1951day.year

With the rollout of the North American Numbering Plan, direct-dial coast-to-coast telephone service begins in the United States.

The North American Numbering Plan is launched, enabling direct-dial coast-to-coast phone calls across the United States.
On November 10, 1951, the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) was officially implemented. This system assigned unique three-digit area codes to regions, standardizing long-distance dialing. For the first time, callers could place direct-dialed telephone calls anywhere in the continental United States. The innovation eliminated the need for operator-assisted connections and sped up communications. The NANP laid the groundwork for today's telephone numbering system and shaped modern telecom practices.
1951 North American Numbering Plan telephone