Area code 857 is an overlay of 617, serving Boston and its inner suburbs in eastern Massachusetts. Introduced in 2001, it supports a densely populated and historically significant region that includes Cambridge, Brookline, and parts of the greater Boston area. Ten-digit dialing is mandatory. While 617 retains strong legacy status, 857 is widely used for mobile phones and newer connections. Together, they represent the academic, financial, and cultural hub of New England. The 857 code, though newer, has become a staple of Boston’s high-tech and student-driven communication landscape.