Area Code 903: Coverage, Cities, and More

Area code 903 serves Northeast Texas, covering major cities like Tyler, Longview, Texarkana, and Sherman. This comprehensive guide explains everything about the 903 area code, including its history, geographic coverage, the 430 overlay, dialing procedures, and answers to frequently asked questions.

What Is Area Code 903?

Area code 903 is a telephone area code within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) serving Northeast Texas. The NANP uses a 10-digit numbering format (NPA-NXX-XXXX), where the first three digits form the Numbering Plan Area code, the next three digits designate the central office exchange, and the final four digits identify the individual line. Each area code contains 792 available prefixes (NXX codes from 200-999, excluding N11 service codes), with each prefix serving up to 10,000 numbers, providing a theoretical capacity of 7,920,000 telephone numbers per area code.

Created on November 4, 1990, as a split from area code 214, this separation accommodated the growing demand for telephone numbers in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Area code 214, one of Texas's original four area codes established in 1947, approached prefix exhaustion as demand increased due to population growth, business expansion, and the proliferation of fax machines, modems, and mobile phones. The split allocated the northeastern portion of the 214 territory to the new 903 area code, while 214 retained the Dallas metropolitan core.

What Is the History of Area Code 903?

Before its assignment to Texas, area code 903 had a different life. From 1962 until October 18, 1980, it served parts of northwestern Mexico under Telefónica Fronteriza (TF). This company routed calls through AT&T lines in the US, rather than using Telefonos de Mexico (Telmex). After Telmex and the Mexican government forcibly acquired the TF exchanges, Mexico reorganized its numbering plan in 1980, using the digit 6 to start eight-digit numbers in the northwest. AT&T withdrew area code 903 from use and reassigned the area with area code 706 as a dial-around code for US-based calling into certain parts of Mexico. The code was later reassigned to Northeast Texas in 1990. Mexico ultimately opted for an international numbering format using country code +52 and withdrew from NANP participation in 1991.

Which Cities Are in the 903 Area Code?

The 903 area code covers a substantial portion of Northeast Texas, encompassing a diverse range of cities and communities. Major cities with the 903 area code include:

• Tyler: A major hub within the 903 area code, known for its medical facilities and rose industry.
• Longview: A significant industrial and commercial center that contributes substantially to the 903 area code's economic activity.
• Texarkana: Situated on the border of Texas and Arkansas, Texarkana represents a unique intersection of cultures and economies.
• Sherman: Located north of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Sherman is a growing city within the 903 area code.
• Greenville: A historic city with a vibrant downtown area.
• Corsicana: Known for its rich history and vibrant arts scene.
• Kilgore: A significant city in the region, part of the greater Longview metropolitan area.
• Paris: A growing commercial center in Northeast Texas.
• Marshall: Known for its historic downtown and proximity to Caddo Lake.

Beyond these major cities, area code 903 also serves numerous smaller towns and rural communities.

903 Area Code Coverage Statistics:

• Total Population: 2,718,707 (U.S. Census 2020)
• Counties Served: 31 counties in Northeast Texas
• Cities/Towns: 159 cities and communities
• Geographic Extent: From just north and east of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex (area codes 214, 469, 972) to the Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana state borders

The 32 counties served include: Anderson, Bowie, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Collin (partial), Delta, Fannin, Franklin, Freestone, Grayson, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Hill, Hopkins, Hunt, Kaufman, Lamar, Leon, Madison, Marion, Morris, Navarro, Panola, Rains, Red River, Rusk, Smith, Titus, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood.

What Is the 430 Area Code Overlay?

Due to continued growth in the region, area code 430 was introduced as an overlay to 903 on February 15, 2003. An overlay means both area codes serve the same geographic area. The overlay method was chosen over a geographic split because it allows existing customers to keep their telephone numbers, avoiding the need to update business cards, stationery, advertising, and countless other records. The tradeoff is that all users must dial 10 digits for all calls within the region, even for local calls.

