Where is Area Code 870?
Area code 870 encompasses a significant portion of the state of Arkansas. It serves various urban centers, small towns, and rural communities. Key regions under this area code include:
- Jonesboro and its surrounding counties, such as Craighead and Greene
- Texarkana and Miller County
- Pine Bluff and Jefferson County
- El Dorado in Union County
- Several eastern Arkansas agricultural counties, including Mississippi, Poinsett, and Cross
For residents seeking more information about state regulatory matters, the Arkansas Public Service Commission is responsible for oversight of utilities, including telephone services. Its office is located at 1000 Center Street, Little Rock, AR 72201. Additional details are available on the Arkansas government services portal.
What Time Zone Is 870 Area Code in the USA?
The 870 area code falls under the Central Time Zone (CT). This zone observes Standard Time (CST) during the fall and winter months and switches to Daylight Saving Time (CDT) in spring and summer. During Daylight Saving Time, the clock moves forward by one hour, typically beginning in March and ending in early November. All localities covered by area code 870 adhere to federal guidelines regarding time changes.
History of the 870 Area Code
The 870 area code was established in 1997 when it split from area code 501. The increase in telephone usage, driven by factors such as expanding populations and emerging technologies, created a necessity for an additional code to serve Arkansas efficiently. Notable points of interest in its development include:
- 1997: Official introduction of the 870 area code, splitting from existing area code 501.
- Early 2000s: Continued growth in mobile phone usage prompted the need for thorough monitoring of numbering resources.
- Ongoing adjustments: Regulators, including the FCC area code resources, closely monitor numbering demands to prevent duplication and ensure each region retains unique codes.
Should citizens require additional resources on telephone regulations and historical records of numbering plans, they can contact the Federal Communications Commission at 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554 or visit the NANPA official resource for detailed listings of area codes nationwide.
How Many People Use the 870 Area Code?
Estimations indicate that millions of individuals and businesses within Arkansas rely on area code 870 for landline and mobile communication services. Though exact figures vary based on sources and yearly changes, the code covers both densely populated cities and smaller rural municipalities. The overall population under this code includes:
- Substantial urban hubs (Jonesboro, Pine Bluff, Texarkana)
- A broad array of smaller towns and rural communities across eastern, southern, and parts of north-central Arkansas
The Arkansas Public Service Commission regularly evaluates data on telephone number assignments, working in cooperation with federal entities to ensure adequate numbering resources remain available.
Is the 870 Area Code Toll-Free?
The 870 area code is not a toll-free number range. Unlike toll-free prefixes (such as 800, 888, 877, 866, or similar numbers designated by the FCC area code resources), 870 is a standard geographic area code reserved for residents and businesses within its boundary. Standard billing practices apply, which may vary by telecommunications carrier. Individuals calling within the same code typically incur local or regional charges, subject to their service plan, whereas long-distance charges may apply for calls outside the local coverage.
Key considerations for those residing in or dialing to this region include:
- The necessity of dialing the correct area code to avoid misrouted calls.
- Awareness of local calling rates versus long-distance rates.
- Compliance with voluntary 10-digit dialing requirements in some parts of the state to accommodate any future overlays or numbering changes.
For further guidance, individuals can consult the Arkansas Public Service Commission or the Federal Communications Commission for official directives and regulatory updates. Both agencies maintain public offices and can provide assistance regarding telephone service inquiries:
• Arkansas Public Service Commission: 1000 Center Street, Little Rock, AR 72201
• Federal Communications Commission: 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554