Area Code 586 – Karlskoga-Degerfors

Overview of Area Code 586 (Karlskoga-Degerfors)

Area code +46 586 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) within the Swedish numbering plan, administered by the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS). It serves the Karlskoga and Degerfors region, located in Örebro County and Värmland County, respectively, in south-central Sweden. The code covers the municipalities of Karlskoga and Degerfors, including the main urban centers of Karlskoga and Degerfors, as well as smaller localities such as Valåsen, Björkborn, and Stråningstorp.

Dialing Formats

When calling a landline in this region from abroad, you dial the international prefix (e.g., 00 from most European countries, or + from mobile phones), followed by Sweden's country code 46, then the area code 586 (without the leading zero), and finally the local subscriber number. For example, a local number in Karlskoga might be 073-123 45 (7 digits). To call it from the United States, you would dial 011 46 586 073 123 45. From a mobile phone, simply use +46 586 073 123 45.

Within Sweden, both from landlines and mobile phones, you must dial the trunk prefix 0 followed by the area code and subscriber number: 0586-073 123 45. If you are calling from another area within Sweden, you use the same format. There is no need to drop the leading zero when dialing domestically.

Geographic Coverage and Administration

The Karlskoga-Degerfors area code is part of the historic numbering area that also includes neighboring regions. However, the 586 code specifically designates the Karlskoga and Degerfors exchange areas. Karlskoga is known for its industrial heritage, particularly the Bofors arms factory, and is situated near the western shore of Lake Möckeln. Degerfors is a smaller industrial town to the southwest, known for its steel industry. The region is well-connected by road and rail, with Karlskoga being the larger of the two municipalities.

Numbering and Overlay Considerations

Sweden has implemented number portability, meaning that subscribers can retain their telephone numbers when switching operators, even across different technology types (PSTN, VoIP, or mobile). However, the geographic significance of the area code remains: numbers assigned to this code are associated with the Karlskoga-Degerfors region. There are no overlay codes currently in effect for this area; the 586 code is the sole geographic code for the region. Subscriber numbers within this code typically have 7 digits, but the total length of a national significant number (NSN) is 8 digits (including the leading 0 for domestic dialing).

For callers, it is important to note that while VoIP services may allow you to choose a number with a 586 area code regardless of your physical location, the number still retains its geographic identity. Emergency services (112) are reached without an area code, and directory inquiries can be reached at 118 118 or 118 119, depending on the service.