Why are there area codes?

I was just wondering why it was decided to create them. I mean, they could've just given everyone a random number - one person get this, another gets that, so on and so forth.



They aren't even separated in a logical manner - at least, not logical to me. For instance, 908 area code is in New Jersey, and then 909 is in California. Area code 202 is in DC, while 203 is in Connecticut. I mean, what's up with that?



So I was just looking for a little more information on area codes and why they came about. Thanks!Why are there area codes?
Because if they didn't have area codes, they wouldn't have enough phone numbers.

In different of towns people have the same 7 digit phone number with a different area code.Why are there area codes?
Because they ran out of 7 digit numbers that didn't repeat.Why are there area codes?
In order to keep telephone numbers to the minimum length. There are just not enough combinations of numbers to do that for the entire country. With area codes, the same number can be used as many times as there are areas. Would you like a 50 digit tel nbr?
I read an article about this not long ago. Can't remember all the details, but it has something to do with larger cities getting area codes with smaller numbers, because logically they get more calls and it saves time for the phone company. There has to be area codes because otherwise you could call someone in your city and be connected to someone with the same number in some other place. There just aren't enough combinations to go around anymore I guess.