978 Area Code: All You Need To Know With Latest Updates in 2024

Are you wondering about the 978 area code, location, or how to get a number? The 978 area code is in northeastern Massachusetts and covers bustling cities like Lowell, Lawrence, Haverhill, and many others.

This blog post will unpack all the essential information about this unique North American Numbering Plan sector, from its history and covered ZIP codes to available features.

Let’s start our journey through Area Code 978!

Content Highlights

• The 978 area code is in northeastern Massachusetts and covers cities like Lowell, Lawrence, and Haverhill.
• The introduction of overlay area code 351 has impacted phone numbers and businesses in the 978 area code.
• Callers must dial all 11 digits for local calls, but existing telephone numbers in other area codes will not be affected.
• Businesses should update their contact information and notify customers about the change during the transition period.

Overview of Area Code 978

Area code 978 is located in northeastern Massachusetts and covers cities such as Lowell, Lawrence, Haverhill, and Peabody.

Here are some important facts for area code 978:

• It is a telephone area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) for the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Massachusetts.
• It was created on September 1, 1997, by splitting area code 508.
• The largest city in area code 978 is Lowell.
• Other major cities in area code 978 include Lawrence, Haverhill, and Peabody.
• The population of area code 978 is approximately 1.5 million people.
• The area code is expected to reach exhaustion in 2024.
• The area code covers the following counties in Massachusetts: Middlesex, Essex, Worcester, and Franklin.
• Several telecommunications companies, including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, serve the area code.
• The area code is used for both landline and mobile phone numbers.
• The area code is also used for toll-free numbers in the region.

Service area

The 978 area code covers a big part of Massachusetts. It serves cities like Lowell, Lawrence, and Haverhill. Peabody is also in this service zone. Acton, Ashburnham, Ashby, and Andover are other towns within this area code’s reach.

Thus, from north central to northeastern parts of Massachusetts use the 978 area code for their phone numbers. So, if you get a call or need to make one there, it will often have the digit ‘978’ at the start.

Cities covered

The 978 area code has a big reach. It covers many cities in Massachusetts. Lowell, Lawrence, Haverhill, Amherst, and Andover are some of them. This is not all, though! The area code also reaches out to Billerica and Concord.

This wide range makes 978 an important part of phone calls in these areas. Many people and businesses in north-central and northeastern Massachusetts use it for their numbers. So you will hear the “978” often if you live or do business there!

ZIP Codes served

The 978 area code serves numerous ZIP Codes across northeastern Massachusetts, notably the Merrimack region and cities like Lowell, Lawrence, Haverhill, Peabody, Boxborough, and Acton. This area code is central to the life and communication of approximately 1,405,321 residents, supporting a diverse range of urban and rural communities. Look closely at some of the ZIP Codes covered under area code 978.

Cities with Zip Codes of 978 Area Zone

This table merely scratches the surface of the wide area served by the 978 area code. With an average house value of $211,424 in these regions, the area code connects a significant portion of the Massachusetts real estate market. Whether for personal, business, or other services, a phone number with a 978 area code holds immense potential and utility for users of all needs.

Read More: 983 Area Code

History of the area code

Area code 978 has an interesting history. It was created in 1997 when it split from area code 508 to cover north-central and most of northeastern Massachusetts. But that’s not all! In 2001, another area code, 351, was added as an overlay to the 978 area code.

This means that now, both area codes serve the same region. So, if you’re living or working in this part of Massachusetts, chances are your phone number has either a 978 or a 351 area code.

Latest Updates and Changes to Area Code 978

The latest update to Area Code 978 includes the introduction of overlay code 351, which has impacted phone numbers and businesses. Find out how this transition process is affecting the service area in Massachusetts.

Read more for all the details about these changes and updates.

Introduction of overlay area code 351

In northeastern Massachusetts, there is an area code called 978. Recently, another area code called 351 has been introduced as an overlay to the existing 978 area code. This means that both area codes will serve the same geographic region.

This introduction meets the increasing demand for phone numbers in the area. With overlay area code 351, more phone numbers can be activated and assigned to new residents and cell phones without affecting the boundaries and locations covered by the existing 978 area code.

It’s important to note that Verizon informs its customers about these changes and how they may impact their phone service.

Reasons for the overlay

Verizon is implementing an “overlay” area code system in Eastern Massachusetts. This overlay meets the increasing demand for phone numbers in the region. Instead of splitting existing codes into smaller areas, which can be confusing and inconvenient, the overlay system allows new numbers to be assigned within the old area codes.

This means that existing phone lines don’t need to change their numbers, and new phone lines can still be added without causing a shortage of available numbers. It’s a smart solution that ensures everyone can access a phone number while minimizing disruption.

Impact on phone numbers and businesses

The recent changes to area code 978 will impact phone numbers and businesses in Eastern Massachusetts. Callers must dial all 11 digits, including the area code and seven-digit phone number, for local calls.

