Prefix 205-356 — Birmingham, AL
- Area code
- 205
- Prefix (NXX)
- 356
- Rate center
- Birmingham
- State
- Alabama
- Time zone
- Central
- Code holder
- METROPCS, INC.
- OCN
- 5562
- Pooled
- Yes (thousands-block pooling)
- Assigned
- 2001-05-04
- LATA
- 476
The 205-356 prefix belongs to area code 205 and is anchored to the Birmingham rate center (AL). In NANP terms, the prefix — or NXX — determines the rate center a number is billed against.
Birmingham is part of the Birmingham, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area. For routing purposes it sits in LATA 476. Numbers here keep Central time.
The assigned code holder is METROPCS, INC., operating company number 5562, assigned May 4, 2001. This is a pooled prefix — expect numbers within it to be split across more than one carrier in 1,000-number blocks.
Caller ID showing 205-356 is not proof the call came from Birmingham: spoofing and porting both detach numbers from their origin. To verify a caller, hang up and dial the organization's published number, and report suspicious calls to the FTC.
Neighboring prefixes
| Prefix | Rate center | Code holder |
|---|---|---|
| 205-353 | Oneonta | CELLCO PARTNERSHIP DBA VERIZON WIRELESS - AL |
| 205-354 | Birmingham | AT&T - LOCAL |
| 205-355 | Lincoln | BELLSOUTH TELECOMMUNICATIONS, LLC |
| 205-357 | Lincoln | PAETEC ITEL, LLC |
| 205-358 | Alabaster | PAETEC ITEL, LLC |
| 205-359 | Walnut Grove | CELLCO PARTNERSHIP DBA VERIZON WIRELESS - AL |
FAQ
Where is 205-356 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 205-356 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 205-356 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.