Where is Area Code 220?
Area Code 220 primarily serves several central and southeastern regions of Ohio. It encompasses both urban centers and rural areas, often functioning in conjunction with its overlay, Area Code 740. Notable counties within this territory include Licking, Muskingum, Fairfield, and Marion. Major cities and communities covered by 220 include:
• Newark
• Zanesville
• Lancaster
• Marion
• Athens
• Cambridge
Users can obtain detailed, up-to-date boundary maps and assigned number information directly from the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (https://www.nationalnanpa.com). The Ohio Public Utilities Commission is also responsible for oversight and allocation of area codes within the state. Their main office address is * 180 E. Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215.
What Time Zone Is 220 Area Code in the USA?
This area code is situated in the Eastern Time Zone (ET), which applies to a significant portion of Ohio. The standard time zone designation is Eastern Standard Time (EST) from late fall to early spring. During the late spring, summer, and early fall months, it observes Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) to align with nationwide daylight saving time practices. When moving clocks forward one hour, residents should confirm accuracy of call schedules, automated dialing systems, and other time-dependent services.
History of the 220 Area Code
Area Code 220 was officially introduced in 2015 as an overlay to the existing 740 numbering plan. The primary motivation for creating the overlay was the increase in demand for new telephone numbers, driven by population changes and the wider adoption of mobile devices. Once the 740 area code approached exhaust levels, industry stakeholders, in consultation with regulatory bodies, implemented 220 to ensure that local businesses and households continued uninterrupted access to new numbers.
Several factors contributed to this development:
- Rapid population increases in certain Ohio communities.
- Growth in commercial sectors requiring dedicated lines.
- Technological advancements resulting in more devices requiring phone number assignments.
Complete documentation regarding area code changes and overlays can be found by consulting the Ohio Public Utilities Commission (https://puco.ohio.gov) or the Federal Communications Commission (https://www.fcc.gov). The Federal Communications Commission main branch can be contacted at * 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554.
How Many People Use the 220 Area Code?
Exact subscription figures fluctuate as customers change providers or move locations, but the region covered by 220 has a collective population reaching into the millions. The overlay nature of 740 and 220 ensures that both area codes are administered in tandem. Residents and businesses continue to be assigned numbers under both codes depending on availability and carrier practices.
Below is a simplified breakdown of user distribution in the 220 service area:
| Region/Cities | Estimated User Count | Primary Industries |
|---|---|---|
| Newark & Surrounds | ~50,000 - 75,000 | Manufacturing, Services |
| Zanesville Area | ~30,000 - 50,000 | Healthcare, Education |
| Lancaster | ~40,000 - 60,000 | Retail, Agriculture |
| Marion | ~30,000 - 45,000 | Logistics, Distribution |
| Other Rural Areas | ~100,000+ collectively | Various local economies |
These numbers are approximations gathered from public utility reports and local government data. For detailed demographic statistics, consider visiting the official Ohio Department of Development website or the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at * 30 E. Broad St., 14th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215.
Is the 220 Area Code Toll-Free?
Area Code 220 is not designated as a toll-free code. It is categorized as a geographic code within the North American Numbering Plan, meaning that standard local and long-distance charges will apply. Toll-free codes in the United States currently include 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833. Calls and texts placed to or from 220 numbers may incur usual carrier rates unless covered by local calling plans.
Local and state agencies, including the Ohio Public Utilities Commission, monitor telephone billing practices and address consumer complaints. Individuals wishing to avoid unwanted telemarketing calls or potential phone scams may consider adding their numbers to the National Do Not Call Registry (https://www.donotcall.gov). Complaints about billing or harassment can be directed to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at the address noted above.