Frequently Asked Questions
Area code 928 covers a large portion of Northern, Eastern, and Western Arizona, including cities like Flagstaff, Prescott, and Yuma, as well as parts of the Navajo Nation and areas bordering the Phoenix metropolitan area. While often associated with Bullhead City, its reach extends far beyond this single municipality, encompassing diverse landscapes from deserts to mountains.
Dial the full 10-digit number, including the area code and the 7-digit local number, even for local calls. This practice, known as 10-digit dialing, became mandatory in October 2021 to accommodate the 988 suicide prevention lifeline.
Dial 1 followed by the 10-digit number (1 + area code + local number). This signals a long-distance call and ensures proper routing. Remember that long-distance charges may apply depending on your calling plan.
10-digit dialing is necessary because some local numbers previously used 988 as a prefix, conflicting with its designation as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This change ensures consistent and reliable access to the lifeline.
The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) regulates area code 928 and all telecommunications services in Arizona. The ACC oversees rates, service quality, and consumer protection, and provides resources on its website and through its eCorp platform for businesses.
You can find information on regulations, consumer alerts, and more on the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) website at https://azcc.gov. For business-specific inquiries, you can contact the Corporations Division directly at 602-542-3026.
Contact your chosen service provider to inquire about obtaining a 928 area code number. Availability depends on the provider, so discuss available plans and consider your call volume, features, and long-distance needs.
Double-check the area code and local number for typos. For international calls, ensure you use the correct international access code, 1, then the 928 number. Also, check with your provider for service outages or number portability issues if you recently switched carriers.
Area code 928 spans both the Mountain and Pacific Time Zones, so be mindful of potential time differences when calling. Avoid calling during potentially inconvenient hours.
Keep messages concise and professional, state your purpose clearly, and provide your contact information. Be mindful of the time zone, practice active listening, and show respect during conversations.
In addition to telecommunications, the ACC regulates private water and electric utility companies across Arizona. Five elected commissioners serving staggered terms oversee these areas.
Dial 0 followed by the full 10-digit number (area code and local number) to connect with an operator for assistance with collect calls or person-to-person calls.
Area Code 928: Bullhead City, Arizona
Area code 928 connects communities across a vast expanse of Arizona's telecommunications infrastructure. This comprehensive guide gives you a detailed overview of area code 928 – its geographic reach, dialing procedures, regulatory oversight, and practical tips for effective communication within this region. Whether you're a resident, a business owner, or someone who needs to connect with individuals in this area, you'll find understanding area code 928 essential.
Bullhead City: A Growing Community in Area Code 928
Bullhead City, one of the major municipalities served by area code 928, has experienced steady growth in recent years. As of 2024, the city's population reached 43,266 residents, representing a 0.7% annual growth rate. The 2025 projected population is 44,116, assuming a 0.9% annual rate of change. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 estimates)
Key Demographics:
This demographic profile indicates a retirement-friendly community with established infrastructure and services catering to an older population.
Geographic Coverage: Beyond Bullhead City
While often associated with Bullhead City, area code 928 extends far beyond this single municipality. It covers a significant portion of Northern, Eastern, and Western Arizona, encompassing diverse landscapes from desert plains to mountainous terrain. This expansive coverage includes major cities like Flagstaff, Prescott, and Yuma, as well as numerous smaller towns and communities. You'll find area code 928 in areas known for their natural beauty, such as the Grand Canyon and Sedona, as well as thriving commercial centers. This broad geographic reach makes understanding its specificities crucial for effective communication.
Beyond the well-known cities, area code 928 also serves less densely populated areas, including parts of the Navajo Nation and regions on the fringes of the Phoenix metropolitan area, such as Lake Pleasant Regional Park. This wide range underscores the importance of knowing the correct dialing procedures.
Dialing Patterns: Navigating Local and Long-Distance Calls
Familiarize yourself with the specific dialing patterns to ensure seamless connectivity within and outside area code 928. These patterns enable efficient call routing and depend on the type of call you're making.
Local Calls (within area code 928): Dial the full 10-digit number (10D), including the area code and the 7-digit local number. This practice, known as 10-digit dialing, became mandatory on October 24, 2021, to accommodate the nationwide implementation of 988 as the three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Federal Communications Commission approved the 988 designation on July 16, 2020, and the three-digit code became fully operational on July 16, 2022. Previously, some exchanges within area code 928 used 988 as a prefix for local numbers, creating a conflict. (Source: FCC Order, Arizona Corporation Commission notice, 2021)
Long-Distance Calls (outside area code 928): Dial 1 followed by the 10-digit number (1+10D). This signals the call as long-distance and ensures proper routing through the appropriate carriers. Remember, long-distance charges may apply depending on your calling plan.
Operator-Assisted Calls: Dial 0 followed by the 10-digit number (0+10D). This connects you with an operator who can assist with specialized calling needs, such as collect calls or person-to-person calls.
To recap: Always include the area code when dialing within or to area code 928, regardless of whether the call is local or long-distance.
Regulatory Oversight: The Arizona Corporation Commission
The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) regulates area code 928 and telecommunications services throughout the state. This agency ensures fair practices and consumer protection by setting rates, overseeing service quality, and resolving disputes related to telecommunications providers.
