Area codes in the North American telephone numbering system. This code is assigned exclusively to Montserrat, a small Caribbean island known for its natural beauty and rich history. In this article, we will explore the location, usage, and some interesting aspects about code area 664 in detail.
Montserrat: A General Context
Montserrat is an island in the Caribbean, part of the Lesser Antilles, located southeast of Puerto Rico and southwest of Antigua and Barbuda. Often called “the Emerald of the Caribbean”, Montserrat is famous for its mountainous landscape and vibrant culture. The island is a British Overseas Territory, and although small in size, it has a significant presence in the region due to its unique history and natural beauty.
History and Assignment of Area Code 664
Code area 664 was assigned to Montserrat as part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). The NANP is a numbering system used by several countries, mainly in North America and the Caribbean, which facilitates communication across international borders in this region.
Code 664 was introduced in 1996, after volcanic activity on Montserrat caused significant disruption to the island’s infrastructure and life. The Soufrière Hills volcano erupted in 1995, covering much of the island in ash and forcing the abandonment of the capital, Plymouth. This devastation resulted in the reassignment of telephone numbers to adapt to the new geographic and population realities of Montserrat.
Geography and Loc Spain Phone Number ation of Area Code 664
The 664 area code covers the entire island of Montserrat. Unlike many countries that use multiple area codes for different regions, Montserrat, due to its small size and limited population, uses a single area code for the entire island.
Main Locations in Montserrat:
Brades: Currently serves as the administrative and government center of the island, after Plymouth was evacuated due to volcanic activity.
Salem: One of the main residential areas, known for its vibrant community and its proximity to the areas most affected by the volcano.
Cudjoe Head: An important landmark and cen Belgi Brazil Phone Number um Phone Number ter of activity in the north of the island.
St. John’s: Another significant locality on the island, known for its hospital and other community facilities.
How to Dial Numbers with Area Code 664
To place a call to Montserrat from anywhere within the North American Numbering Plan, the process is similar to calling any other international number:
International Exit Code: From the US, Canada or the Caribbean, the exit code is 011.
Country Code: Montserrat, as part of the NANP, uses 1, the same as the United States and other Caribbean territories.
Area Code: Dial the specific area code for Montserrat, which is 664.
Local Number: Continue with the seven-digit number.
For example, to call a number in Montserrat, you would dial: 011-1-664-XXX-XXXX.
Economy and Communications in Montserrat
Despite significant challenges, including the destruction caused by the Soufrière Hills volcano, Montserrat has worked to rebuild its economy and communications infrastructure. Tourism, agriculture and fishing are important sectors, and the government has encouraged investments in modern telecommunications infrastructure.
Montserrat’s connectivity is crucial not only for internal communication but also for maintaining ties with the outside world. The 664 area code plays a vital role in keeping Montserrat connected globally, facilitating both business and personal calls.
Special Considerations When Calling Montserrat
International Call Costs:
Calls to Montserrat may be more expensive than domestic calls within the US or Canada. It is advisable to check with your service provider for rates before calling.
VoIP technology:
Using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, such as Skype or WhatsApp, can be a cheaper option to communicate with Montserrat.
Emergency and Public Services:
In case of emergencies, Montserrat uses the number 911, similar to other countries under the NANP, facilitating familiarity for visitors and residents alike.
Conclusion
Area code 664 is more than just a telephone prefix; It is a symbol of Montserrat’s resilience and connectivity. Despite natural and economic challenges, the island has maintained its place in the global communications network. Whether you .
