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Area Code 240: Detailed Coverage, Cities, and Carrier Information for Maryland
Area code 240 is an overlay serving western Maryland, including cities like Frederick and Rockville. Implemented June 1, 1997, it overlays area code 301. Discover major cities covered, technical specifications (NPA 240), and regulatory details from NANPA. Ten-digit dialing is mandatory.
Area Code 240: Detailed Coverage, Cities, and Carrier Information for Maryland
Introduction
Area code 240 is a vital part of Maryland's telecommunications landscape, covering a significant portion of the western part of the state, including the Greater Washington, D.C. metro area. This article will provide an in-depth look at area code 240, including its geographic coverage, major cities, technical details, and regulatory framework.
Geographic Coverage
Area code 240 serves as an overlay for the original 301 area code, introduced on June 1, 1997, to address the growing demand for telephone numbers. It encompasses a wide range of regions in western Maryland.
Major Cities within Area Code 240
Area code 240 covers numerous key cities within Maryland:
- Aspen Hill
- North Bethesda
- Bowie
- Chillum
- Clinton
- College Park
- Cumberland
- Fairland
- Fort Washington
- Frederick
- Gaithersburg
- Germantown
- Greenbelt
- Hagerstown
- Landover
- Montgomery Village
- North Potomac
- Olney
- Potomac
- Rockville
- Silver Spring
- Saint Charles
- Suitland
- Waldorf
- White Oak
Technical Specifications
- NPA Code: 240
- Type: Overlay
- Implementation Date: June 1, 1997
- State: Maryland
Telecom Carriers and Services
Area code 240 is supported by several major telecom carriers providing a variety of services:
- Major Carriers: [List of major carriers with market share percentages]
- Services Offered:
- Landline
- Wireless
- VoIP
Regulatory Framework
Area code 240 is regulated by the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA). Here are some of the key regulatory insights:
- Dialing Requirements: Ten-digit dialing is mandatory, requiring the area code followed by the phone number.
- NANPA Regulations: Area code 240 complies with NANPA's overlay plan regulations.
Historical Context
- 1947: The original area code 301 was established as one of the first North American area codes.
- 1991: Area code 301 was split to create area code 410, serving Baltimore and the Eastern Shore.
- 1997: Area code 240 was introduced as an overlay for the 301 territory.
- 2023: The introduction of area code 227 as a further overlay to accommodate more numbers.
Conclusion
Area code 240 is integral to Maryland's telecommunications infrastructure, efficiently managing the rising demand for phone numbers in the region. It serves a diverse range of urban and rural areas, ensuring connectivity across western Maryland and the Greater Washington, D.C. area.
For more information, visit the official NANPA website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What area code is used in Aspen Hill, Maryland?
Aspen Hill, Maryland, is covered by area code 240.
When was area code 240 implemented in Maryland?
Area code 240 was implemented in Maryland on June 1, 1997.
Why was area code 240 introduced in Maryland?
Area code 240 was introduced as an overlay for area code 301 to accommodate the increasing demand for phone numbers in the region.
Is 10-digit dialing required for calls within area code 240?
Yes, 10-digit dialing (including the area code) is mandatory for all calls within area code 240.
What is the regulatory body that oversees area code 240?
The North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) regulates area code 240.
Which area code did 240 overlay in Maryland?
Area code 240 overlays the existing area code 301 in Maryland.
What major cities are included in area code 240?
Major cities in area code 240 include Rockville, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Silver Spring, Frederick, Hagerstown, and parts of the Washington, D.C. suburbs.
What is the area code for Cumberland, Maryland?
Cumberland, Maryland is covered by area code 240.
Does area code 240 cover parts of the Washington, D.C. metro area?
Yes, area code 240 covers a significant portion of the Washington, D.C. metro area in Maryland.
What types of phone services are available in area code 240?
Area code 240 supports landline, wireless, and VoIP phone services.
What was the original area code for western Maryland before 240?
The original area code for western Maryland was 301, established in 1947.
When was area code 301 split to create area code 410?
Area code 301 was split to create area code 410 in 1991, with 410 serving Baltimore and the Eastern Shore.
When was area code 227 introduced as an overlay in Maryland?
Area code 227 was introduced as an overlay for area codes 301 and 240 in 2023.
What cities are in area code 240 Maryland?
Area code 240 covers many cities in western Maryland, including major ones like Rockville, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Silver Spring, and Frederick. It also serves parts of the Greater Washington, D.C. metro area, such as Aspen Hill, North Bethesda, and Bowie.
When was area code 240 Maryland established?
Area code 240 was implemented on June 1, 1997. It was introduced as an overlay for the existing 301 area code to accommodate the increasing demand for phone numbers in the region.
Why was area code 240 Maryland created?
The growing need for phone numbers in western Maryland and the Greater Washington, D.C. area led to the creation of area code 240. It overlays the original 301 area code, allowing for more phone numbers within the same geographic region.
How to dial a number in area code 240?
Ten-digit dialing is mandatory for calls within area code 240. You must dial both the area code (240) and the seven-digit phone number. This applies to landlines, wireless phones, and VoIP services.
What is the area code 240 overlay for?
Area code 240 is an overlay for the original 301 area code in Maryland. Overlays are implemented to provide additional phone numbers within an existing geographic area without requiring current users to change their numbers.
What is the regulatory body for area code 240?
The North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) regulates area code 240. NANPA oversees the allocation and assignment of phone numbers across North America, ensuring efficient and consistent numbering practices.
What area code is Hagerstown Maryland?
Hagerstown, Maryland is in area code 240. This area code covers a large portion of western Maryland and was introduced in 1997 as an overlay to area code 301.
Can I use VoIP with area code 240?
Yes, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services are available within area code 240. Along with traditional landline and wireless services, VoIP is supported by various telecom carriers operating in the region.
What is the history of area code 301?
Area code 301 was one of the original North American area codes, established in 1947. It initially covered a larger area of Maryland. In 1991, part of its territory became area code 410, and in 1997, 240 was added as an overlay.
When should I use 10-digit dialing for area code 240?
Ten-digit dialing (including the area code) is always required when calling a number within area code 240. This rule helps avoid confusion and ensures calls are correctly routed since 240 is an overlay for the 301 area code.
How to find area code 240 service providers?
Several major telecom carriers offer landline, wireless, and VoIP services within area code 240. While the article doesn't list specific providers, you can find them by searching online for 'phone service providers in [city name]' where the city is within the 240 area code.