How To Buy Or Sell 212 Area Code Numbers - AVOXI

Skip to content 212 Area Code Number Questions & Answers

AVOXI answers your 212 area code questions! What is a 212 number, why are they so rare, and how can you buy or sell 212 numbers for business or personal use? We cover all of that and more in this 212 area code FAQ.

Catching Up on 212 Area Code Numbers

Manhattan’s area code, 212, is in high demand. For many individuals and businesses, having a 212 area code number implies power, prestige and moxie. That also means getting a 212 area code number is not as easy as others, and most consider the process a bit confusing at first. Most phone number providers only sell the number, not the phone service, adding on to this problem. 

However, it is possible to obtain and use a phone number within the 212 area code. If you want to know how, we're outlining those options for you today! Before we begin, here's what you need to know to be caught up on the prestigious dial-code in 2021: 

1. 212 was among the first batch of area codes created, originally covering all of New York City. 
2. Often associated with affluence, the 212 is one of the most prestigious area codes in the US. 
3. New 212 numbers are no longer added to circulation, contributing to its lasting popularity. 
4. It's still easy to get 212 numbers for your business or cell phone, as long as you're willing to pay for them.  

What is the 212 area code?

New York City — specifically, Manhattan — is home to the 212 area code. The North American Numbering Plan Administrator — the authority that assigns area codes and regulates numbering resources in the U.S. and its territories — has also assigned two more area codes to Manhattan (646 and 332) plus a citywide area code that covers all five boroughs (917) to accommodate NYC’s 8.4 million residents and businesses. 

Why get a 212 area code number?

It’s easy to get a New York City-based phone number, but difficult to get a 212 number. Because 212 is the original area code for New York City, it’s considered more authentic than the more recent 646, 332 or 917 area codes for Manhattan. A 212 phone number is also a status symbol. People with 212 phone numbers are considered “true New Yorkers” who have earned the privilege of living and working in the epicenter of American culture and business — even if they don’t actually live there. 

Even pop culture recognizes the prestige of having a 212-based phone number: In a well-known episode of Seinfeld, Elaine (played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus) schemes to take over her deceased neighbor’s 212 phone number after she was scorned by a potential date that found out she has a 646 number! 

It is possible to get a 212 vanity number for business or personal use. As businesses with 212 phone numbers close and individuals give theirs up, 212 area code numbers become available in small batches. You can contact a phone carrier service or other phone number business to inquire about getting a 212 NYC phone number.

How to get a 212 cell phone number or business number?

Searching for a 212 area code phone number for business or personal use? If so, there are two main things to think about here: 

1. The vendor that sells you a specific number (one-time fee)
2. The phone service that you use that number with (monthly fee)

There are plenty of websites out there selling 212 phone numbers for one-time fees, simply search "buy a 212 number" or something similar to find multiple options. These fees generally start around $150, but can easily go into the thousands or even $10,000+ depending on how memorable and catchy the number is. 

As you can see based on pricing from Phonenumberexpert.com, a well-known provider of vanity 212 numbers, phone numbers with a memorable ring to them can get pretty expensive! 

These vendors are often separate from your actual phone service that will host the number, although sometimes they can be the same (AVOXI's 212 area code plans are an example of this). After securing a number, you will usually port that number to a mobile carrier (for personal use) or to a business phone service if you're using it for your business.

The benefits of going with a business carrier like AVOXI includes the convenience of buying and hosting the number in one place, and no massive one-time fees for your number. So instead of paying hundreds or thousands of dollars up front, you simply pay for one of our 212 business number plans, which start at $44 and include several handy features with your service. You can even keep the number if you decide to take it to another carrier, no long-term contracts like most phone services.

Can I get 212 vanity numbers for cheap?

If a particular vendor has the 212 vanity number you want, there isn't much you can do to get it other than try to negotiate their asking price. However, you can search for more variations of your number which may be available at lower rates. You can also make sure you're porting the number (or setting it up from the start) with a well priced phone service plan. Saving even $10-$15 per month on your carrier will add up to hundreds of dollars in savings during the time you're using the number. Again, going with a non-vanity number and simply choosing an available 212 number from our shopping cart saves you from any large one-time fees while setting you up on one of the most affordable business service plans available. 

