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Area code 671
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The area code 671 is the telephone area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) for the United States territory of Guam. It was created with the beginning of permissive dialing on July 1, 1997, replacing Guam's previous International Telecommunication Union country code 671 at the end of permissive dialing on July 1, 1998.
Origins
[edit]Prior to 1997, callers from the rest of the United States had to dial '011-671' and then the seven-digit telephone number to reach Guam, similar to international calls. As international calling rates began to fall in the more competitive destination countries during the 1990s, it became a considerable financial burden for people on the United States mainland to place calls to the United States territory of Guam, especially for those who were stationed in United States military bases there.
Calling costs
[edit]After Guam was added to the North American Numbering Plan, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulated calls to and from Guam as "domestic", hence dramatically lowering the cost of these telephone calls. This change also opened up national toll-free numbers (as of April 2015, area codes 800, 888, 877, 866, 855 and 844) to callers from Guam, which became very popular with the advent of prepaid phone cards.
However, since no U.S. national mobile telephone carriers have a presence on Guam, cellular calls into Guam are not necessarily considered "domestic" or within the definition of "nationwide long distance".
The FCC's regulation of Guam as "domestic" has no legal effect for telephone carriers outside the United States, for whom Guam is often not a competitive destination. Therefore, calls from other countries inbound to Guam can still be relatively expensive, especially compared to outbound calls from Guam since Guam is now open to the U.S.-based phone card market through toll-free access.
Dialing
[edit]Prior to 2021, within Guam, only the seven-digit phone number was necessary. When a person in Guam calls anywhere in the United States or Canada, one simply dials "1" and then the area code and phone number. For callers in the U.S. or Canada calling to Guam, one first dials '1-671', followed by the seven-digit phone number.
On October 24, 2021, area code 671 was transitioned to ten-digit dialing, despite not being part of an overlay numbering plan, in which multiple area codes are assigned to a numbering plan area. The area code had telephone numbers assigned for the central office code 988. In 2020, 988 was designated nationwide as a dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which created a conflict for exchanges that still permitted seven-digit dialing.[1]
Prefixes
[edit]With a population of less than 200,000,[2] there is only a limited need for prefixes on Guam. Currently, less than 165 of the 800 possibilities are actually in use.
Here is a list of landline prefixes on Guam and their associated geographic locations:
- 3XX: U.S. Military
- 47X: Hagåtña, Agana Heights, Asan-Maina, Piti, Chalan-Pago-Ordot, Mongmong-Toto-Maite
- 56X: Agat, Santa Rita
- 63X: Dededo
- 64X: Tamuning
- 65X: Yigo
- 73X: Mangilao, Barrigada
- 789: Yona, Talofofo
- 828: Merizo, Inarajan, Umatac
- 969: DoCoMo Pacific subscribers
See also
[edit]References
[edit]| North: 670 | ||
| West: Pacific Ocean | area code 671 | East: Pacific Ocean, 808 |
| South: Pacific Ocean, country code +691 in Federated States of Micronesia | ||
| Hawaii area codes: 808 | ||
| Northern Mariana Islands area codes: 670 | ||
Area code 671
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Area code 671 is the sole telephone area code serving Guam, an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the western Pacific Ocean.[1] It encompasses the entire island, including major population centers such as Hagåtña (the capital), Dededo, Tamuning, and Yigo, and operates in the Chamorro Standard Time zone (UTC+10).[2]
Established on July 1, 1997, the area code was created to integrate Guam into the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), repurposing the territory's former international country code +671 as a domestic area code to facilitate lower-cost calling from the U.S. mainland and other NANP countries.[2] This transition eliminated the need for international dialing prefixes when calling Guam from within the NANP, though permissive dialing (allowing both 7-digit and 10-digit local calls) was initially supported.[3] Prior to 1997, Guam used the standalone country code 671 under the International Telecommunication Union system, which had been in place since the island's early telecommunications development.[4]
In October 2021, Guam fully transitioned to mandatory 10-digit dialing (including the 671 prefix for all local calls) as mandated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to accommodate the introduction of a nationwide 988 suicide prevention hotline and to standardize numbering practices across the NANP.[5] This change affects approximately 92 central office prefixes within the area code, serving a population of approximately 169,000 residents (2025 est.) and supporting both fixed-line and mobile telecommunications.[6][7] The area code remains unoverlaid, with no additional codes planned, ensuring its continued exclusivity for Guam's telephony needs.[2]
