When searching for the location of the area code 485, you’ll find it is not assigned to any city or region in the United States, Canada, or the Caribbean. The North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) has not designated area code 485 for service. This means you cannot receive a legitimate phone call from this area code, as it is currently unassigned and reserved for future use.
Why Area Codes Get Created
The telecommunications system in North America relies on a finite number of possible phone numbers within each area code. As populations grow and more devices (like cell phones and VoIP lines) require unique numbers, existing area codes can become exhausted.
When this happens, a new area code must be introduced to a region. This is typically done in one of two ways:
- Geographic Split: An existing area code region is divided into two, with one part retaining the original area code and the other receiving a new one.
- Overlay: A new area code is added to the same geographic area as an existing one. This requires all local calls in that region to be dialed using the full 10-digit number (area code + phone number).
Should the need arise in the future, the area code 485 could be activated and assigned to a region requiring number relief.
International Context: Country Code vs. Area Code
It’s important to differentiate between a North American area code and an international country code. While area code 485 is unassigned in North America, the number 48 is the country code for Poland. Phone numbers in Poland often begin with “+48”. Therefore, a call from a number starting with these digits would originate from Poland, not from a non-existent North American region.