If you're dead set on a specific 212 number for marketing or branding reasons, and you don't mind some risk, there is one more option. There are plenty of 212 cell phone numbers available for sale on sites like eBay. Purchasing numbers this way means you may not have insight into how they were used in the past, and finding specific vanity numbers this way is very time-consuming, but it is an option! This option is not what we'd recommend first, especially since the fees you pay are about the same as going with an established vendor anyway, but it is one option available to you. 

Who sells 212 numbers?

NANPA allocates the 8 million phone numbers that can exist under every area code to the phone companies that operate in each area. You can purchase the right to use a 212 phone number from phone companies that serve Manhattan or from global cloud-based carriers such as AVOXI. Keep in mind that no one actually owns a phone number; they are considered a public resource and are controlled by the Federal Communications Commission.

How much is a 212 number worth?

Most local area code numbers in the U.S. and Canada cost the same no matter where you live. Local numbers can start as low as $1 per month for a random 10-digit string of numbers and increase to hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a vanity phone number that corresponds to letters that spell out a name or brand, or that is simple to remember. 

212 phone numbers vary in price for the same reasons, but are generally more expensive. On the lower end, expect to pay at least $100. More memorable 212 vanity phone numbers can cost tens of thousands of dollars. 

Can I sell my 212 area code number?

Technically speaking, no one owns their phone number. So if you’re trying to sell a 212 phone number, you may run into resistance from your phone carrier, which has more of a claim to phone numbers than individuals because the FCC authorizes carriers to assign phone numbers to individuals. 

But there aren’t any rules about individuals or businesses selling their phone numbers to others. As long as the two parties agree to an arrangement and work out the logistics of using it, you can sell your 212 number to the highest bidder. Some people have sold their 212 phone numbers on eBay, Craigslist or NextDoor. Others have found success selling blocks of 212 numbers to cloud-based carriers.

Get a 212 number on the cheap with AVOXI

Having a 212 area code is a status symbol, but it can also be a business necessity if your goal is to show others you know how to serve New York customers. Getting a 212 phone number can be expensive, and even if you purchase the rights to use a 212 vanity number from a vendor, you’ll have to port it to a carrier. 

Simplify your search for a 212 number by buying it risk-free from AVOXI. Our affordable 212 area code plans are available starting at just $44 per month. Despite their low cost, all AVOXI plans include over 20 VoIP  business features and technical help anytime you need it. For businesses, we present this as the best alternative to buying an expensive 212 area code number for a one time fee just to port it to a new carrier, who will have charges of their own. Get a 212 phone number from AVOXI and let the world know your business has a presence in The Big Apple!

Buy Numbers Online

Start taking calls within minutes when you buy your business phone numbers online.

After your purchase, an AVOXI representative will contact you to confirm your account details and test your new phone number.

CHOOSE YOUR NUMBER

Call AVOXI

Worldwide: +1 (770) 937-9735 US & Canada: 1800 394 1980 Australia: 1800 834 558 Singapore: 800 852 6179 United Kingdom: 0800 652 5029

CONTACT US

Katharine Fear

( Senior Director, Marketing Communications )

Katharine Fear is AVOXI's Senior Director, Marketing Communications with a track record of building and scaling brand, PR, and content functions that drive business impact. With expertise in corporate communications, thought leadership, and reputation management, she transforms complex ideas into compelling narratives that engage audiences and fuel growth.

Jason Simpson

VP of Product

feugiat, mollis gravida arcu. Donec id tempor mauris. Maecenas iaculis elit est, ut porta dolor blandit a. Ut fringilla vulputate faucibus. Aenean turpis tortor, posuere at augue ac, pharetra feugiat lectus. Mauris vitae dui vel odio blandit finibus. Suspendisse potenti. Mauris volutpat nibh at lectus vestibulum, sit amet sodales ipsum feugiat. Aenean molestie ut nulla vel venenatis. Vestibulum quis magna massa.

