Where is Area Code 686?
Area code 686 is located in Virginia and serves the dynamic metropolitan region of Richmond, as well as its neighboring communities, Tuckahoe and Mechanicsville. This area code was introduced as an overlay for the existing 804 area code, covering precisely the same geographic area. Both residential and business customers in central Virginia—including those in Henrico and Hanover counties—can be assigned either 804 or 686 for new telephone numbers. This overlay was implemented to meet the rising demand for phone numbers without forcing anyone to change their existing number. The region’s telecommunications operations and number assignments are overseen by the Virginia State Corporation Commission, located at 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219.
What time zone is 686 area code in the USA?
The 686 area code, covering Richmond, Tuckahoe, and Mechanicsville, operates within the Eastern Time Zone (ET). This means that the area observes Eastern Standard Time (EST) during the fall and winter months and switches to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) during the spring and summer for Daylight Saving Time.
History of the 686 Area Code
As the need for new phone numbers in Richmond and the surrounding region grew, area code 686 was put in place as an overlay to the well-established 804 area code. Originally, area code 804 had served central and eastern Virginia since 1973. The increase in mobile devices, home lines, and business communications made it necessary to add 686 to avoid running out of numbers. With this overlay, ten-digit dialing is now required for all local calls, allowing both area codes to efficiently serve the same geographic region. The overlay ensures continuity for existing numbers while enabling new services to come online smoothly. The roll-out of area code 686 was managed in coordination with the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA), Virginia regulators, and service providers.
How Many People Use the 686 Area Code?
The 686 and 804 area codes together serve hundreds of thousands of people in the Richmond metro area and surrounding communities. While most established phone lines still use the 804 area code, new lines—including personal phones, businesses, and other services—are increasingly assigned 686 numbers. The demand for phone numbers continues to rise as the region grows, making both area codes vital for the area’s continued connectivity .
Is the 686 Area Code Toll-Free?
Area code 686 is a geographic area code and is not toll-free. Calls to and from numbers beginning with 686 are subject to local or long-distance charges, based on your phone service plan and call location. Toll-free area codes in the United States always begin with 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833. If you need more information about toll-free calling or telecommunication regulations, you may contact the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), located at 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554..