GTA holds the majority of assignments, such as 644 and 653, supporting fixed-line services, while IT&E manages others like 456 for mobile and data operations.[39] Following the 2021 implementation of 10-digit dialing, the 988 prefix was adjusted and assigned to support the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Guam.[40]
History
Creation and implementation
In August 1996, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a decision to incorporate Guam into the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), assigning it area code 671 to address the high costs associated with international dialing for calls between Guam and the mainland United States, which particularly burdened U.S. military personnel and residents.[8] This move facilitated rate integration under Section 254(g) of the Communications Act, treating Guam as a domestic NANP member and enabling equitable interstate access charges and lower calling rates.[9] Area codes 670 and 671 were assigned to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam, respectively.[10] Permissive dialing for area code 671 commenced on July 1, 1997, permitting callers to optionally prepend the three-digit code to existing seven-digit local numbers while still allowing seven-digit dialing to connect.[11] During this transition period, telecommunications providers updated switching systems to support the new format, with carriers required to submit implementation plans to the FCC by early 1997. Mandatory ten-digit dialing (1 + area code + seven digits) was enforced starting July 1, 1998, fully supplanting the prior international country code +1-671 and ensuring all calls within and to Guam used the NANP structure.[11][8] Upon activation, all 800 possible central office codes (NXX from 200 to 999) in area code 671 were initially assigned to the Guam Telephone Authority (now GTA Teleguam) as the primary incumbent local exchange carrier, along with allocations to other providers such as IT&E for competitive services.[10] This comprehensive assignment supported the territory's telecommunications needs without immediate central office code exhaustion concerns. Guam's population of approximately 145,000 residents in 1997, including about 16,000 military personnel, justified the allocation of a single area code, eliminating the need for overlays or splits at launch.Pre-NANP numbering system
Prior to its integration into the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) in 1997, Guam operated under the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) country code +671, which had been in use prior to 1997. This code placed Guam in World Numbering Zone 6, distinct from the North American Zone 1, requiring international dialing procedures for connections with the United States mainland. Local telephone numbers in Guam consisted of seven digits in the format NXX-XXXX, managed without an internal area code due to the island's compact size and limited subscriber base.[12] International calls from the United States to Guam followed the format 011-671 followed by the seven-digit local number, treating all such connections as overseas communications subject to international rates and regulations.[12] This setup was overseen primarily by the Guam Telephone Authority (GTA), established in 1972 as a public agency responsible for local exchange services under ITU-compliant international telecommunications rules.[13] The infrastructure, including central office switches, supported basic voice services but lacked advanced features like equal access dialing, relying instead on limited fiber optic and satellite links for transpacific connectivity.[12] With Guam's population hovering around 150,000 in the 1990s, the system required no area code splits or overlays, accommodating the modest demand through GTA's monopoly on fixed-line services.[14] The international status of +671 imposed significant challenges, particularly high calling costs that were approximately three times those of domestic U.S. rates, deterring frequent communication between Guam and the mainland.[12] These elevated expenses and connectivity limitations were especially burdensome for U.S. military personnel and their families stationed at bases like Andersen Air Force Base and Naval Base Guam, where reliable, low-cost access to continental networks was essential for operational coordination and personal contact.[12] This prompted advocacy from military stakeholders and local authorities for Guam's inclusion in the NANP, aiming to streamline dialing and reduce barriers to integration as a U.S. territory. The pre-NANP era thus highlighted Guam's isolation in global telephony, with GTA's operations constrained by international protocols that prioritized basic service over expansion.[15]Geography
Coverage area
