The 220 area code serves a large portion of central, eastern, and southeastern Ohio, including cities like Newark, Zanesville, Athens, and Lancaster. It operates as an overlay for the original 740 area code, meaning both codes serve the exact same geographic territory.
If you’ve seen a phone number with a 220 prefix, this guide will explain its location, the history behind its creation, and the important requirement for 10-digit dialing in this expansive region of Ohio.
Where is the 220 Area Code Located?
The 220 area code is located in Ohio, covering a vast region that essentially forms a large ring around the Columbus metropolitan area (which uses area codes 614 and 380). It was introduced to provide new phone numbers for the area originally covered solely by the 740 area code.
- State: Ohio
- Major Cities: Newark, Zanesville, Lancaster, Athens, Marion
- Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (observing Eastern Standard Time, EST, and Eastern Daylight Time, EDT).
The introduction of 220 did not change any existing phone numbers; it simply added a new source of numbers for new customers and lines within the same boundaries as the 740 area code.
What Cities and Counties Use the 220 Area Code?
The 220 area code, along with 740, covers dozens of counties and many cities and towns in Ohio. If you have a number with this area code, it could be located in or around any of these communities:
Major Cities in Area Code 220:
- Newark
- Lancaster
- Zanesville
- Athens
- Marion
- Chillicothe
- Steubenville
- Portsmouth
- Delaware (parts of the city and county)
Counties Served:
The area code covers all or significant parts of 28 counties, including Licking, Fairfield, Delaware, Muskingum, Ross, Athens, Marion, Scioto, and Jefferson, among others.
History of the 220 Area Code and the Overlay Plan
The 740 area code was created in 1997 when it was split from the 614 area code. Due to the steady demand for new phone numbers for cell phones, businesses, and other devices, the supply of available 740 numbers began to run out.
To address this, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio approved an overlay plan. The new 220 area code was officially put into service on April 22, 2015.
The Requirement for 10-Digit Dialing
A key result of an overlay plan is the implementation of mandatory 10-digit dialing. Because two different area codes (220 and 740) exist in the same location, you must dial the full 10-digit phone number (area code + seven-digit number) for all local calls. This applies even if you are calling a neighbor across the street.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between area code 220 and 740?
Geographically, there is no difference. Both area codes serve the exact same cities and counties in Ohio. The only distinction is when the phone number was assigned; 220 numbers were issued to new customers starting in 2015.
If I have a 740 number, will it change to 220?
No. A major benefit of an overlay plan is that all existing phone numbers remain the same. If you have a 740 number, you will keep it.
What time zone is area code 220?
The 220 area code is in the Eastern Time Zone. It observes Eastern Standard Time (UTC-5) and Eastern Daylight Time (UTC-4) during the summer months.
Is the 220 area code a scam?
No, 220 is a legitimate and official area code for a large part of Ohio. However, scammers can “spoof” any phone number, including those in the 220 area code. You should always be cautious when answering calls from numbers you do not recognize.
Conclusion
In summary, the 220 area code is an overlay that serves the same expansive region as the 740 area code in central, eastern, and southeastern Ohio, surrounding the Columbus area. The presence of both area codes makes 10-digit dialing a necessity for all local calls. It stands as a long-term solution to the demand for phone numbers in a wide and diverse part of the state.