NANPA announced the 430 overlay on December 24, 2001, with implementation on February 15, 2003, following a permissive dialing period during which both 7-digit and 10-digit dialing were accepted. After the transition to mandatory 10-digit dialing, the 430 overlay provided additional numbering capacity to serve new telephone customers and accommodate the growing demand for additional lines for businesses, mobile phones, and internet services.

How to Dial 903 Area Code Numbers

Understanding the dialing formats for area code 903 is crucial for effective communication. Here's a breakdown of the standard dialing procedures:

Terminology:

• HNPA (Home Numbering Plan Area): Calls within your own area code (903 or 430)
• FNPA (Foreign Numbering Plan Area): Calls to a different area code
• 10D: Ten-digit dialing (area code + 7-digit number)
• 1+10D: One plus ten-digit dialing (prefix 1, then area code + 7-digit number)

Standard Dialing Formats:

• Local calls within 903/430: 10D (e.g., 903-555-0123)
• Toll calls within 903/430: 1+10D (e.g., 1-903-555-0123)
• Local calls to another area code: 10D
• Toll calls to another area code: 1+10D
• Operator assisted calls: 0+10D (e.g., 0-903-555-0123)
• Emergency services: 911 (always 3 digits)

International Dialing:

• To call 903 from abroad: Dial your country's international access code + 1 (US country code) + 903 + 7-digit number (e.g., from UK: 00-1-903-555-0123)
• To call internationally from 903: Dial 011 (international access code) + country code + local number

These formats ensure seamless communication within area code 903, across Texas, and throughout the country. Remember, 10-digit dialing is essential for all local calls due to the 430 overlay. If you're calling from other major Texas cities like Houston (area code 713), you'll need to use 1+10D for long-distance calls.

Who Regulates Area Code 903?

Area code 903, like all area codes in the NANP, falls under the regulatory oversight of the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA). NANPA manages and allocates numbering resources efficiently to meet the evolving needs of the telecommunications industry. Since January 1, 2019, Somos, Inc. has served as the NANPA under contract with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

In Texas, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) regulates telecommunications services, as outlined in the Utilities Code, Chapter 55. This state-level regulation ensures telecommunications providers adhere to specific standards and practices, promoting fair competition and consumer protection.

Practical Implications for Consumers:

Local Number Portability (LNP): Under the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (47 U.S.C. §251), consumers have the right to keep their telephone number when switching service providers within the same geographic area. This applies to switches between landline carriers, wireless carriers, and even from landline to wireless or vice versa.

Consumer Complaints: If you experience issues with your telecommunications service, contact your provider first. If unresolved, file a complaint with:

• PUCT: For Texas state-regulated services, call 1-888-782-8477 or visit www.puc.texas.gov
• FCC: For federal telecommunications issues, call 1-888-225-5322 or visit www.fcc.gov/complaints

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also plays a significant role in overseeing telecommunications at the national level. Their website (https://www.fcc.gov/) offers a wealth of information on telecommunications regulations and consumer rights. Consider the FCC website a valuable resource for staying informed about telecommunications policy and industry developments.

Frequently Asked Questions About 903 Area Code

This section addresses common questions about area code 903, providing clear and concise answers.

What cities are in the 903 area code?

Area code 903 covers a wide range of cities in Northeast Texas, including Tyler, Longview, Texarkana, Sherman, Greenville, Corsicana, Kilgore, Paris, and Marshall, among others. You can find a more comprehensive list of cities and towns within the 903 area code on various online resources.

How do I dial within Area Code 903?

Dial 10 digits for all calls within area code 903, even for local calls, due to the 430 overlay. This ensures your call routes correctly to the intended recipient.

Is Area Code 903 toll-free?

No, area code 903 is not a toll-free area code. Standard calling charges apply based on your service provider and calling plan. Toll-free numbers typically begin with area codes like 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833.

