The numerical designation identifies a specific geographic region within the North American Numbering Plan. It serves as a prefix for telephone numbers originating from a particular area, enabling the routing of calls to the correct destination. For example, a telephone number using this designation would begin with 914, followed by a seven-digit subscriber number.
This identifier is essential for telecommunications infrastructure and provides a foundation for local communication networks. Its introduction facilitated the growth of telephone services in the designated region and allowed for efficient management of telephone resources. Its historical context reflects the expansion of telephone networks and the increasing demand for telecommunication services in the latter half of the 20th century.