Area code 334 is a telephone area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) for southeastern Alabama. It was created on January 15, 1995, in an area code split from area code 205.[1] It was the first new area code in Alabama since the announcement of the area code system in 1947. To permit a transition period for the reconfiguration of equipment, such as computers and fax machines, use of area code 205 continued in the 334 region through May 13, 1995.[1]

Numbering plan area 334

The numbering plan area (NPA) comprises the Montgomery, Auburn-Opelika, and Dothan metropolitan areas, as well as Phenix City and the Alabama side of the Columbus, Georgia metro area. The original 334 territory included the southern half of Alabama. The southwestern part of the numbering plan area was split off with Area code 251 in 2001, including Mobile.[2]

Area code 334 was the first interchangeable NPA code, not having the middle digit of 0 or 1,[3] officially preceding Washington area code 360 by one minute.[4]

NANPA projections in 2023 suggested that an additional area code will be needed in southeastern Alabama by early 2026, as 334 is nearing exhaustion.[5] An overlay of 334 with a new area code is recommended, which would make ten-digit dialing a statewide requirement.[6]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b Diel, Stan (December 15, 1994). "Ma Bell gives time to adjust to new code". The Birmingham News. pp. B1.
  2. ^ Lowry, Bob (March 4, 2009). "Flex your fingers for 10-digit dialing in 2010". The Huntsville Times.
  3. ^ "Bellcore Information Letter IL94-01-033" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on December 19, 2010. Retrieved May 13, 2013.
  4. ^ "Bellcore Information Letter IL94-01-029" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on December 19, 2010. Retrieved May 13, 2013.
  5. ^ "2022-1 NRUF and NPA Exhaust Analysis" (PDF). North American Numbering Plan Administrator. April 21, 2021. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
  6. ^ "Document Access".

External links edit

Alabama area codes: 205/659, 251, 256/938, 334
North: 205/659, 256/938
West: 205/659, 251 334 East: 706/762, 229
South: 251, 850
Georgia area codes: 229, 404, 470/678, 478, 706/762, 770, 912
Florida area codes: 239, 305/786, 321, 352, 386, 407/689, 561, 727, 772, 813, 850/448, 863, 904, 941, 954/754

31°45′N 85°50′W / 31.750°N 85.833°W / 31.750; -85.833