Nullam eget mauris a turpis laoreet egestas eget vitae sem. Quisque congue lacus ut nulla sagittis hendrerit. In dui enim, lacinia auctor iaculis ac, luctus non augue. Donec ultricies aliquam enim quis varius. Fusce pulvinar purus nec est efficitur, quis auctor nulla congue. Cras luctus placerat metus, non viverra augue blandit nec. In nec est enim. Quisque iaculis velit in magna ullamcorper finibus. Suspendisse potenti. Integer sed nunc magna. Sed vehicula purus a placerat semper. Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Pellentesque sagittis mauris eu erat suscipit tincidunt. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Curabitur sit amet quam nulla.

Jason Simpson

VP of Product

Jason Simpson brings over 20 years of expertise in product management, user experience, and strategic leadership to AVOXI. As Vice President of Product, he leads the product and UX teams, focusing on executing customer-centric product strategy and developing a clear product roadmap. Jason’s leadership is instrumental in driving innovation and building high-performing teams that align with AVOXI’s business objectives.

Before joining AVOXI, Jason served as Vice President of Product Management at Vector Solutions, where he managed 6 different software product lines. His career includes leadership roles at LiveSafe, Metricly Netuitive, and webMethods, where he was integral in scaling operations, enhancing customer satisfaction, and driving product innovation.

Based in Northern Virginia, Jason is dedicated to fostering innovation and excellence in product management, ensuring AVOXI’s offerings meet evolving customer needs.

Keith Meyers

VP of Software Engineering

Keith Meyers brings more than two decades of experience designing and delivering enterprise-grade communications technology. As Vice President of Software Engineering at AVOXI, he leads the global engineering organization responsible for developing the company’s cloud-based voice platform, driving innovation in scalability, performance, and customer experience.

Since joining AVOXI in 2019, Keith has spearheaded the modernization of the company’s architecture and the introduction of new AI-ready capabilities, helping global enterprises simplify and strengthen their voice infrastructure. His leadership combines technical vision with a deep understanding of product usability and customer value.

Prior to AVOXI, Keith held senior engineering and leadership roles at Vonage, QASymphony, Mobile Labs and LodgeNet, where he oversaw the development of large-scale communications and connectivity solutions. He is an inventor on multiple U.S. patents in telecommunications, including technologies for load balancing and call flow management. Keith holds a degree from the University of Illinois Chicago.

Jon Ross

VP of Global Connectivity

With nearly two decades at AVOXI, Jon Ross leads the company’s global connectivity strategy, ensuring that every call, connection, and customer experience meets the highest standards of quality and reliability. As Vice President of Global Connectivity, he oversees carrier partnerships, provisioning, and network optimization across 150+ countries.

Jon’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping AVOXI’s global voice infrastructure. He manages relationships with dozens of international carriers, drives cost optimization initiatives, and ensure the company’s platform delivers exceptional performance for multinational enterprises and contact centers.

Throughout his career at AVOXI, Jon has advanced through multiple operational and leadership roles, building deep expertise in provisioning, troubleshooting, and service excellence. He is known for his hands-on approach, technical insight, and dedication to continuous improvement. Jon has also completed executive programs in Communication, Leadership Presence, and Finance at Emory University.

Kevin Robinson

VP of Engineering and Infrastructure

With more than two decades at AVOXI, Kevin Robinson has been instrumental in architecting and maintaining the global infrastructure that powers AVOXI’s cloud communications platform. As Vice President of Engineering and Infrastructure, he oversees production operations, IT, and network engineering, ensuring performance, reliability, and uptime across continents.

Kevin joined AVOXI in its earliest years, playing a pivotal role in designing and deploying the company’s first data centers and VoIP networks. Today, he leads teams focused on infrastructure modernization, network scalability, and proactive system monitoring, driving continuous improvements in availability and quality for enterprise customers worldwide.

Known for his hands-on leadership and technical depth, Kevin blends engineering precision with operational insight to deliver the resilient global voice environment AVOXI’s customers depend on. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Clark Atlanta University.

Larry Holbrook

SVP of HR and Accounting

Larry Holbrook brings more than three decades of leadership experience in finance, operations, and human resources to AVOXI. Since joining the company in 2015, he has played a pivotal role in shaping its culture, processes, and global growth.

As Senior Vice President of HR & Accounting, Larry oversees financial operations, human resources, and organizational development, ensuring AVOXI’s people and business strategies move in lockstep. His ability to balance precision in accounting with a deep commitment to employee experience has helped build a workplace defined by integrity, accountability and collaboration.

