Area Code 862 – Coahuila

Overview of Area Code 862

Area code 862 is a geographic numbering plan area (NPA) within the Mexican national numbering plan, administered under the ITU-T E.164 country code +52. It serves the northern state of Coahuila de Zaragoza, specifically the municipalities of San Buenaventura, Frontera, and the surrounding region. The principal city associated with this code is Frontera, a key industrial hub near the state capital, Saltillo. The coverage area includes both urban and rural zones, with significant commercial activity linked to the region's mining, manufacturing, and logistics sectors.

Dialing Formats and Procedures

For local calls within the 862 area, callers must dial the full 10-digit national number: the two-digit area code (86) followed by the seven-digit local subscriber number. For example, a local call to a landline in Frontera would be dialed as 862 123 4567. When calling from another state in Mexico, the same 10-digit number is used without any trunk prefix. For international callers, the format is +52 862 123 4567 (or 011 52 862 123 4567 from the US/Canada).

Geographic and Administrative Context

The 862 area code is part of the Coahuila numbering region, which is subdivided into several geographic codes. It covers the central part of the state, including the municipalities of Frontera, San Buenaventura, and parts of Monclova's metropolitan area. The region is served by major telecom operators, including Telmex (fixed lines) and various cable and VoIP providers. As of the latest numbering plan updates, there are no overlay codes in this area, meaning the 862 code is the sole geographic code for its service area.

Caller Instructions

Local callers within the 862 area should dial the 10-digit number directly. National callers from other Mexican states must also dial the 10-digit number, without adding a long-distance prefix. International callers should dial their country's exit code (e.g., 011 from the US), followed by Mexico's country code 52, then the 10-digit number. For example, a caller from the US would dial 011 52 862 123 4567. It is important to note that Mexican numbers do not use a trunk prefix like '1' or '0' for domestic long-distance calls; the 10-digit number is always dialed.

Numbering and Portability Considerations

Since the implementation of local number portability in Mexico, subscribers in the 862 area may retain their numbers when switching between fixed-line operators. However, the geographic nature of the code means that the number is tied to the physical location of the line; if a subscriber moves outside the 862 area, they may be required to change their number. For VoIP services, users can often choose a number with a 862 area code regardless of their physical location, but this does not change the geographic rating of the number for billing purposes.