Have you ever encountered the phone number prefix “00989” and wondered which country it belongs to? You’re not alone. This seemingly official code has circulated online, causing confusion. But here’s the truth: 00989 is not a real country code.
Country codes, typically three digits long, are used to identify the nation a phone number originates from. These codes are a vital part of the international telecommunication system, ensuring calls are routed correctly. You’ll find a comprehensive list of official country codes maintained by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
So, what’s the story behind 00989? It’s actually an area code, specifically for Central Michigan in the United States. Area codes designate specific regions within a country. In this case, 00989 covers parts of the northeastern Lower Peninsula and the Thumb.
However, there’s a twist. Prior to October 2021, the 988 central office code within the 00989 area caused a conflict. 988 was designated as the national dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the US, creating confusion for seven-digit dialing within the 00989 region. To avoid this issue, new phone numbers assigned in the area no longer use the 988 prefix.
Here’s the takeaway: if you encounter a phone number with the prefix “00989,” it likely originated from Central Michigan, USA. However, it’s important to remember that this specific prefix might not be in use for new numbers anymore.