Before joining AVOXI, Larry served as Controller at Corus360 and held senior financial roles at Prosafe, Inc. (Crime Free USA). A graduate of Central City Business Institute with advanced studies at Bentley University, Larry is a SHRM-Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and an active contributor to both his professional and nonprofit communities.

Oliver Favors

SVP of Account Management

With more than two decades of experience leading global sales and partner programs, Oliver Favors drives AVOXI’s enterprise and channel sales strategy worldwide. Since joining the company in 2018, he has played a central role in expanding AVOXI’s reach with multinational businesses, helping customers modernize their global voice operations and strengthening local market presence.

Oliver leads a team focused on building long-term relationships with enterprises and partners, emphasizing collaboration, transparency, and measurable results. Under his leadership, AVOXI’s enterprise account management ecosystem has grown into a trusted network that helps customers simplify communication and scale globally with confidence.

Before AVOXI, Oliver spent more than 20 years in leadership roles at PGi, Intelliverse, and Rapid Link Communications, where he built and managed high-performing sales and channel teams across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland Global Campus and began his career serving in the U.S. Army.

Greg Buckalew

SVP of Operations

With over two decades of experience in engineering, customer success, and operational leadership, Greg Buckalew is the driving force behind AVOXI’s global operations. As Senior Vice President of Operations, he is responsible for delivering exceptional service, optimizing customer engagement, and ensuring operational excellence across AVOXI’s international footprint.

Greg’s expertise lies in building high-performing teams, enhancing service delivery, and leveraging technology to improve customer experiences. Since joining AVOXI in 2019, he has played a pivotal role in elevating customer success, first as Vice President of Customer Success and now leading operations at scale. His ability to translate complex technical challenges into streamlined, customer-focused solutions has been instrumental in AVOXI’s continued growth.

Before AVOXI, Greg held leadership roles at Pindrop, where he managed support operations and customer engagement, and Telesoft Technologies, where he led global engineering teams. His deep-rooted expertise in engineering, combined with a passion for mentorship and strategic execution, makes him a key member of AVOXI’s executive team.

Based in Atlanta, Greg is a hands-on leader committed to driving innovation, operation efficiency, and world-class customer experiences.

Jonathan Imes

SVP of Global Revenue and Strategic Partnerships

As Senior Vice President of Global Revenue and Strategic Partnerships, Jonathan Imes leads strategic business development, global partnerships, and enterprise customer acquisition at AVOXI. With over 15 years of experience in cloud communications he plays a critical role in expanding AVOXI’s global footprint and driving new revenue opportunities. 

Since joining AVOXI in 2016, Jonathan has held key sales leadership roles, including Vice President of Sales and Senior Director of Sales, where he helped scale operations, enhance partner engagement, and optimize customer acquisition strategies.  His experience in sales leadership, relationship building, and growth strategy has greatly enhanced AVOXI's market position.

Prior to AVOXI, Jonathan held leadership roles at Vonage Business Solutions, where he specialized in sales strategy, account growth, and customer success. 

Based in Atlanta, Jonathan is focused on developing scalable sales strategies and forging meaningful partnerships.

Weston Edmunds

EVP of Regulatory, Legal and Compliance

A member of AVOXI’s executive team since the company’s early years, Weston Edmunds brings more than two decades of leadership experience spanning operations, finance and corporate governance. As Executive Vice President of Regulatory, Legal and Compliance, he plays a key role in guiding strategic initiatives, overseeing global business operations, and ensuring contractual and regulatory compliance across AVOXI’s growing international footprint.

With a background that bridges business strategy and legal and financial review, Weston helps the organization maintain operational excellence while supporting sustainable growth. He is known for his analytics research, attention to detail, and steady leadership across complex projects and partnerships.

Weston holds a Master of Taxation from the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina and a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from The Citadel.

Kyle Antcliff

Chief Revenue Officer

Kyle is an accomplished Chief Revenue Officer with 20+ years of experience in scaling private equity backed SaaS businesses from early stage to $60M+ ARR. Select accomplishments his teams have produced include 600% ARR and 500% Enterprise value growth, 110% net dollar retention, 30% average sale price increase, and 45% YOY growth.

