Please select from the following common questions below:


• The listing was "Not Found"
  
• Why so few lookups at any one time?
  
• Why did you stop providing "type of service" information?
  
• Why aren't area codes 800, 888, 877, or 866 listed?
  
• Why aren't area codes 500, 700 or 900 listed?
  
• Other question/None of the above
  
  
  Q: I attempted to do a search on a listing and it was "Not Found".
  
  A: Common problems for this include the following:
  
  
  • 1. Sometimes the database is busy with other requests and cannot fulfill your request. Please try it again, it will probably work.
    
    
  • 2. Make sure you know what an Area Code and Prefix are. If a phone number is listed as (AAA) PPP-NNNN, the AAA part is the Area Code, the PPP part is the Prefix. This is very important to properly use our system.
    
    
  • 3. The Area Code for the Prefix you are looking up may have moved to a new Area Code.
    
    
    
  • 4. A Telemarketer has on purpose used a fake prefix. Telemarketers can and DO have the ability to send fake Caller-ID information. They have direct long distance network access capabilities and can send what number (real or fake) they wish. The following are known fake prefixes used by telemarketers:
    
    
    • Any prefix LESS than 200 (for example: a number that starts with 312-108 or 412-108)
      
    • The prefixes 958 or 959 (for example: 208-959)
      

    5. None of the above - If all the above do not hold true for your request, then you can E-mail us here. Give us as much information as possible (Area Code and Prefix, city, type of service, etc). We will research the information and add it to the database on the next update.
    
    

  
  Q: Why is there a restriction of only 20 prefix lookups in a 48 hour period?
  
  A: We had to impose restrictions when we found that people were abusing our search engine and overloading the server. Our search engine is only for those who want to do a few prefix lookups, not for those who wish to obtain major portions of the database.
  
  
  Q: Why did you stop providing "type of service" information?
  
  With "Local Number Portability" and the new way to allocate prefixes, there can be more than one type of service on a particular prefix. Example: regular landline, CLEC, cellular, etc.
  
  
  Q: Why don't you have area codes 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, 833 or 822 listed?
  
  A: The above area codes are "Toll-Free" area codes. The 855, 844, 833 and 822 area codes are planned but are not yet in use. These can be used for any location in the USA or Canada, therefore it is impossible to list the locations of the prefixes used in these area codes.
  
  
  Q: Why don't you have area codes 500, 700 or 900 listed?
  
  A: These are special area codes, and can be used for a variety of special uses. These can be used for any location in the USA or Canada, therefore it is impossible to list the locations of the prefixes used in these area codes.
  
  

  ---

  
  Other/None of the Above
  
  Q: Can you send me a copy of the telephone prefix database?
  
  A: The database is ONLY available as you currently see it. It is not and will never be available in electronic form. However, we MAY decide to make it available in "printed" form sometime in the future. It will NEVER be available electronically. If we do decide to make it available in printed form it will be announced on the site.
  
  Q: I know of an area code/prefix that is not on your list. How do I add it to the database?
  
  A: If you know of an area code/prefix that is not presently in our database, E-mail us here and give us as much information as possible (Area Code and Prefix, city, type of service, etc). We will research the information and add it to the database on the next update.
  
  Q: Are you aware of area code splits or overlays?
  
  A: We are normally aware of area code splits and overlays several months in advance of their occurence. In the case of area code splits, we are well aware of which prefixes will be moving to the new area code. However, if you do see an error - please email us at prefupdate2 @ thedirectory.org (remove spaces) and let us know.
  
  Q: How often is the prefix information updated?
  
  A: We usually update the prefix database about once every 60 days.
  
  Q: In some listings, why do I see some cities listed [like this] ?
  
  A: In some listings, the prefix city name listed in your local telephone directory may not accurately show the actual location served. We try to list the actual location served followed by what the official telephone location designation says [in brackets]. This way you will have a better understanding of where a prefix may be located.
  
  Q: How about listing local calling areas?
  
  A: We have absolutely no time to do something like this. The only way we know of to find this infomation is for you to refer to each local phone book (not always available in the local book). Remember also that with competition, each phone company has a different local calling area for specific prefixes. If available, the local phone book will only show the local calling area for the original telephone company, not for the new competitive companies.
  
  Q: Is there any significance between listings with all capitals and the others?
  
  A: Not for the user of the site, just for the compilers.
  
  

Copyright Rocklin Associates.