANPA assigns prefixes based on demonstrated need, monitors usage through the Numbering Resource Utilization/Forecast (NRUF) reporting process, and forecasts when an area code will exhaust. To improve number utilization, the industry implemented thousands-block number pooling, which divides each prefix into ten blocks of 1,000 numbers that can be allocated separately within a rate center.
> Citation7. From source: https://www.nanpa.com/sites/default/files/2024-10/AreaCodeReliefPlanningFAQs_0.pdf, Title: NANPA Number Allocation and Area Code Relief Planning, Text: Numbers are allocated to telecommunications service providers by prefix (NXX or Central Office code) consisting of 10,000 numbers. NANPA assigns new prefixes, monitors usage, and forecasts when an area code will exhaust. The industry has implemented thousands-block number pooling to improve utilization, dividing each prefix into ten blocks of 1,000 numbers. NANPA publishes area code exhaust projections twice annually (April and October) based on historical assignment data, service provider forecasts via NRUF reports, pooling inventory, and demand patterns.
Number Portability and Consumer Rights
Under FCC rules, you can keep your telephone number when switching service providers within the same geographic area – a process called local number portability (LNP). Contact your new service provider to initiate the process. Your old provider cannot refuse to port your number, even if you owe money for outstanding balances or termination fees (though you remain obligated to pay these fees). Simple ports typically complete within one business day for single-line services.
> Citation8. From source: https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/porting-keeping-your-phone-number-when-you-change-providers, Title: FCC Number Portability Rules and Consumer Rights, Text: If you're switching service providers and remaining in the same geographic area, you can keep your existing phone number through the porting process. This can be done between wireline, IP, and wireless providers. Contact the new company to start the porting process. Your old company cannot refuse to port your number, even if you owe money for an outstanding balance or termination fee. FCC rules require simple ports (generally not involving more than one line) to be processed in one business day. You may be able to use your phone within a few hours for changes among wireless providers.
Filing Complaints
If you experience issues with your telecommunications service, file a complaint with the FCC through the Consumer Complaint Center at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov. The FCC handles complaints about billing, equipment, coverage, number porting, service quality, and more. Contact the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) at www.icc.illinois.gov for state-level regulatory matters.
> Citation9. From source: https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us, Title: FCC Consumer Complaint Process, Text: The FCC Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Center accepts complaints about phone service issues including billing, equipment, coverage, number porting, unlocking, and service quality. Complaints can be filed online at fcc.gov/complaints. Filing online is the quickest and most effective way. By filing a complaint, consumers contribute to federal enforcement and consumer protection efforts on a national scale. Complaints about telecommunications carriers may be filed as informal complaints through the online system.
Area Code 773 FAQ: Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Find concise answers to common questions about area code 773 below.
What cities are included in Area Code 773?
Area code 773 primarily serves the city of Chicago, covering a significant portion of the city but not the downtown Loop area.
How do I dial within Area Code 773?
Dial 1 followed by the 10-digit number (including the 773 area code). 11-digit dialing is mandatory, even for local calls.
Is Area Code 773 the only code for Chicago?
No. Chicago uses three area codes: 312 (primarily the downtown Loop and innermost neighborhoods), 773 (most of the city's outer neighborhoods), and 872 (an overlay for both 312 and 773, implemented November 7, 2009). The 872 overlay addresses increasing demand for phone numbers in Chicago.
What should I do if I'm having trouble connecting with a 773 number?
Common troubleshooting steps:
If problems persist after basic troubleshooting, contact your service provider for technical assistance. They can check for network issues, account restrictions, or routing problems.
> Citation10. From source: https://www.nextiva.com/blog/voip-troubleshooting.html and https://www.chicago.gov/dam/city/depts/bacp/rulesandregs/consumerfactsheets/areacodefactsheet.pdf, Title: Telecommunications Troubleshooting for Chicago Area Codes, Text: Common issues when dialing Chicago numbers include failing to use 11-digit dialing (1 + area code + 7-digit number), network congestion causing fast busy signals, and VoIP-specific problems related to internet connectivity. For VoIP services, packet loss or ISP network latency can cause call quality issues or dropped calls. Mobile users should check signal strength. All equipment with automatic dialing features (fax machines, modems, PBX systems, alarm systems) must be programmed for 11-digit dialing.
When was area code 773 created?
Area code 773 was put into service on October 12, 1996, as the 182nd area code in North America. It was created as a geographic split from area code 312 to address number exhaustion caused by Chicago's growth and the proliferation of cell phones and pagers.
What neighborhoods does area code 773 cover?
Area code 773 covers Chicago's outer neighborhoods, including Rogers Park, Edgewater, Uptown, Lincoln Square, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Albany Park, Irving Park, Portage Park, Austin, Humboldt Park, Logan Square, Wicker Park, Hyde Park, Kenwood, Woodlawn, South Shore, Beverly, Morgan Park, and many others throughout the city. It excludes the downtown Loop area, which remains under area code 312.
Do I need to dial 11 digits for local calls in Chicago?
Yes. Since the implementation of area code 872 on November 7, 2009, all local calls in Chicago require 11-digit dialing (1 + area code + 7-digit number), even when calling within the same area code.
What is the difference between area codes 773 and 312?
Area code 312 serves downtown Chicago (the Loop) and innermost neighborhoods, while area code 773 serves the outer neighborhoods of Chicago. The split occurred in 1996 when 773 was created to relieve pressure on 312.
Who regulates area code 773?
The North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA), administered by Somos, Inc., regulates area code 773. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) oversees NANPA and sets the regulatory framework for telecommunications.
Does West Chicago use area code 773?
No. West Chicago is a separate city in DuPage County that uses area codes 630 and 331, not 773. Area code 773 serves Chicago proper, not West Chicago.
Troubleshooting 773 Area Code Calls: Common Issues and Solutions
Dialing within the 773 area code is generally straightforward, though occasional issues occur. Common troubleshooting scenarios and best practices include:
Common Dialing Errors and Solutions
Error: "Your call cannot be completed as dialed"
Error: Fast busy signal (rapid beep-beep-beep)
Error: Call connects to wrong number
Error: International callers can't reach your 773 number
Service-Specific Considerations
Wireline (Landline) Phones:
Wireless (Mobile) Phones:
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol):
> Citation11. From source: https://www.nextiva.com/blog/voip-troubleshooting.html and https://www.fcc.gov/general/9-1-1-and-e9-1-1-services, Title: VoIP Troubleshooting and Service Comparison, Text: VoIP services require stable internet connectivity and can experience call quality issues due to packet loss, latency, or insufficient bandwidth. Network congestion during peak periods can impact VoIP call quality. Wireline phones provide the most reliable 911 service with accurate location information. Wireless E911 provides location information based on cell tower and GPS data with accuracy generally within 50-300 meters. VoIP providers must allow customers to register their physical location for E911 services.
Equipment Update Requirements
If you have equipment programmed to dial phone numbers automatically, configure it for 11-digit dialing:
Best Practice: Regularly check your contact list and update any 7-digit Chicago numbers to include the area code – this saves time and prevents dialing errors.
Conclusion: Your Complete Resource for Chicago Area Code 773
Area code 773 forms a vital part of Chicago's telecommunications infrastructure. Understanding its coverage, dialing procedures, and regulatory framework enables effective communication within this dynamic urban environment. This guide provides essential information to navigate the 773 area code with confidence. Always dial the full 11 digits, and contact your service provider if issues arise.
Important Reminder: For information about West Chicago (the city in DuPage County), remember it uses area codes 630 and 331, not 773.