Contact Information:
The ACC provides resources including current regulations, consumer alerts, and assistance through its eCorp platform. The commission comprises five elected commissioners who serve staggered terms, regulating not only telecommunications but also private water and electric utility companies across Arizona. (Source: Arizona Corporation Commission, 2025)
Obtaining a 928 Number: Connecting with the Region
Establish a local presence in the 928 area by obtaining a phone number with this area code. Availability depends on your chosen service provider. Contact your provider directly to inquire about acquiring a 928 number and discuss available plans and options. Consider factors such as call volume, required features, and long-distance calling needs when selecting a plan. A local number enhances your credibility and makes it easier for customers in the region to reach you.
Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting
While dialing within and to area code 928 is generally straightforward, a few common pitfalls can arise. Use these troubleshooting tips to navigate these situations:
Incorrect Area Code: Double-check that you're dialing the correct area code (928) and the full 7-digit local number. A simple typo can lead to a failed connection.
International Calls: When calling from outside the United States, dial the international access code for your country, followed by 1, then the 928 area code and local number.
Service Outages: Service outages occasionally disrupt communication. Check with your service provider for updates on any reported outages in the area.
Number Portability Issues: While number portability allows you to keep your existing number when switching providers, occasional technical glitches can occur during the transfer process. Important: Federal regulations require carriers to port a number when they receive a valid request, and carriers may not refuse to port numbers because a fee or outstanding balance has not been paid. Local number portability has been available for wireless services since November 2003 (top 100 Metropolitan Statistical Areas) and May 2004 (nationwide). Contact your new provider to initiate the porting process, or file a complaint with the FCC at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) if you experience refusal. (Source: FCC Wireless Local Number Portability regulations)
Best Practices for Effective Communication
Beyond the technical aspects of dialing and regulations, use these best practices to enhance your communication within the 928 area code:
Clear and Concise Messaging: Keep your communication brief and to the point when leaving voicemails or sending text messages. State your purpose clearly and provide essential contact information.
Professional Tone: Maintain a professional demeanor in your phone interactions, especially when dealing with businesses or official matters.
Time Zone Awareness: Be mindful of the time difference if you're calling from a different time zone. Avoid calling during inconvenient hours. Area code 928 operates on Mountain Standard Time (MST) year-round, as Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time. This means that during summer months (when other states switch to Daylight Time), Arizona effectively aligns with Pacific Daylight Time (PDT). In winter, Arizona aligns with Mountain Standard Time. Plan your calls accordingly: MST is UTC-7 throughout the year. (Source: NANPA, 2025)
Respectful Communication: Practice active listening and show respect for the person on the other end of the line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What area does the 928 area code cover?
Area code 928 covers Northern, Eastern, and Western Arizona, including major cities like Bullhead City, Flagstaff, Prescott, Yuma, Lake Havasu City, Kingman, and Sedona. It also serves the Grand Canyon, parts of the Navajo Nation, and numerous smaller communities across approximately 86,000 square miles.
When did 10-digit dialing become mandatory for area code 928?
10-digit dialing became mandatory for area code 928 on October 24, 2021. This change accommodated the nationwide implementation of 988 as the three-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number, which became fully operational on July 16, 2022.
What time zone is area code 928?
Area code 928 operates on Mountain Standard Time (MST) year-round at UTC-7. Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so during summer months, the state effectively aligns with Pacific Daylight Time, and during winter, it aligns with Mountain Standard Time.
How do I get a 928 phone number?
Contact your preferred telecommunications service provider (such as AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, or VoIP providers) to inquire about 928 number availability. Discuss your call volume needs, required features, and plan options. Having a local 928 number enhances your credibility with customers in Northern Arizona.
Can I keep my 928 number if I switch carriers?
Yes. Federal regulations require carriers to port your number when you request it. Carriers cannot refuse to port your number because of unpaid fees or outstanding balances. Local number portability has been available nationwide since May 2004. Contact your new provider to initiate the porting process.
What is the population of Bullhead City in 2024?
Bullhead City's population reached 43,266 residents in 2024, with a projected population of 44,116 for 2025. The city has a median age of 53 years, with 29.4% of residents aged 65 or older, and a median household income of $47,717 (2023 data).
Do I need to dial the area code for local calls in 928?
Yes. All calls within area code 928 require 10-digit dialing (area code + 7-digit number). This has been mandatory since October 24, 2021. For long-distance calls outside the 928 area, dial 1 + area code + 7-digit number.
Who regulates area code 928?
The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) regulates telecommunications services for area code 928. Contact the ACC at (602) 542-4251 in Phoenix or (520) 628-6550 in Tucson, or visit azcc.gov for consumer assistance and regulatory information.
What cities besides Bullhead City use area code 928?
Major cities in area code 928 include Flagstaff, Prescott, Yuma, Lake Havasu City, Kingman, Sedona, Winslow, Holbrook, Show Low, and Wickenburg. The area code also serves tourist destinations like the Grand Canyon and numerous smaller communities throughout Northern Arizona.
When was area code 928 created?
Area code 928 was created on June 23, 2001, as a split from area code 520. It serves the northern, eastern, and western portions of Arizona, while area code 520 continues to serve the Tucson area and southeastern Arizona.
Conclusion: Mastering Arizona's 928 Area Code
Area code 928 serves as a critical communication link for a large and diverse region of Arizona. Understanding its geographic coverage, dialing patterns, regulatory framework, and best practices ensures smooth and effective communication with individuals and businesses within this area. Whether you're a resident, a visitor, or a business owner, mastering the nuances of area code 928 empowers you to connect seamlessly with this vibrant part of Arizona. Contact the Arizona Corporation Commission and your local service provider for any further inquiries or assistance. With this comprehensive guide, you're well-equipped to navigate the telecommunications landscape of area code 928.