Area code 602 is the original area code for Phoenix, Arizona, and was one of the first established under the North American Numbering Plan in 1947. For decades, 602 served all of Arizona until population booms led to multiple splits, creating 520 in 1995, then 623 and 480 in 1999. After these changes, 602 was retained solely for central Phoenix proper, maintaining its legacy as the core identifier for Arizona’s capital. By 2023, 602 was overlaid with both 623 and 480, and all three now cover the entire Phoenix metro area, requiring ten-digit dialing. However, locals still recognize 602 as the historic “heart of Phoenix,” often used in branding, sports culture, and civic pride. The 602 area includes state government buildings, sports arenas, and major hospitals, anchoring it in the identity of central Phoenix.