Why Alaska's 907 area code is technically the farthest east and west in North America

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Spanning the massive expanse of Alaska, area code 907 is a geographic anomaly. While it serves the largest numbering plan area in the United States, its unique position crossing the 180th meridian means it holds the distinction of being both the westernmost and easternmost area code on the continent.

Established in 1956, area code 907 remains the only telephone area code for the entire state of Alaska. Its creation coincided with the launch of the first commercial submarine cable on December 11, 1956, which connected Port Angeles, Washington, to the Alaskan towns of Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway. Before this technological milestone, telephone service to the region had relied on a terrestrial line to Juneau that had been in operation since 1937.

Across the entire North American continent, it is second only to the 867 area code, which covers Canada's northern territories. Because the Aleutian Islands extend across the 180th meridian—the Anti-Meridian—the 907 code occupies a singular position, effectively spanning both the farthest west and farthest east points of the North American Numbering Plan.

Despite its immense size, the region's relatively low population density means that 907 is one of only twelve area codes in the system that still serves an entire state. Projections indicate that the code will not reach exhaustion until after 2049. While the code is ubiquitous across Alaska, there are rare exceptions; for instance, the community of Hyder is served by the Canadian 236/250/257/672/778 overlay complex rather than 907. Furthermore, the area code underwent a significant transition in October 2021, shifting to mandatory ten-digit dialing to accommodate the national designation of 988 as a suicide prevention lifeline, which had previously conflicted with local seven-digit exchange assignments.

The longevity and stability of the 907 code highlight the unique challenges of managing telecommunications infrastructure in such a sprawling, remote environment. From its origins as a singular link to the contiguous United States to its current status as a massive, unified numbering zone, 907 remains a testament to the logistical complexity of connecting the far reaches of the North American continent.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• Why the '905' became a cultural and political identity
• Southeast Alaska is a massive, rainy temperate rainforest isolated by rugged mountains and deep fjords.
• How a 1940s plan to automate switchboards created the modern North American telephone network
• Why Arizona’s Phoenix area abandoned geographic boundaries to save its telephone number supply
• How a Greek capital city was built on a swamp to chase trade
• How a fierce inland tribe transformed into the Adriatic Sea's most feared maritime power
• The Ariake Sea is a shallow, tidal giant shaped by volcanic ash and mud
• The Ardèche river is a short, volatile waterway with a surprisingly powerful punch
• Arizona's 2nd Congressional District is a shifting landscape of geography, culture, and complex history.
• In the Baltic Sea, a vast archipelago is still rising from the ocean floor
• How Arizona's Fourth Congressional District Has Been Constantly Redrawn Over Five Decades
• How the Archdiocese of St. Louis evolved from a frontier mission to a modern institution.

More in Bodies of water · More in Countries & Cities · Latest · A–Z · All topics