351 area code
What can you tell me about the 351 area code?
Answer:
The 351 area code is a telephone area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), predominantly covering parts of the state of Massachusetts in the United States. It serves as an overlay for the 978 area code, which means that both area codes serve the same geographic region. This overlay was introduced to accommodate the increasing demand for phone numbers in the area.
Geographic Coverage:
The 351 area code covers a substantial part of northeastern Massachusetts, including but not limited to:
- Middlesex County
- Essex County
- Parts of Worcester County
Key cities and towns within the 351 area code include:
- Lowell
- Lawrence
- Haverhill
- Andover
- Billerica
- Chelmsford
History:
The 351 area code was established as an overlay to the 978 area on May 2, 2001. This was primarily implemented to ensure that telephone service would continue without the need to split the existing 978 geographic area into smaller regions, which can be disruptive to consumers and businesses.
Usage of Area Code 351:
When dialing within this area, especially if you are using a local number, it is crucial to include the area code to avoid confusion and ensure proper routing of the call. The overlay system requires ten-digit dialing, meaning that even local calls require the full 10-digit phone number (the area code plus seven-digit number).
Regulatory Information:
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) oversees the allocation of area codes in the United States. The overlay plan was chosen as a solution for the 351 area code to address the exhaustion of available numbers in the 978 region while minimizing inconvenience to existing users.
Impact on Residents and Businesses:
Both residents and businesses in the 351 area code must be mindful of the following:
- Ten-digit dialing: As mentioned, all calls within the area now require dialing the area code followed by the seven-digit phone number.
- Updating contact information: Businesses, especially, need to ensure that all advertisements, stationery, and promotional materials include the correct area code.
Final Answer:
The 351 area code is a telephone area code in northeastern Massachusetts, serving as an overlay to the 978 area code. Introduced in 2001, it covers parts of Middlesex, Essex, and Worcester counties, including major cities like Lowell and Lawrence. Residents and businesses are required to use ten-digit dialing due to the overlay system.