Area code 671 serves the entire United States territory of Guam, which encompasses the main island of Guam and the nearby uninhabited islet of Cocos Island.[2][4] This area code covers all 19 villages that constitute Guam's administrative divisions, including the capital village of Hagåtña and major population centers such as Dededo, Tamuning, Barrigada, Agana Heights, and Santa Rita.[16][2] The villages span the island's diverse landscapes, from urban coastal areas to inland rural communities, ensuring comprehensive telephone service across the territory.[17] Area code 671 is exclusive to landline, mobile, and VoIP telephone services within Guam and does not extend to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, which operates under area code 670.[18][2] As of 2024, Guam's population is estimated at 169,532 residents, a figure that supports the territory's ongoing use of a single area code without the need for overlays or splits.[19] Telephone numbers assigned under area code 671 integrate with the United States Postal Service's ZIP code system, utilizing the range 96910 through 96932 to facilitate address verification and mail delivery across Guam's villages.[20][21]Time zone and operational details
Guam, served by area code 671, operates in the Chamorro Standard Time (ChST) zone, which is UTC+10, and does not observe daylight saving time.[22] This fixed time offset ensures consistent scheduling for local communications without seasonal adjustments.[23] The time difference between Chamorro Standard Time and the U.S. East Coast ranges from 14 to 15 hours ahead, depending on whether Eastern Daylight Time is in effect, which can complicate call timing for connections with mainland U.S. callers and often requires after-hours coordination for real-time interactions. Due to Guam's remote Pacific location, this temporal separation highlights the island's isolation in the broader North American Numbering Plan (NANP) network. Telephone service under area code 671 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, supporting continuous access for residents and visitors, though peak usage typically aligns with local business hours from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ChST.[24] This pattern reflects standard operational rhythms in Guam's telecommunications infrastructure, managed by local providers like GTA TeleGuam. Emergency services integration has been a key operational feature since Guam's inclusion in the NANP in 1997, with the 911 system fully operational for dispatching police, fire, and medical responses across the territory. In 2021, the designation of 988 as the national suicide and crisis lifeline by the Federal Communications Commission prompted mandatory 10-digit local dialing in the 671 area code to avoid conflicts with existing local prefixes, ensuring seamless access to both 911 and 988 services.[25] As part of the NANP, area code 671 falls under Federal Communications Commission (FCC) oversight for interstate and international numbering policies, while local administration and service delivery are handled by the Guam Telephone Authority (GTA), the primary incumbent carrier responsible for infrastructure maintenance and customer support. GTA ensures compliance with NANP standards while addressing territory-specific needs, such as reliable connectivity in a tropical island environment.Dialing procedures
Local and domestic dialing
Prior to 2021, local telephone calls within the area covered by 671 were dialed using seven digits, a practice rooted in Guam's earlier non-NANP numbering system that carried over upon its integration into the North American Numbering Plan in 1997.[26] To accommodate the nationwide implementation of 988 as the three-digit code for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which conflicted with existing seven-digit local numbers in 671 beginning with 988, mandatory ten-digit dialing was required for all local calls in the area.[26] A permissive dialing period began on April 24, 2021, allowing callers to use either seven or ten digits (671 plus the seven-digit number) without interruption, though customers were encouraged to transition to ten digits.[26] This period lasted until October 23, 2021, after which seven-digit local calls would fail and prompt an error message instructing callers to redial with the area code.[27] Mandatory ten-digit dialing took effect at 12:01 a.m. local time on October 24, 2021.[26] From other locations within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), including the continental United States, calls to 671 numbers are placed by dialing 1 followed by the ten-digit number (671 plus seven digits).[28] This procedure applies uniformly across NANP member countries for domestic long-distance calls to Guam.International access
To dial into area code 671 from outside the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), callers must use their country's international exit code followed by +1 (the NANP country code), 671 (the area code), and the seven-digit local number.[29] For example, from countries in Europe using the exit code 00, the format is 00-1-671-XXX-XXXX.[30] Guam is treated as a U.S. territory for inbound international calls, integrating seamlessly into the global +1-671 numbering under the ITU E.164 standard.[31] Outbound international calls from area code 671 to non-NANP destinations require dialing 011 (the NANP international exit code), followed by the destination country's code and the local number.[32] For international travelers, mobile numbers assigned to area code 671 retain their +1-671 prefix while roaming abroad, allowing seamless identification and connectivity through global carrier agreements.[33] Area code 671 has been recognized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as part of the NANP since its implementation in 1997, transitioning from Guam's prior standalone country code +671.[10]Rates and accessibility
