Frequently Asked Questions
Asheville, North Carolina, is primarily located within area code 828. While Asheville is the most prominent city, 828 encompasses 19 counties and other towns like Boone, Hendersonville, and Hickory.
For local calls within 828, dial the 7-digit number. However, due to number portability, it's best practice to always dial the full 10-digit number, including the area code, even for local calls.
Area code 828 was created on March 22, 1998, as a split from the 704 area code. This split was necessary to address numbering plan exhaustion caused by the rise in popularity of pagers and cell phones.
Area code 828 covers nineteen counties in Western North Carolina. These counties include the areas in and around Asheville, Boone, Hendersonville, Lenoir, Morganton, and Hickory.
While the article doesn't link to a specific map, it provides approximate latitude and longitude coordinates for the central point of the 828 area code: 35.60095 and -82.55402 respectively. Remember that the 828 area code covers a wide expanse of Western North Carolina.
The North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) oversees telecommunications regulations, ensuring fair practices and efficient service. However, they do not regulate Cable providers, Satellite providers, or Data and Internet service providers.
No, 828 is not a toll-free area code. Calls to 828 from outside the area code are typically considered long-distance and may incur charges depending on your calling plan.
Always dial the full 10-digit number for 828, even for seemingly local calls. Number portability allows people to keep their numbers when moving, making it essential to include the area code for successful connections.
Be wary of unfamiliar calls, especially those mimicking local 828 numbers. Never share personal or financial details with unknown callers and always verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent a business or organization.
Asheville is the largest city within the 828 area code. It's known for its thriving arts and cultural scene, which is well documented on websites like ExploreAsheville.com.
Boone, North Carolina falls under area code 828, along with a significant portion of Western North Carolina, including cities like Asheville, Hendersonville, and Hickory.
Due to number portability, you may be able to keep your 828 number even if you move within Western North Carolina. However, this depends on your specific phone carrier and the services available at your new location.
Area Code 828: Asheville, North Carolina
Area code 828 serves Western North Carolina, covering Asheville, Boone, Hickory, and 20 additional counties in the Blue Ridge Mountains region. This comprehensive guide explains which cities use the 828 area code, how to dial it correctly, and everything you need to know about phone numbers in Western NC.
What Area Is Covered by Area Code 828?
Asheville – renowned for its thriving arts and cultural scene – is the most prominent city within area code 828, but the code reaches far beyond. It encompasses Western North Carolina, including the Blue Ridge Mountains and Foothills. This geographically diverse area drives economic activity through tourism, manufacturing, healthcare, and education.
Area code 828 covers 23 counties in Western North Carolina, serving approximately 1.34 million individuals across 77 cities and towns, including:
Adjacent Area Codes and Border Information
Area code 828 borders multiple area codes across state lines – critical information for businesses operating in regional markets and residents near county boundaries:
Practical Impact: Residents and businesses near these borders may encounter mixed area codes within local service areas. Verify area code requirements when you establish service or plan marketing campaigns that cross state or regional boundaries.
Complete County Coverage
Area code 828 serves 23 counties in Western North Carolina: Alexander, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, and Yancey. Note: Cleveland County is not served by 828 despite being incorrectly listed in some online sources.
Precise Location Details
Use these approximate coordinates for the central point of area code 828 in mapping applications, GIS systems, or service area planning:
Use Cases: Use these coordinates for logistics planning, service radius calculations, mapping software integration, and determining driving distances to the area code's geographic center. The 828 area code covers approximately 150 miles north-to-south.
How Do I Dial Area Code 828?
Follow these dialing procedures to ensure your calls to area code 828 connect smoothly.
Dialing Formats:
International Dialing to 828 Numbers:
To call an 828 number from outside the United States:
Example format: [International Access Code] + 1 + 828 + [7-digit number]
From UK: 00-1-828-555-1234 From most of Europe: 00-1-828-555-1234 From Australia: 0011-1-828-555-1234
Best Practice: With number portability, individuals can retain their phone numbers when moving or changing carriers. Dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7-digit number) even for local calls within 828. While not required, this eliminates ambiguity and ensures your call reaches its intended recipient, particularly when calling someone who may have ported their number from another area code.
Note: Unlike many other North Carolina area codes (336, 704/980, and 919/984), area code 828 hasn't implemented mandatory 10-digit dialing for local calls as of January 2025.
Who Regulates Area Code 828 in North Carolina?
The North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) oversees telecommunications regulations within the state. The NCUC ensures fair practices, promotes efficient service delivery, and addresses consumer complaints.
What the NCUC Regulates (as of 2025):
What the NCUC Does NOT Regulate:
This regulatory framework operates under Chapter 62 of the North Carolina General Statutes (the Public Utilities Act). Understand these jurisdictional boundaries when you seek regulatory assistance or file complaints.
How to File a Complaint with the NCUC
If you can't resolve a telecommunications issue with your regulated provider directly, follow these steps:
Step 1: Contact the Public Staff Consumer Services Division
The Public Staff serves as an intermediary and attempts informal resolution before formal proceedings.
