Where is Area Code 938?
Area code 938 covers specific regions in northern Alabama. This overlay primarily includes portions of the following cities and counties:
- Huntsville (Madison County)
- Decatur (Morgan County)
- Florence (Lauderdale County)
- Athens (Limestone County)
- Cullman (Cullman County)
According to the national phone numbering protocols administered by the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA), area code 938 was introduced to meet the demand for additional telephone numbers in the region. Local authorities, in consultation with the Alabama Public Service Commission located at 100 N Union St #836, Montgomery, AL 36130, oversee the implementation of numbering plans to ensure efficient service and minimal disruptions to residents and businesses.
What Time Zone Is 938 Area Code in the USA?
The 938 area code falls under the Central Time Zone (CT) of the United States. This means local residents and organizations observe Central Standard Time (CST) and switch to Central Daylight Time (CDT) during daylight saving months, generally between March and November. For official guidance on timekeeping standards, please consult the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Their main office can be contacted at 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.
Under Central Standard Time, the local time is usually six hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-6). When daylight saving time is in effect, the region adjusts to UTC-5, aligning with national protocols for time observance and enabling consistent scheduling for businesses, government entities, and educational institutions.
History of the 938 Area Code
Area code 938 was established as an overlay to the existing 256 area code. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), located at 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, provided regulatory guidance for the introduction of this overlay in response to rapidly depleting numbers within the original numbering plan area. Key events:
Initial Creation (2010):
- The 938 overlay was approved to prevent number exhaustion in the region.
- Industry and regulatory authorities cooperated to ensure local telephone users could retain their existing numbers.
Number Allocation Changes:
- With increasing population and business endpoints, the additional area code became essential to accommodate cellphone usage, internet lines, and commercial demand.
- Authorities emphasized minimal disruption through extended permissive dialing periods.
Future Considerations:
- State regulatory offices coordinate with national phone numbering protocols to monitor the need for further area code adjustments.
- Community awareness programs address future numbering demands as technology evolves.
How Many People Use the 938 Area Code?
Rough estimates indicate that over 1.5 million residents have access to the combined 256 and 938 overlay region in northern Alabama. The U.S. Census Bureau, headquartered at 4600 Silver Hill Road, Washington, DC 20233, provides detailed population statistics that reflect steady growth across Huntsville, Decatur, and other cities served by area code 938. The service accommodates residential and large-scale commercial entities, with new lines allocated regularly to meet increased demand from:
- Expanding metropolitan areas such as Huntsville.
- Corporate relocations drawn by business incentives.
- Academic and research institutions requiring additional lines for communications infrastructure.
Area code usage remains dynamic. Population changes, additional telephone lines, and growing demand for broadband services influence the number of assigned numbers under 938. State and federal agencies monitor these trends to prevent future number shortages.
Is the 938 Area Code Toll-Free?
The 938 area code is a standard geographic area code for northern Alabama. Unlike toll-free codes (such as 800, 888, or 877), 938 calls are subject to local or long-distance charges based on the caller’s telephone plan:
- Local Calls: Covered under local calling rates if the caller is within the same geographic area.
- Long-Distance Calls: May incur additional charges or require specific dialing formats, depending on the service provider.
There are no special toll-free arrangements for 938, and callers are advised to consult with their telephone carriers for comprehensive cost details. Should further guidance be necessary, inquiries may be directed to the Alabama Public Service Commission at 100 N Union St #836, Montgomery, AL 36130, which oversees local telecommunications regulations.