Where is Area Code 484?
Area code 484 primarily serves southeastern Pennsylvania. It is an overlay for the 610 area code, encompassing numerous cities, towns, and communities. Key regions within this coverage include:
- Parts of the Lehigh Valley, including Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton.
- Large portions of Berks County, with the city of Reading as a major hub.
- Suburban areas surrounding Philadelphia, such as Chester County, Delaware County, and Montgomery County.
- Smaller municipalities spread across the region.
Anyone seeking updated records on boundary delineations or changes in service areas can refer to the Federal Communications Commission’s online database through relevant pages providing “area code details.” For additional oversight on utility services, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission guidelines are applicable. Individuals can also contact the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission in person at 400 North Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120 for detailed regional maps and legislative updates.
What Time Zone Is 484 Area Code in the USA?
The 484 area code is located in the Eastern Time Zone (ET). This region observes Daylight Saving Time (DST), meaning clocks are moved forward one hour in spring and back again in fall. Essential points include:
- Standard Time (Eastern Standard Time) typically spans from early November to mid-March.
- Daylight Saving Time (Eastern Daylight Time) runs from mid-March to early November.
- Official DST start and end dates are subject to federal government provisions under the Uniform Time Act.
The Eastern Time Zone aligns with regulations set forth by federal resources on time zone administration. Individuals should remain mindful of these seasonal clock adjustments when making or receiving calls.
History of the 484 Area Code
Area code 484 was established to address the growing need for telephone numbers across southeastern Pennsylvania. Notable historical milestones include:
- 1994: The original area code 610 was introduced, splitting off from 215 to accommodate expanding populations.
- 1999: Area code 484 was overlaid on 610 to provide additional capacity. This change allowed new subscribers to receive 484 numbers without disrupting existing 610 lines.
- Overlapping Growth: As mobile devices, internet connections, and diverse telecommunication services proliferated, 484 ensured residents and businesses would continue to have access to sufficient telephone numbers.
- Ongoing Administration: Both federal regulators such as the Federal Communications Commission and state-level authorities like the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission manage area code expansions and overlays to ensure uniform access.
For in-person consultations regarding policy decisions or regulatory compliance, inquiries may be addressed to the Federal Communications Commission at 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission often coordinates on localized matters at 400 North Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120.
How Many People Use the 484 Area Code?
Several million individuals reside within the combined 610 and 484 area code regions. Though exact figures can fluctuate as populations grow and new phone lines are activated, some general estimates show the coverage area includes:
- Over two million residents in the broader metropolitan and suburban areas.
- Rapidly expanding populations in communities located in Lehigh, Northampton, and Berks Counties.
- A diverse mix of personal, business, and government lines that use either 610 or 484 interchangeably under the overlay plan.
In many parts of southeastern Pennsylvania, residents and enterprises must dial ten digits even for local calls. For the most recent population statistics, consult the U.S. Census Bureau or the Pennsylvania State Data Center. For official data on active telephone exchanges, the Federal Communications Commission’s phone number reporting offers updated “telecom data resources.”
Is the 484 Area Code Toll-Free?
The 484 area code is not a toll-free number range. It is geographic in nature, which means:
- Calls to or from 484 numbers may incur local or long-distance charges depending on the caller's carrier plan.
- Toll-free codes in the United States typically include 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833 prefixes.
- When dialing within Pennsylvania or across state lines, standard calling rates apply unless an individual’s phone service plan provides expanded coverage.
For users uncertain about potential costs, it is advisable to review their telecommunications agreement or contact their carrier. Organizations such as the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission monitor consumer protections and billing practices. Any formal inquiries or disputes related to toll charges or geographical coverage can be directed to 400 North Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120.