Where is Area Code 248?
Area code 248 is located in the southeastern region of Michigan. It primarily serves Oakland County, though some areas may overlap slightly with neighboring counties. The coverage area is known for its suburban communities and robust business sectors. Major cities and townships that utilize this area code include:
- Troy
- Rochester Hills
- Pontiac
- Farmington Hills
- Novi
- Bloomfield Township
According to official Michigan Public Service Commission data, area code boundaries are determined by telecommunication needs and population density. Area code 248 continues to support a large portion of the region’s residential, commercial, and local government services.
What time zone is 248 area code in the USA?
The 248 area code follows the Eastern Time Zone (ET). This means it observes Eastern Standard Time (EST) during the winter months and transitions to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) when Daylight Saving Time (DST) is in effect. Per federal guidelines, telecommunication providers are required to implement any necessary adjustments for time-based services, such as call forwarding or voice mail timestamps, according to local time zone rules.
During Daylight Saving Time, which generally starts in the spring and ends in the fall, clocks in the 248 region are set one hour ahead of standard time. This practice aligns with national energy-saving measures and scheduling consistency across multiple cities in the network.
History of the 248 Area Code
Area code 248 was officially created in 1997 as a split from area code 810. The initial purpose behind its creation was to manage the increasing demand for telephone numbers brought on by a rise in residential and business telephone lines. Over time, the region experienced further growth in cell phone usage, internet-based phone services, and commercial exchanges.
When the existing number pool in 248 began nearing capacity, officials introduced an overlay area code, 947, in 2002. This overlay allowed new subscribers to be assigned numbers under area code 947 while existing 248 numbers remained intact. The Federal Communications Commission guidelines require such strategies to prevent exhaustion of viable telephone number combinations. Local authorities, including the Michigan Public Service Commission: 7109 W. Saginaw Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917, coordinated implementation to ensure a smooth transition and sufficient availability of numbers for the future.
How Many People Use the 248 Area Code?
According to United States Census Bureau figures, the population of Oakland County and its surrounding areas exceeds 1.2 million residents. While not all individuals maintain a unique telephone number, the region’s robust commercial corridors, dense suburban communities, and industrial sectors drive a high utilization rate of available lines. Many households possess multiple devices, contributing to the overall quantity of assigned numbers and the need for periodic updates to area code infrastructure.
Additional coverage estimates from Michigan Public Service Commission resources indicate that area code 248 has consistently maintained strong demand. With both residential customers and businesses increasing their reliance on telecommunication services, it is expected that the area code’s allocation of numbers will remain under close observation by regulatory agencies, including the Federal Communications Commission: 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554.
Is the 248 Area Code Toll-Free?
Area code 248 is not classified as a toll-free area code. It functions as a standard geographic code assigned to a specific region of Michigan. Individuals making calls within the same geographic area often enjoy local calling rates or included minutes, depending on their phone service plans. However, calls made from outside the region may incur long-distance fees. Providers establish these charges in accordance with normal telephone service agreements and FCC regulatory guidelines.
Toll-free numbers, typically designated by area codes such as 800, 888, 877, 866, and others, are separate from local area codes like 248. Consumers dialing toll-free numbers are not billed for the call, while the receiving party or business generally covers the associated charges. The Federal Communications Commission: 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554 oversees the administration of toll-free allocations nationwide, ensuring that these special telephone resources remain available for businesses, customer service lines, and various public service organizations.