What is area code 240?

Area code 240 is a telephone area code in Maryland, serving as an overlay for the original 301 area code, covering the western part of the state including the Greater Washington, D.C. metro area.

When was area code 240 introduced?

Area code 240 was introduced on June 1, 1997.

Which major cities are covered by area code 240?

Area code 240 covers cities such as Aspen Hill, North Bethesda, Bowie, Chillum, Clinton, College Park, Cumberland, Fairland, Fort Washington, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Greenbelt, Hagerstown, Landover, Montgomery Village, North Potomac, Olney, Potomac, Rockville, Silver Spring, Saint Charles, Suitland, Waldorf, and White Oak.

What type of area code is 240?

Area code 240 is an overlay area code.

Is ten-digit dialing required for area code 240?

Yes, ten-digit dialing is mandatory for area code 240, requiring the area code followed by the phone number.

What services are available under area code 240?

Services available under area code 240 include landline, wireless, and VoIP.

What is the historical significance of area code 301 in relation to 240?

Area code 301 was the original area code for the region, established in 1947, and area code 240 was introduced as an overlay to accommodate more numbers.

Which telecom carriers support area code 240?

Several major telecom carriers support area code 240, providing various services.

What is the relationship between area codes 240 and 301?

Area code 240 is an overlay for area code 301, meaning they cover the same geographic region.

Has there been any recent changes to the area code system in Maryland?

Yes, in 2023, area code 227 was introduced as a further overlay to accommodate more numbers.

What is the purpose of an overlay area code like 240?

An overlay area code like 240 is used to provide additional telephone numbers in a region without requiring existing numbers to change.

How does area code 240 impact residents in Maryland?

Area code 240 allows residents in Maryland to have access to a sufficient number of telephone numbers, supporting both personal and business communications.

What is the significance of the Greater Washington, D.C. area in relation to area code 240?

Area code 240 covers parts of the Greater Washington, D.C. metro area, contributing to the region's connectivity and telecommunications infrastructure.

Can I find more information about area code 240 online?

Yes, more information about area code 240 can be found on the official NANPA website.

What was the original area code for Maryland before 240?

The original area code for Maryland was 301.

Why is ten-digit dialing mandatory for area code 240?

Ten-digit dialing is mandatory to ensure proper routing of calls in regions with overlay area codes like 240, where multiple area codes serve the same geographic area.

What other area codes are related to 240 in Maryland?

Area codes 301 and 227 are related to 240, with 301 being the original and 227 being another overlay.

Where can I learn about the technical specifications of area code 240?

Technical specifications of area code 240, such as its type and implementation date, are discussed in the article and more details can be found on the NANPA website.

Area Code 240: Detailed Coverage, Cities, and Carrier Information for Maryland

Q: Why was area code 240 created?

Area code 240 was created to address the growing demand for telephone numbers in western Maryland.

Introduction

Area code 240 is a vital part of Maryland's telecommunications landscape, covering a significant portion of the western part of the state, including the Greater Washington, D.C. metro area. This article will provide an in-depth look at area code 240, including its geographic coverage, major cities, technical details, and regulatory framework.

Geographic Coverage

Area code 240 serves as an overlay for the original 301 area code, introduced on June 1, 1997, to address the growing demand for telephone numbers. It encompasses a wide range of regions in western Maryland.

Major Cities within Area Code 240

Area code 240 covers numerous key cities within Maryland:

Aspen Hill
North Bethesda
Bowie
Chillum
Clinton
College Park
Cumberland
Fairland
Fort Washington
Frederick
Gaithersburg
Germantown
Greenbelt
Hagerstown
Landover
Montgomery Village
North Potomac
Olney
Potomac
Rockville
Silver Spring
Saint Charles
Suitland
Waldorf
White Oak

Technical Specifications

NPA Code: 240
Type: Overlay
Implementation Date: June 1, 1997
State: Maryland

Telecom Carriers and Services

Area code 240 is supported by several major telecom carriers providing a variety of services:

Major Carriers: [List of major carriers with market share percentages]
Services Offered:
- Landline
- Wireless
- VoIP

Regulatory Framework

Area code 240 is regulated by the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA). Here are some of the key regulatory insights:

Dialing Requirements: Ten-digit dialing is mandatory, requiring the area code followed by the phone number.
NANPA Regulations: Area code 240 complies with NANPA's overlay plan regulations.

Historical Context

1947: The original area code 301 was established as one of the first North American area codes.
1991: Area code 301 was split to create area code 410, serving Baltimore and the Eastern Shore.
1997: Area code 240 was introduced as an overlay for the 301 territory.
2023: The introduction of area code 227 as a further overlay to accommodate more numbers.

Conclusion

Area code 240 is integral to Maryland's telecommunications infrastructure, efficiently managing the rising demand for phone numbers in the region. It serves a diverse range of urban and rural areas, ensuring connectivity across western Maryland and the Greater Washington, D.C. area.

For more information, visit the official NANPA website.

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