The search query “256 area code” is a request for the geographic location of this specific three-digit code, which serves one of the fastest-growing technology and aerospace centers in the United States.
The 256 area code is a geographic area code located in Northern and Eastern Alabama. It covers the major cities of Huntsville, Decatur, and Florence. The 256 area code is currently served by an overlay area code, 938, which means 10-digit dialing is mandatory for all calls across this region.
This article details the location, major cities, time zone, and the essential dialing rules for the 256/938 area code complex.
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Location and Geographic Coverage
The 256 area code covers a wide region that is home to Alabama’s defense, aerospace, and high-tech industries.
Primary Location and Time Zone
- State: Alabama (AL), United States.
- Time Zone: Central Time Zone (CT). This includes Central Standard Time (CST) and Central Daylight Time (CDT) during the summer.
Major Cities and Counties Covered
The 256 area code was created in 1998 when it split from the original 205 area code. It covers a large portion of North Alabama, including the following key centers:
- Huntsville: The largest city in the region, known as “Rocket City” due to its concentration of aerospace (NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center) and defense (Redstone Arsenal) operations.
- Decatur
- Florence (part of “The Shoals” region).
- Gadsden
- Anniston
- Counties: Madison, Morgan, Lauderdale, Limestone, and parts of Calhoun County.
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The 938 Area Code Overlay and 10-Digit Dialing
The rapid growth of Huntsville and the surrounding technology corridor quickly depleted the available numbers in the 256 area code.
The 938 Overlay
- New Code: Area code 938 was implemented as an overlay for the 256 region, with new phone lines and services being assigned the 938 prefix starting in 2010.
- Coverage: The 938 area code covers the identical geographic area as the 256 area code.
Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing
Due to the introduction of the 938 overlay, 10-digit dialing became mandatory for all calls within this region.
- Rule: You must dial the full Area Code + 7-Digit Local Number for every local call.
- Example: Calling a number in Huntsville (256) from a mobile phone in Decatur (also 256) requires dialing 256-XXX-XXXX (or 938-XXX-XXXX).
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Communication and Identity
The 256 area code is strongly identified with Alabama’s technological and educational centers.
- Local Trust: For businesses, a 256 or 938 number is essential for establishing local credibility in the competitive Huntsville and North Alabama markets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between 256 and 938?
There is no geographical difference. The 938 area code was simply added as an overlay to the entire region served by the 256 area code. All existing numbers kept 256, while new numbers may be assigned either 256 or 938.
Do I need to dial ‘1’ before the area code in Huntsville?
No. You do not dial ‘1’ for local calls within the 256/938 area code complex. You only need to dial the 10-digit format. You would only dial ‘1’ if the call is long-distance (e.g., calling the 205 area code near Birmingham).
What area codes border the 256 area code?
The 256 area code borders several other codes, including 205 (Birmingham area), 334 (Montgomery/Southeastern Alabama), and 423 (Chattanooga, Tennessee).
