Prefix 205-296 — Birmingham, AL
- Area code
- 205
- Prefix (NXX)
- 296
- Rate center
- Birmingham
- State
- Alabama
- Time zone
- Central
- Code holder
- METROPCS, INC.
- OCN
- 5562
- Pooled
- Yes (thousands-block pooling)
- Assigned
- 2001-02-08
- LATA
- 476
205-296 identifies a block of numbers in Birmingham, AL, within the 205 area code. Every US prefix is tied to exactly one rate center; this one is Birmingham.
The rate center lies in the Birmingham, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area. The serving LATA is 476. Local time follows the Central zone.
Treat the on-screen number as a hint, not evidence — 205-296 can be spoofed like any US prefix. If a call feels off, verify through an official callback number and file a complaint with the FCC or FTC.
NANPA's central-office code records list METROPCS, INC. (OCN 5562) as the code holder, assigned February 8, 2001. Because 205-296 participates in thousands-block pooling, individual 1,000-number blocks may belong to other carriers than the code holder.
Neighboring prefixes
| Prefix | Rate center | Code holder |
|---|---|---|
| 205-293 | Centreville | ONVOY, LLC - AL |
| 205-294 | Clanton | CELLCO PARTNERSHIP DBA VERIZON WIRELESS - AL |
| 205-295 | Jasper | BELLSOUTH TELECOMM INC DBA SOUTH CENTRAL BELL TEL |
| 205-297 | Birmingham | BELLSOUTH TELECOMM INC DBA SOUTH CENTRAL BELL TEL |
| 205-298 | Birmingham | BELLSOUTH TELECOMM INC DBA SOUTH CENTRAL BELL TEL |
| 205-299 | Clanton | NEW CINGULAR WIRELESS PCS, LLC - GA |
FAQ
Where is 205-296 located?
The prefix is assigned to the Birmingham rate center in AL, area code 205. It is part of the Birmingham, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Which company owns 205-296 numbers?
METROPCS, INC. holds the code, but the prefix is pooled — individual thousands-blocks can be assigned to other carriers, and numbers may be ported to any provider.
Is a call from 205-296 safe to answer?
The prefix itself says nothing about the caller. Legitimate Birmingham businesses and spoofed robocalls can both display it. Never share personal data with an unverified inbound caller.