The 280 area code serves the western and central regions of Alabama, including the major cities of Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and Hoover. It operates as an overlay for the original 205 area code, meaning both codes serve the exact same geographic territory.
If you’ve seen a phone number with a 280 prefix, this guide will explain its location, the history behind its creation, and the important requirement for 10-digit dialing in this part of Alabama.
Where is the 280 Area Code Located?
The 280 area code is located in western and central Alabama. It was introduced to provide new phone numbers for the region originally covered solely by the 205 area code. Think of 280 and 205 as two area codes sharing the same map.
- State: Alabama
- Major Cities: Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Hoover
- Time Zone: Central Time Zone (observing Central Standard Time, CST, and Central Daylight Time, CDT).
The introduction of 280 did not change any existing phone numbers; it simply added a new source of numbers for new customers and lines.
What Cities and Counties Use the 280 Area Code?
The 280 area code, along with 205, covers a large and populous portion of Alabama. If you have a number with this area code, it is located in or around one of these communities:
Major Cities in Area Code 280:
- Birmingham
- Tuscaloosa
- Hoover
- Jasper
- Bessemer
- Clanton
- Alabaster
- Pelham
Major Counties Served:
The area includes all or parts of Jefferson, Tuscaloosa, Shelby, Walker, Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Etowah, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Marion, Perry, St. Clair, Sumter, and Winston counties.
History of the 280 Area Code and the Overlay Plan
The 205 area code was one of the original area codes created in 1947 and originally covered the entire state of Alabama. Over the decades, as the population and demand for phone numbers grew, the 205 area was split several times.
By the late 2010s, the remaining 205 region, centered around the bustling Birmingham metro area, was once again facing number exhaustion. To solve this, the Alabama Public Service Commission approved an overlay plan instead of a geographic split. The new 280 area code was officially put into service on October 20, 2019.
What is 10-Digit Dialing?
A key result of an overlay plan is the implementation of mandatory 10-digit dialing. Because two different area codes 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 whether you are calling a 280 number or a 205 number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between area code 280 and 205?
Geographically, there is no difference. Both area codes serve the exact same cities and counties in Alabama. The only distinction is when the phone number was assigned; 280 numbers were issued to new customers starting in late 2019.
If I have a 205 number, will it change to 280?
No. A major benefit of an overlay plan is that all existing phone numbers remain the same. If you have a 205 number, you will keep it.
What time zone is area code 280?
The 280 area code is in the Central Time Zone. It observes Central Standard Time (UTC-6) and Central Daylight Time (UTC-5) during the summer months.
Is the 280 area code a scam?
No, 280 is a legitimate and official area code for central and western Alabama. However, scammers can “spoof” any phone number, including those in the 280 area code. You should always be cautious when answering calls from numbers you do not recognize.
Conclusion
In summary, the 280 area code is an overlay that serves the same region as the 205 area code in central and western Alabama, including the state’s largest city, Birmingham. The presence of both area codes makes 10-digit dialing a necessity for all local calls. It stands as a modern solution to the growing demand for phone numbers in one of Alabama’s most dynamic regions.
