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Area Code 346: Houston's Comprehensive Telecommunication Guide
Area code 346 overlays Houston, TX, introduced July 1, 2014. Explore its geographic coverage including Alvin, Pasadena, & Sugar Land. What's the exhaust projection (late 2025)? Understand the telecom infrastructure: AT&T (35%), Verizon (30%), & VoIP services. Learn about NANPA & PUC regulations.
Area Code 346: Houston's Comprehensive Telecommunication Guide
<Callout type="info"> Area code 346 is an integral part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), covering Houston, Texas, and its surrounding areas. </Callout>Overview of Area Code 346
Area code 346 is an overlay code implemented to support the growing telecommunication needs of the Houston metropolitan area. Since its introduction on July 1, 2014, it has facilitated efficient number allocation and enhanced connectivity.
Geographic Coverage of Area Code 346
Area code 346 spans the southeastern region of Texas, predominantly serving the bustling Houston metropolitan area. Here are some of the major cities covered:
- Alvin, TX: (29.42385, -95.2441)
- Atascocita, TX: (29.99883, -95.1766)
- Baytown, TX: (29.7355, -94.97743)
- Channelview, TX: (29.77606, -95.11465)
- Cloverleaf, TX: (29.77828, -95.17188)
- Deer Park, TX: (29.70523, -95.12382)
- Friendswood, TX: (29.5294, -95.20104)
- South Houston, TX: (29.66301, -95.23549)
- La Porte, TX: (29.66578, -95.01937)
- League City, TX: (29.50745, -95.09493)
- Mission Bend, TX: (29.69384, -95.66495)
- Missouri City, TX: (29.61857, -95.53772)
- Pasadena, TX: (29.69106, -95.2091)
- Pearland, TX: (29.56357, -95.28605)
- Rosenberg, TX: (29.55718, -95.80856)
- Spring, TX: (30.07994, -95.41716)
- Sugar Land, TX: (29.61968, -95.63495)
- The Woodlands, TX: (30.15799, -95.48938)
Numbering Statistics
- Total Numbers Available: Approximately 7.8 million
- Utilization Rate: 65%
- Exhaust Projection: Late 2025
Telecom Network Infrastructure
Major Carriers
- AT&T: 35%
- Verizon: 30%
- T-Mobile: 25%
- Other: 10%
Services Provided
- Landline
- Wireless
- VoIP
Regulatory Framework
Area code 346 operates under the oversight of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC). It adheres to the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) regulations, ensuring compliance with overlay plans and number conservation measures. Ten-digit dialing is mandatory within this area code.
Historical Milestones
- 1947: Area code 713 was established as one of the original Texas area codes.
- 1983: Area code 713 split to create area code 409.
- 1996: Area code 713 split to create area code 281.
- 1999: Overlay of area codes 713 and 281 with area code 832.
- 2014: Introduction of area code 346 as an additional overlay.
Conclusion
Area code 346 is pivotal to the telecommunications framework of Houston, Texas, enabling robust connectivity and supporting the region's growth. It ensures efficient number use and adheres to stringent regulatory standards, making it a cornerstone of Texas's communication infrastructure.
For further details and updates, visit the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What area code is Houston, Texas?
Houston, Texas uses area codes 713, 281, 832, and 346.
When was area code 346 implemented in Houston?
Area code 346 was introduced in Houston, Texas on July 1, 2014.
Why was area code 346 added to Houston?
Area code 346 was implemented as an overlay to meet the increasing demand for phone numbers in the growing Houston metropolitan area.
What is the geographic coverage of area code 346?
Area code 346 covers the Houston metropolitan area and surrounding regions in southeastern Texas, including cities like Alvin, Atascocita, Baytown, and The Woodlands. See the article for a complete list of cities covered.
Is 10-digit dialing required for calls within area code 346?
Yes, 10-digit dialing (including the area code) is mandatory for all calls within area code 346 and the other overlayed Houston area codes.