Step 2: File a Formal Complaint (if unresolved)
If informal resolution fails, you may file a formal complaint with the NCUC. Individuals may file without an attorney; businesses require legal representation.
Required Information:
Important: The NCUC can only order refunds of utility charges; it can't award monetary damages. Submit complaints via mail (original signed document) – email and fax aren't accepted. For complete procedures, see Commission Rules R1-5 and R1-9.
When to Contact the NCUC:
When NOT to Contact the NCUC:
Find more information about the NCUC at https://www.ncuc.gov/ (telecommunications-specific information: https://www.ncuc.gov/industries/telecom/telecom.html).
Frequently Asked Questions About Area Code 828
Find quick answers to common queries about the 828 area code in North Carolina.
What is Area Code 828?
Area code 828 is a North American Numbering Plan (NANP) designation for Western North Carolina. Created on March 22, 1998, it split from area code 704 to alleviate numbering plan exhaustion caused by the increasing popularity of pagers and cell phones.
Historical Context: Prior to 1998, all of Western and Central North Carolina shared the 704 area code. Explosive growth in wireless devices and pagers in the mid-1990s accelerated number consumption, necessitating the split. The NANPA approved the 828 split effective March 22, 1998, with a permissive dialing period allowing both 704 and 828 to work temporarily before the hard cutover.
Source: North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA); verified through multiple telecommunications databases.
What Cities Are in the 828 Area Code?
Area code 828 covers Asheville, Boone, Hendersonville, Lenoir, Morganton, Hickory, Marion, Murphy, Newton, Conover, and Maiden. It encompasses 23 counties (see complete list in the Geographic Coverage section above) and serves approximately 1.34 million people across 77 cities and towns.
How Do You Dial 828 Area Code?
Dial the 7-digit phone number for local calls within 828. Area code 828 still permits 7-digit local dialing, unlike many other North Carolina area codes that require mandatory 10-digit dialing. For calls outside 828, dial 1 + the 10-digit number (area code + 7-digit number).
Optional Best Practice: Dial 10 digits (828 + 7-digit number) for all calls to ensure proper routing with number portability.
Is Area Code 828 a Toll-Free Number?
No. Area code 828 is not a toll-free number. It's a standard geographic area code for Western North Carolina. Calls to 828 numbers from outside the area may incur long-distance charges depending on your calling plan. Toll-free numbers use area codes 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833.
Checking Call Costs:
How Do I Get an 828 Area Code Phone Number?
Getting an 828 area code phone number is straightforward, whether you need residential or business service:
For Residential Service:
For Business Service:
Important Notes:
Where Can I Find More Information About North Carolina Area Codes?
Visit the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) website at https://www.ncuc.gov/ for detailed information on North Carolina area codes and telecommunications regulations. Carolina Digital Phone also provides a comprehensive history of North Carolina area codes at https://carolinadigitalphone.com/history-of-north-carolina-area-codes/.
Quick Reference: 828 Area Code Facts
How to Protect Yourself from 828 Area Code Scams
Scammers often target specific area codes using caller ID spoofing to make calls appear local. Protect yourself from telecommunications fraud with these strategies.
Common Scam Types in Area Code 828
Neighbor Spoofing: Scammers display a caller ID matching your area code and prefix (first three digits after the area code), making calls appear to be from a local neighbor or business.
Robocalls: Automated calls with pre-recorded messages about fake IRS debts, Social Security suspensions, warranty expirations, or prize winnings.
Phishing Calls: Scammers impersonate legitimate businesses, government agencies, or utility companies requesting personal information, account numbers, or passwords.
One-Ring Scams: International scammers call once and hang up, hoping you'll call back a premium-rate number with high per-minute fees.
Protection Best Practices
Call-Blocking Apps and Technical Solutions
The FCC recommends multiple technical solutions to block unwanted and scam calls:
Carrier-Provided Solutions (often free or low-cost):
Third-Party Call-Blocking Apps:
Built-In Device Features:
Setup Steps for iPhone Silence Unknown Callers:
Setup Steps for Android Call Screening:
Important: Aggressive call blocking may occasionally filter legitimate calls. Review your voicemail regularly and add important numbers to your contacts to ensure they ring through.
Reporting Scam Calls
Report scam calls through these official channels:
Stay informed and vigilant – it's your best defense against telecommunications fraud.
Conclusion: Connecting with Western North Carolina
Area code 828 connects businesses and residents across Western North Carolina's most scenic regions, from Asheville's urban center to mountain communities throughout the Blue Ridge. Whether you're establishing local presence for your business or simply need to understand how to dial 828 numbers, this guide provides everything you need to navigate Western North Carolina's telecommunications landscape.
Key Takeaways:
Getting an 828 Number:
Multiple options exist for obtaining an 828 area code number, whether you need a residential line or business telecommunications solution:
Resources for Further Information:
This guide provides the essential knowledge you need to navigate the 828 telecommunications landscape. Stay vigilant against potential scams and use available resources to stay informed about changes or updates to area code policies and regulations.
Verified as of January 2025. Telecommunications regulations and dialing procedures may change over time. Check with the NCUC or your service provider for current information.