This means businesses must update their contact information and notify customers about the change. However, existing telephone numbers in other area codes will not be affected.

Businesses must inform their associates and customers about this change to ensure smooth communication. Additionally, with the introduction of overlay area code 351, new phone numbers will be available for those who need them, allowing businesses to expand and grow within the region.

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Transition process

During the transition process, there are important steps to take to ensure a smooth switch to the new area code:

• Update your contact information: Make sure to update your phone numbers with any businesses or individuals that need to reach you. This includes updating your number on websites, business cards, and other promotional materials.
• Check equipment compatibility: Verify that your phone system, fax machines, and other devices are compatible with the new area code. Some older systems may require updates or reprogramming to accommodate the change.
• Notify friends and family: Inform your friends, family members, and colleagues about the upcoming change so they know how to reach you after the overlay goes into effect.
• Review automatic dialing settings: If you have any speed dial or programmed numbers in your phone system, check that they will still work with 10-digit dialing. Adjust any settings as needed.
• Test outgoing calls: Do some test calls with both local and long-distance numbers to ensure that they go through smoothly using the new 10-digit dialing format.

Phone Number Location and Carrier Analysis

Analyzing phone number location and carrier assignment in the 978 area code involves examining NXXs, usage types, and provider distribution.

NXX analysis

The NXX analysis provides essential information about area code 978 and its related features, such as ZIP codes, city usage, and carrier distribution. This data helps businesses and individuals understand the extent, reach, and services available within this area code. Here is the detailed NXX analysis for the 978 area code:

The above table showcases the NPA NXX, ZIP Code, city, usage type, company name, and date introduced for a specific telephone number within the area code 978. This snapshot shows that the wireless carrier Sprint Spectrum L.p. introduced the NXX 978201 in Acton, Massachusetts, on 02/09/2003.

The table also reveals the ZIP Code associated with this number. This data representation is just a snapshot; the 978 area code has 507 NXX codes, offering extensive accessibility and connectivity within this region.

Carrier assignment

The carrier assignment for the 978 area code can be quite diverse as various service providers operate in this region. Here’s a breakdown of some primary phone carriers and their respective proportion of the total phone numbers in the 978 area code:

Usage types

Phone numbers in the 978 area code are used for different purposes. These usage types include business phone numbers, virtual phone numbers, vanity phone numbers, and private personal numbers. Business phone numbers are used by businesses to establish a professional presence with customers.

Virtual phone numbers allow businesses to have a local presence in the 978 area code without actually being located there. Vanity phone numbers use memorable combinations of letters or digits that customers can easily remember. Private personal numbers are used by individuals who want a dedicated number for personal use only. The 978 area code offers various options to cater to different communication needs.

Read Also: How Understanding the 720 Area Code Can Change Your Life Forever!

Provider distribution

The article doesn’t provide specific information on the provider distribution for the 978 area code. However, it’s important to note that Verizon overlaps the 978 area code with the 351 area code in Eastern Massachusetts. This means there may be changes in phone number assignments and carrier distribution due to this overlay.

Suppose you’re looking for a phone number within the 978 area code. In that case, contacting your service provider or checking their website for more information on available providers and their coverage in your specific location is recommended.

Benefits and Features of a (978) Area Code Phone Number

The (978) area code offers various benefits and features, including options for business phone numbers, virtual phone numbers, vanity phone numbers, private personal numbers, business voicemail services, and customizable business hours.

Business phone numbers

A business phone number with a 978 area code can benefit your business. Not only does it offer lower call charges compared to traditional telephone carriers, but it also provides improved on-call connectivity and call quality.

With a virtual 978 area code business phone number, you can obtain it from anywhere in the country. These numbers come with various features like call forwarding to any location and more than 15 VoIP business features.

So whether you’re a small or large business, getting a business phone number in the 978 area code can greatly enhance your communication capabilities. OpenPhone makes it easy to get and use on your existing cell phones, allowing you to make calls from anywhere.

Virtual phone numbers

Virtual phone numbers are a useful tool for businesses. They are not tied to any physical location or device, so they can be used from anywhere with an internet connection. Many businesses use virtual phone numbers for customer service, sales, and marketing purposes.

They allow companies to create a local presence in different areas without needing a physical office or phone line. Virtual phone numbers offer flexibility and mobility, making it easy for businesses to stay connected with their customers no matter where they are.

Using virtual phone numbers can help save money on phone bills and infrastructure costs.

Vanity phone numbers

Vanity phone numbers are special types businesses or individuals can customize to make them more memorable and promote their brand. These numbers often include words or phrases related to the business or industry, making it easier for people to remember and dial.

For example, a bakery might have a vanity number like 1-800-YUMMYCAKES. Vanity numbers can be obtained by paying a monthly fee to a service provider who offers this feature. Additionally, some providers offer additional VoIP features along with vanity numbers.