What is the approximate number of available phone numbers in area code 346?
Area code 346 has approximately 7.8 million available phone numbers.
What are the major telecom carriers in the 346 area code region?
Major carriers in the 346 area code include AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, alongside other smaller providers.
What types of phone services are available under area code 346?
Area code 346 supports landline, wireless, and VoIP phone services.
Which regulatory body oversees area code 346?
The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) regulates area code 346, ensuring compliance with NANPA regulations and number conservation measures.
What area codes were used in Houston before area code 346 was implemented?
Before 346, Houston used area codes 713, which was later split to create 409 and then 281. Area code 832 was also added as an overlay to 713 and 281 prior to the introduction of 346.
When was area code 713 first established for the Houston area?
Area code 713, one of the original Texas area codes, was established in 1947.
When is area code 346 expected to run out of numbers?
Projections suggest that area code 346 may exhaust its available phone numbers by late 2025.
Where can I find more information about area code 346 and Texas telecommunications regulations?
For further information, visit the website of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC).
What is an area code overlay?
An area code overlay is a new area code that is added to an existing geographic area, overlapping with one or more pre-existing area codes.
What is NANPA and its role with area code 346?
NANPA (North American Numbering Plan Administration) is responsible for managing the North American Numbering Plan, including area code assignments. Area code 346 operates under NANPA regulations.
When was area code 346 implemented?
Area code 346 was activated on July 1, 2014. This overlay code was added to supplement the existing area codes 713, 281, and 832, which serve Houston and the surrounding region.
Why was a new area code needed in Houston?
The increasing demand for phone numbers in Houston led to the establishment of area code 346 as an overlay. This new code, added in 2014, helps ensure available phone numbers for the growing population and businesses in the Houston metropolitan area.
How many phone numbers does area code 346 provide?
Area code 346 makes approximately 7.8 million phone numbers available for use in the Houston area. As of the latest data, the utilization rate is about 65%, with a projected exhaustion date in late 2025.
What cities are included in area code 346?
Area code 346 primarily serves the Houston metropolitan area in southeastern Texas. Cities included in this area code range from Alvin and Atascocita to Sugar Land and The Woodlands, encompassing a wide swathe of the region.
What is the area code for The Woodlands, TX?
The Woodlands, TX is covered by area code 346. This area code, implemented in 2014, serves as an overlay for the Houston metropolitan area and requires ten-digit dialing for all calls.
How to dial a number with area code 346?
Ten-digit dialing is mandatory for all calls within area code 346. This means you must dial both the area code and the seven-digit phone number, even for local calls. This practice ensures proper call routing within the overlay system.
What is the regulatory body for area code 346?
The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) regulates area code 346. The PUC's oversight ensures compliance with North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) guidelines, especially regarding overlay plan implementation and number conservation measures.
What is an overlay area code, like 346?
An overlay area code, like 346 in Houston, is a secondary area code layered over an existing geographic area. This method allows multiple area codes to function within the same region, maximizing phone number availability and preventing number exhaustion.
What area codes were in Houston before 346?
Before area code 346, Houston utilized area codes 713, 281, and 832. Area code 713 was one of the original Texas area codes established in 1947. Subsequent growth led to the creation of area codes 409, 281, and the overlay code 832.
When will area code 346 run out of numbers?
Area code 346 is projected to exhaust its available phone numbers by late 2025. This estimation is based on the current utilization rate of 65%. Once exhausted, a new area code may be introduced to maintain service in the region.
Who are the primary telecom carriers in Houston?
Major telecom carriers operating within area code 346 include AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. AT&T represents 35% of the market share, followed by Verizon with 30% and T-Mobile with 25%. Other smaller carriers make up the remaining 10%.
What types of phone services use area code 346?
Area code 346 supports various telecommunication services, including landline, wireless, and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). This broad range of services ensures connectivity for traditional phone users as well as those leveraging internet-based communication.