Kyle has directed all aspects of enterprise-class revenue machines and teams and is skilled in developing and executing SaaS revenue growth strategies as well as building and leading high-performing revenue teams in small business and enterprise markets. His expertise facilitates accelerated growth, net dollar retention gains and efficient scale.

Based in Atlanta, Kyle holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and graduated with distinction from Purdue University’s School of Technology - Computer Information Systems.

Mike Kaplan

Chief Marketing Officer

Mike has more than two decades of B2B marketing experience, working with software and tech-enabled  companies across a range of sectors and growth stages. As CMO at AVOXI, Mike is responsible for all marketing strategy and programs, including demand creation, product marketing and brand building. Prior to AVOXI, Mike was the CMO of CloudCheckr, a private equity-backed cloud management software provider, where he helped accelerate top-line growth that resulted in a successful strategic acquisition by NetApp.  Previously, he led marketing for Retroficiency, which was acquired by ENGIE Impact (formerly ECOVA), where he led the creation of a new category of vertical analytics SaaS and drove market adoption. He subsequently was elevated to CMO of ENGIE Impact, which nearly doubled revenues during his tenure. As a strategy consultant for CSMG (now Cartesian), Mike managed and delivered go-to-market and product strategy, business case and opportunity assessment engagements for technology, media and telecom clients and investors.

Based in Needham, MA, Mike holds an MBA from Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from the University of Rochester.

Jeff Richek

Chief Financial Officer

As Chief Financial Officer at AVOXI, Jeff Richek brings over two decades of experience in finance and strategic leadership to his role. Since joining AVOXI in June 2024, Jeff has been pivotal in guiding the company’s financial strategy, optimizing its operations, and supporting its growth objectives. His deep expertise in financial planning, analysis, and operation efficiency makes him a key contributor to AVOXI’s executive team.

Before AVOXI, Jeff served as the CFO of Lumaverse Technologies, where he drove financial strategy and profitability through rapid organic and inorganic expansion. Prior to Lumaverse, Jeff was the Vice President of Finance at BOLD, where he managed the financial functions during a period of substantial growth and transition. Jeff’s experience also includes roles at CashEdge and Grant Thornton, where he honed his skills in revenue accounting, financial analysis, and strategic planning.

Jeff’s extensive background in both SaaS and traditional finance environments equips him with a unique perspective on integrating technology-driven solutions with sound financial practices. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Jeff is a dedicated leader committed to fostering a culture of financial discipline and strategic innovation.

Randy Layman

Chief Technology Officer

Randy is a seasoned technology executive with over 25 years of experience in the software industry. Currently serving as the CTO at AVOXI, he oversees the Software Engineering and Technology teams, driving innovation and operational excellence. Before joining AVOXI, Randy held various positions at notable companies such as Pindrop and Vocalocity, where he honed his skills as a software engineer, manager and executive. His leadership and technical expertise have been instrumental in bringing innovative products to market and scaling engineering teams for success.

Randy’s contributions to the field of technology are not only limited to his professional roles. He is an inventor with 8 patents to his name. Additionally, Randy has co-authored a book, sharing his insights and knowledge with the broader tech community. He is also a frequent speaker at industry events, where he shares his knowledge about technology and software engineering.

Barbara Dondiego

Chief Executive Officer

As CEO of AVOXI, Barbara brings over 25 years of experience in both International and domestic communications markets. Leading a global operation, her teams reside in five continents (North America, South America, Europe, Africa and Asia), serving multinational customers in over 40 countries. Barbara firmly believes that creating an exceptional workplace is the foundation for establishing a company that customers are eager to engage with.  Starting in 2015 at AVOXI as the COO, she was instrumental in the transformation of the company from an international systems integrator to a global enterprise software platform. Prior to AVOXI, Barbara held various product development and marketing leadership roles throughout the communications sector, including CMO of FairPoint Communication, CMO of EarthLink Business and SVP of Global Marketing at Level 3 Communications. 

Barbara serves as a Director on the Board of euNetworks and as an Advisory Board member for Kaiser Permanente Georgia. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Appalachian State University and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Tulsa. She holds a corporate governance certification from Stanford University. Barbara lives in Atlanta, GA with her husband, 3 sons, 2 dogs, and a couple hives of bees.

Scroll To Top