Where is Area Code 659?
Area Code 659 is primarily associated with central regions of Alabama in the United States. It is an overlay of the well-established 205 Area Code, serving many of the same geographic areas. Several populous locations fall under the 659 overlay, including:
- Birmingham
- Tuscaloosa
- Hoover
- Vestavia Hills
- Alabaster
Within these cities, residents and businesses utilize 659 for new telephone lines alongside the 205 area. The overlay ensures that service remains continuous and accessible for all. Oversight and regulatory guidelines for area codes in Alabama are managed by the Alabama Public Service Commission, which maintains compliance with nationwide numbering policies and addresses local telecommunication matters. Individuals may visit or contact the Alabama Public Service Commission at 100 N Union St #950, Montgomery, AL 36130 for detailed inquiries.
What time zone is 659 area code in the USA?
Area Code 659 is located within the Central Time Zone (CT). This region observes Daylight Saving Time (DST), meaning clocks are set forward by one hour in the spring and then moved back by one hour in the fall. Residents under 659 can expect:
- Standard Time: Central Standard Time (CST), which is 6 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-06:00).
- Daylight Saving Time: Central Daylight Time (CDT), which is 5 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-05:00) and takes effect around mid-March to early November each year.
Information regarding time zone rules and national time-saving conventions can be found with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the federal agency responsible for timekeeping standards across the United States.
History of the 659 Area Code
The 659 overlay was created to accommodate ongoing demand for new phone numbers in Alabama’s central regions. This deployment was officially activated in 2019 to prevent number shortages within the 205 Area Code. Before its introduction, the single 205 code faced higher-than-anticipated requests for telephone lines due to:
- Population growth in major metropolitan areas such as Birmingham
- Increased use of wireless devices and internet-based phone services
- Expansion of businesses needing multiple direct lines for employees
State telecommunications regulators decided on an overlay plan to minimize disruption and avoid requiring existing telephone subscribers to change their current phone numbers. That approach is consistent with policy recommendations by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), available under the “Area Code Relief” section. Individuals experiencing issues or disputes related to number assignments may file a formal complaint with the FCC Consumer Complaint Center.
How Many People Use the 659 Area Code?
Although exact data on the 659 Area Code is still relatively new, the number of users covered by this overlay—when combined with 205—encompasses several million residents and businesses in the central part of Alabama. Some official estimates suggest that well over 1.5 to 2 million people currently live and work in the service territory. Given that 659 does not replace 205 but rather coexists, telephone service providers anticipate future assignment of many new lines under 659 in the coming years to meet increasing demand.
Below is a brief summary of user demographics:
- Residential Subscribers: High concentration in the Birmingham and Tuscaloosa metropolitan areas.
- Commercial/Business Lines: Incorporated into corporate, industrial, and small business sectors.
- Educational Institutions: Universities, colleges, and schools throughout central Alabama.
- Healthcare Providers: Hospitals and clinics in Jefferson, Shelby, and Tuscaloosa counties.
For more precise demographic information, the U.S. Census Bureau provides county-level data that can help pinpoint growth in specific localities.
Is the 659 Area Code Toll-Free?
The 659 Area Code is not considered a toll-free code. Rather, it is a standard, geographic-based overlay that carries normal local and long-distance billing procedures, depending on the user’s service plan. Calls made within the same region may be classified as local for many carriers, whereas calls made outside or into other states could incur long-distance charges.
Key points to remember:
- 659 is a geographic overlay: Normal phone rates apply.
- Toll-free codes in the United States typically include 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833.
- Consumers in 659 should check specific calling plans or contact local providers to confirm their exact billing practices.
Residents who have questions about toll charges or wish to dispute billing discrepancies may contact the Alabama Public Service Commission for resolution. One may also send correspondence by mail or visit them directly at 100 N Union St #950, Montgomery, AL 36130. Additionally, the Federal Communications Commission Consumer Complaint Center is available to assist with national telecommunications concerns.