So if you want your contact information to stand out and be easily remembered, consider getting a vanity phone number for your business or personal use!

Private personal numbers

A private personal number is used for personal and non-business purposes. It allows individuals to have a separate phone line for personal calls, keeping them distinct from work-related calls.

With a private personal number in the 978 area code, you can easily differentiate between incoming customer calls and private communication. Additionally, by having multiple 978 area code numbers for employees, each person can have their dedicated business phone number.

This helps maintain professionalism and organization within the company. Furthermore, looking up the name associated with any phone number within the 978 area code is possible, providing an added layer of security and information.

Read More: Exploring the Wonders of 303 Area Code

Business voicemail

Business voicemail is an important feature of a (978) area code phone number, especially for businesses and professionals. With this feature, you can customize your voicemail greetings to make a strong impression on callers.

Whether you’re in the office or unavailable, your customers can leave messages and expect prompt responses. Additionally, if you don’t want to be disturbed after business hours, you can mute notifications, including voicemail alerts.

This ensures that your personal time remains uninterrupted while allowing you to manage customer inquiries effectively during work hours. So, with a (978) area code phone number, businesses can benefit from having convenient and customizable voicemail options that support excellent customer service.

Business hours

Business hours for businesses within the 978 area code can vary depending on the establishment. Most businesses typically operate during regular business hours, generally from Monday to Friday, starting at around 9:00 AM and ending at around 5:00 PM.

However, it is important to note that individual businesses may have their operating hours. Some businesses may adjust their opening and closing times based on customer demand or industry norms, such as retail stores that may have extended hours on weekends or restaurants that may offer dinner service in the evenings.

It is recommended to check with the specific business you plan to visit for their exact operating hours.

Time Zone and Map of Area Code 978

Area Code 978 is located in the Eastern Time Zone and covers a large geographical area in northeastern Massachusetts.

Time zone information

The 978 area code is in the Eastern time zone, which means it follows Eastern Standard Time (EST) or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), depending on the time of year. This time zone is GMT -5:00.

If you are in the 978 area code, the local time is Sunday, July 16th, 2023, at 8:00 PM and five seconds.

Geographical coverage

The 978 area code covers a region in northcentral and most of northeastern Massachusetts. It includes cities like Lowell, Lawrence, and Salem. The area code is part of this state’s North American Numbering Plan.

So, if you’re in this part of Massachusetts, chances are your phone number will start with 978 or the newer overlay code, 351. You can find this area on the World Time Zone Map as well.

How to Claim a (978) Area Code Phone Number

To claim a (978) area code phone number, individuals or businesses can contact their service provider and request a number with the desired area code. Availability of numbers may vary, but providers can assist in finding an available number within the (978) area code.

If desired, existing phone numbers can also be ported to the (978) area code.

Process for obtaining a phone number

You have a few options to get a phone number with the 978 area code. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Start a free seven-day trial of OpenPhone to obtain a phone number associated with the 978 area code.
2. Visit CallScaler and purchase a 978 area code phone number without any contracts required.
3. Use KrispCall’s platform and follow their specific process to buy a phone number with the 978 area code.

Availability of numbers

You’re in luck if you want a phone number with the 978 area code in Massachusetts! There are local numbers available in many areas throughout the state. You can visit a website or contact a provider to check if a specific 978 number is available.

Remember that if you currently have a phone number with the 617, 508, 781, or another area code and want to switch to 978, you may need to reprogram your devices and services. It’s also important to be aware of potential scams related to obtaining a 978 area code phone number.

So stay vigilant and only work with reputable providers when claiming your new number.

Porting existing numbers

• You can keep your existing phone number when getting a (978) area code.
• Porting allows you to transfer your current number to the new area code.
• This is helpful if you want to maintain the same contact information.
• To port your number, you will need to contact your current provider.
• They will guide you through the process and provide any necessary forms.
• Keep in mind that there may be fees associated with porting your number.
• It’s important to check their specific policies and fees with your current provider.
• Porting existing numbers to a (978) area code is possible and can help you maintain continuity in your communication.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You can check the answers below if you want to know more about the 978 area code.

1. Where is the 978 area code located?

The 978 area code is located in Northeastern Massachusetts and covers cities such as Lowell, Lawrence, and Haverhill.

2. What are the latest updates regarding the 978 area code?

As of recent updates, there have been no major changes or significant updates regarding the 978 area code.

3. Can I keep my phone number if I move out of the 978 area code?

You can keep your phone number even if you move out of the 978 area code. This process is known as “number portability” and can be arranged with your phone service provider.

4. Are any specific restrictions or regulations associated with the 978 area code?

No, no specific restrictions or regulations are associated with using the 978 area code beyond general telecommunications guidelines set by regulatory authorities.