Contents
Introduction to Area Code 978
If you’ve ever looked up a phone number from the northeastern United States, you may have come across the area code 978. This three-digit code is used for telephone lines in northeastern Massachusetts, covering areas such as Lowell, Lawrence, and Haverhill. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the history, location, and fun facts about area code 978.
Location and Coverage
Area code 978 is located in northeastern Massachusetts, covering an area of roughly 1,630 square miles. It is bordered by area codes 508, 617, 781, and 978, and serves communities such as Lowell, Lawrence, Haverhill, Gloucester, and Beverly. The largest city within the 978 area code is Lowell, which has a population of over 100,000 people.
History and Evolution of Area Code 978
Area code 978 was first introduced in 1997 as a split from the 508 area code. At the time, the demand for phone numbers in northeastern Massachusetts had exceeded the available supply, leading to the creation of the new area code. Since then, the 978 area code has undergone several changes, including an overlay with area code 351 in 2001. Today, both area codes serve the same geographic area.
How to Dial Area Code 978
If you’re calling a phone number within the 978 area code, you’ll need to include the area code in your dialing sequence. To do this, simply dial the area code followed by the seven-digit phone number. For example, if you’re calling the Lowell Sun newspaper, which has the phone number (978) 459-2700, you would dial 978-459-2700.
Fun Facts About Area Code 978
- The 978 area code is home to several prestigious universities, including UMass Lowell and Merrimack College.
- The city of Lowell, which is located within the 978 area code, was once a thriving center of the textile industry and is now home to the Lowell National Historical Park.
- The 978 area code is known for its scenic beauty, including the rolling hills and farmland of the Merrimack Valley and the coastal communities along the Atlantic Ocean.
- The 978 area code is also home to several famous residents, including former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and author Jack Kerouac.
In conclusion
area code 978 is a vital part of northeastern Massachusetts, serving communities such as Lowell, Lawrence, and Haverhill. Whether you’re a resident of the area or just passing through, understanding the history and significance of this three-digit code can help you connect with the people and places that make this region so unique.
FAQ’S
Q: What is area code 978?
A: Area code 978 is a North American telephone area code serving the northeastern part of the state of Massachusetts, including cities such as Lowell, Lawrence, and Salem.
Q: When was area code 978 created?
A: Area code 978 was created on September 1, 1997, when it was split off from area code 508.
Q: What cities or regions are covered by area code 978?
A: Area code 978 covers the northeastern part of Massachusetts, including cities such as Lowell, Lawrence, Salem, Beverly, Andover, Haverhill, Newburyport, Fitchburg, and Gardner.
Q: What time zone is area code 978 in?
A: Area code 978 is in the Eastern Time Zone.
Q: Do I need to dial “1” before the area code when calling within area code 978?
A: No, you do not need to dial “1” before the area code when calling within area code 978. You only need to dial the seven-digit local number.
Q: What is the current population of the area served by area code 978?
A: The current population of the area served by area code 978 is approximately 2.7 million people.
Q: Are there any plans to change area code 978 in the future?
A: There are currently no plans to change area code 978, but as population and telephone usage patterns change, it is always possible that a new area code may be created in the future to serve the same geographic area.
Q: How do I know if a phone number is within the area code 978?
A: You can tell if a phone number is within area code 978 by looking at the first three digits of the number. If the first three digits are 978, then the number is within the area code.
