Welcome to the Telephone Rate Centers/Prefix Locations Frequently Asked Questions page.

This page will help answer your questions about the Telephone Prefix Locations Site and the results you may obtain from its use. Hopefully most of your questions will be answered here.



    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 Prefix you are looking up is brand new. If so, it will be included with the next update of the database.

      4. A telemarketer has on purpose used a fake area code, prefix and/or phone number. Many telemarketers can and DO have the ability to send fake Caller-ID information. Many have direct long distance network access capabilities and can send whatever number (real or fake) they wish.

    Q: Why a limited number of lookups at any one time?

    A: We impose restrictions because some people abuse our search engine and overload 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 don't you have area codes such as 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.

    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.

    Q: Are you aware of new area codes?

    A: We are normally aware of new area codes several months in advance of their activation. We add links to the search pages for upcoming area codes so they will be available as soon as they are activated.

    Q: How often is the prefix information updated?

    A: We usually update the prefix database about every 45 days. We have found that this time-frame is more than adequate.

    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(s) served followed by what the official telephone location designation says [in brackets]. This way you will have a better understanding of where a prefix is located.

    Copyright Rocklin Associates.