Area code 706 serves northern and west-central Georgia, including cities like Augusta, Rome, and Columbus (excluding Atlanta). It was introduced in 1992 as a split from area code 404 to manage growth in the state. The area is a mix of military presence, notably Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), higher education institutions, and historic Southern communities. Overlay code 762 requires ten-digit dialing throughout the region. 706 reflects the cultural and geographic diversity of Georgia outside of Atlanta, capturing a blend of Appalachian foothills, river towns, and growing regional economies.