When was Area Code 903 established?

Area code 903 was established on November 4, 1990, as a split from area code 214. This marked a significant moment in the telecommunications history of Northeast Texas.

How do I get a phone number with Area Code 903?

Contact a telecommunications service provider in the area to obtain a phone number with area code 903 (or its overlay, 430). Availability may vary depending on your specific location and the provider's current inventory.

Major Service Providers in Northeast Texas:

• AT&T: Landline, wireless, fiber internet, and bundled services
• Verizon: Wireless services and some landline coverage
• T-Mobile: Wireless services and home internet
• Spectrum: Cable, internet, and VoIP phone services
• Optimum: Internet and phone services in select areas
• Local/Regional Carriers: Various smaller providers serving specific communities
• VoIP Providers: Services like Vonage, Ooma, and RingCentral that work over internet connections

Obtaining a Number:

1. Contact your chosen provider's sales department
2. Specify your service needs (residential, business, mobile, landline)
3. Request a 903 or 430 area code number in your desired location
4. Ask about vanity number availability if you want a memorable number (e.g., 903-555-SHOP)
5. Costs vary by provider and service type; expect setup fees and monthly service charges ranging from $15-$100+ depending on features

Why does Area Code 903 require 10-digit dialing?

Area code 903 requires 10-digit dialing because of the 430 area code overlay implemented on February 15, 2003. When two area codes serve the same geographic region, 10-digit dialing becomes mandatory for all calls – including local calls – to ensure your call routes to the correct number. Without dialing all 10 digits, the system cannot determine which area code you're trying to reach.

Did Area Code 903 previously serve Mexico?

Yes, from 1962 until October 18, 1980, area code 903 served parts of northwestern Mexico under Telefónica Fronteriza, which routed calls through AT&T lines in the United States. After Telmex acquired these exchanges, Mexico reorganized its numbering plan and withdrew area code 903, replacing it with area code 706 as a dial-around code for US-based calling into Mexico. The 903 code was later reassigned to Northeast Texas in 1990.

Will Area Code 903 need another overlay in the future?

No immediate plans exist for another overlay. The North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) continuously monitors area code exhaust projections. According to the NANPA exhaust analysis, area code 903/430 is "not in jeopardy" and "will not run out of numbers before a change can be made," with no relief planning currently underway.

NANPA calculates exhaust projections by analyzing historical monthly prefix assignment data, service provider forecasts collected via the Numbering Resource Utilization/Forecast (NRUF) report process, number pooling inventory, and actual demand trends. With 93.4% of available prefixes currently assigned in area code 903 (747 of 800 prefixes active), and number pooling allocating numbers in blocks of 1,000 rather than 10,000, efficient number utilization has extended the lifespan of existing area codes. NANPA publishes updated exhaust projections twice annually in April and October.

Conclusion: Staying Connected in Northeast Texas

Area code 903 forms a crucial element of the telecommunications network in Northeast Texas. This guide has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of its history, geographic coverage, regulatory framework, and dialing procedures.

Quick Reference:

• Established: November 4, 1990 (split from 214)
• Overlay: Area code 430 (added February 15, 2003)
• Coverage: 31 counties, 159 cities, 2.7+ million population
• Dialing: 10-digit dialing required for all calls
• Time Zone: Central Time (GMT -06:00)
• International Format: +1-903-XXX-XXXX

Business Considerations:

For businesses serving Northeast Texas, maintaining a local 903 or 430 number provides regional identity and may improve customer response rates, as local numbers are often perceived as more trustworthy than toll-free numbers. However, businesses serving customers nationwide should consider obtaining a toll-free number (800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833) in addition to their local number. VoIP services allow businesses to maintain multiple numbers in different area codes without physical presence in each location.

Additional Resources:

• NANPA Area Code Search
• Texas PUC Area Code Information
• FCC Consumer Resources
• North American Numbering Plan on Wikipedia