Cost reductions post-NANP
Prior to the creation of area code 671 in 1997, telephone calls from the contiguous United States to Guam were billed as international, requiring the prefix 011 followed by the country code 671 and a seven-digit local number. This treatment resulted in rates approximately three times higher than comparable domestic long-distance calls, imposing a substantial financial burden particularly on military personnel and their families maintaining connections with the territory.[12] The Federal Communications Commission's 1997 approval of Guam's inclusion in the North American Numbering Plan, assigning it area code 671 with permissive dialing beginning July 1, 1997, reclassified such calls as domestic.[2] [12] This shift permitted the application of standard U.S. long-distance rates, often dropping to mere pennies per minute under prevailing carrier plans by the late 1990s, thereby enhancing affordability and accessibility for callers nationwide. For businesses, the integration facilitated seamless access to mainland U.S. markets without international billing premiums, promoting economic ties and increasing telecommunications revenue through higher call volumes. Calls to Guam now incur no per-call international surcharges and are routinely incorporated into bundled domestic long-distance packages offered by U.S. carriers.[12] This development built on prior FCC initiatives, including the 1994 mandate for equal access implementation in Guam, which sought to establish rate parity with other U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico under area code 787.[12]Toll-free and mobile service nuances
Upon integration into the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) in 1997, area code 671 enabled residents and businesses in Guam to access toll-free numbers such as 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, and 844 as domestic calls, facilitating seamless connection to national customer service centers across the United States without international charges.[10] This uniformity aligns with NANP standards, where toll-free services are treated equivalently across all member territories, including U.S. insular areas like Guam.[34] Cellular numbering under area code 671 has been available since the territory's entry into the NANP on July 1, 1997, with wireless numbers integrated into the same numbering pool as wireline without a dedicated overlay or separate code.[2] Major providers, including IT&E, GTA TeleGuam, and Docomo Pacific, manage both wireline and mobile services within the 671 prefix, supporting unified local and domestic calling.[35][24][36] For mobile service, U.S.-based carriers generally classify calls to and from Guam as domestic, incorporating them into standard plans without additional roaming fees for American subscribers.[33] However, non-U.S. visitors using foreign SIM cards may encounter international roaming charges, as some global networks treat Guam as an overseas destination despite its NANP status.[37] Exceptions persist for specialized services; calls to or from satellite phones, which operate outside the NANP framework, often incur premium rates regardless of location, typically ranging from $0.80 to $2.00 per minute due to their global satellite infrastructure.[38] Similarly, certain VoIP providers may apply extra fees for connections involving 671 numbers if not optimized for full NANP compatibility, though major platforms like those from IT&E, GTA, and Docomo Pacific integrate seamlessly for local use.[35][24][36]Numbering resources
Assigned prefixes
Area code 671 encompasses 800 possible central office prefixes (NXX codes), spanning 200 through 999 while excluding invalid formats such as 0XX, 37X, and 96X in accordance with North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) guidelines. As of 2025, approximately 92 prefixes are assigned and in service to support wireline, wireless, and other telecommunications needs across Guam.[39][6] These assignments are categorized under the single rate center of Agana, which covers Guam's villages, military installations, and urban areas, facilitating local routing and billing island-wide. Providers manage these prefixes under NANPA oversight, with major carriers including GTA (TeleGuam Holdings, LLC) and IT&E (PTI Pacifica Inc.). The following table highlights representative assigned prefixes, the rate center, and primary providers:| Prefix (NXX) | Rate Center | Provider | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 | Agana | Pacific Data Systems - GU | Government and residential use |
| 477 | Agana | TeleGuam Holdings, LLC | Island-wide coverage |
| 483 | Agana | TeleGuam Holdings, LLC | Populous central area |
| 644 | Agana | TeleGuam Holdings, LLC | Commercial district |
| 646 | Agana | TeleGuam Holdings, LLC | Hotel and business services |
| 653 | Agana | TeleGuam Holdings, LLC | GTA primary allocation |
| 735 | Agana | TeleGuam Holdings, LLC | Serves military bases including Andersen |
| 989 | Agana | Assigned (OCN 897F) | Eastern area and airport |