Where is Area Code 251?
Area Code 251 covers southwestern portions of Alabama, encompassing both urban and rural communities. This area stretches along the Gulf Coast and includes significant portions of the state’s coastal and inland regions. Major locations served by Area Code 251 include:
- Mobile, located at 205 Government St, Mobile, AL 36602
- Fairhope, situated near the shores of Mobile Bay
- Bay Minette, which serves as the county seat for Baldwin County
- Gulf Shores, a well-known coastal destination
Additionally, counties such as Mobile County, Baldwin County, Washington County, Monroe County, Clarke County, and Escambia County are within the Area Code 251 region. Official state resources, including Alabama’s government portal, provide comprehensive information on municipal services, civic regulations, and administrative contacts.
What Time Zone Is 251 Area Code in the USA?
Most of the region under Area Code 251 adheres to Central Standard Time (CST), which shifts to Central Daylight Time (CDT) during certain parts of the year in accordance with Daylight Saving Time regulations. Residents and businesses observe these changes as set by current time zone guidelines available through time zone guidance. From March to November, clocks are moved forward one hour to maximize daylight hours in the evenings.
History of the 251 Area Code
Area Code 251 was introduced in 2001 to meet the increased need for telephone numbers in southwestern Alabama. It was created as a split from a previously larger numbering plan area, separating itself from older codes to accommodate the rising demand for both residential and business lines.
The Alabama Public Service Commission at 100 N Union St, Montgomery, AL 36130 maintains official oversight over telecommunications matters at the state level. This regulatory body’s responsibilities include assigning numbering resources and resolving carrier disputes. More information on state utility oversight is available through the Commission’s official pages, as well as nationwide telecommunications regulations at the FCC official website. Over the years, growth in mobile device usage and business expansions prompted the creation of new area codes across the country, with 251 being a prime example of how number allocation responds to population and corporate development.
How Many People Use the 251 Area Code?
An estimated population of more than one million residents uses the 251 area code for landline and wireless telecommunications services. The bulk of these lines belong to households and commercial entities in cities such as Mobile and Baldwin County communities, with major hospitals, educational institutions, and job centers located in these regions. Some approximate impacts of Area Code 251 include:
- Over 190,000 lines in the City of Mobile for both private and public communication
- Rapidly growing usage among counties like Baldwin, driven by tourism along the Gulf Coast
- Continuous expansion in smaller communities, reflecting the broad necessity of reliable phone service
Area Code 251 remains vital to facilitating voice calls, data connections, and emergency services. Public offices, including City of Mobile official services, offer guidance on utility contact numbers, security measures, and other phone-based resources.
Is the 251 Area Code Toll-Free?
Area Code 251 is geographic and not designated as a toll-free service. Calls made to numbers in this area code are typically subject to local or long-distance charges, depending on the caller’s phone plan and location. Area codes recognized as toll-free in the United States include 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, 833, and 822. These designations are regulated through the FCC’s toll-free regulations, which set the guidelines for fair use, number portability, and service carrier compliance.
Individuals and businesses seeking reliable phone connections in southwestern Alabama continue to rely on Area Code 251 for standard telephone service, mobile lines, and internet-based calling solutions. Residents and enterprises alike should verify with their service provider whether any additional charges apply, especially if calls are placed across multiple service areas or national boundaries.