The History of Area Code 978

To fully understand the history of Area Code 978, we must look back to the mid-20th century, before its inception. The North American Numbering Plan (NANP) was created in 1947 to simplify the direct dialing of long-distance telephone calls. The original system divided the United States and Canada into 86 numbering plan areas. This setup allowed for the efficient routing of calls across the vast telecommunication network.

Initially, Massachusetts was divided into two area codes. But with the proliferation of telephone lines and devices, particularly in the densely populated areas around Boston, the state required more area codes to accommodate this growth. Currently, Area Codes 978 and 351 effectively serve northeastern Massachusetts, representing a diverse collection of cities and towns with rich histories and cultures. 

Area code 978 was born out of a further split from area code 508 on September 1, 1997. The decision to introduce a new area code was prompted by the dramatic rise in the demand for phone lines, driven partly by new technologies such as fax machines, cell phones, and the increasing need for internet connectivity.

This list comprises all the towns and cities in Massachusetts that use area code 978:

Acton, MA Amesbury, MA Andover, MA Ashburnham, MA Ashby, MA Ashland, MA Athol, MA Ayer, MA Barre, MA Berlin, MA Beverly, MA Billerica, MA Bolton, MA Boston, MA Boxborough, MA Boxford, MA Cambridge, MA Carlisle, MA Chelmsford, MA Clinton, MA Concord, MA Danvers, MA Devens, MA Dracut, MA Dunstable, MA East Templeton, MA Essex, MA Fitchburg, MA Framingham, MA Gardner, MA

Georgetown, MA Gloucester, MA Groton, MA Groveland, MA Hamilton, MA Harvard, MA Haverhill, MA Hubbardston, MA Hudson, MA Ipswich, MA Lancaster, MA Lawrence, MA Leominster, MA Littleton, MA Lowell, MA Lunenburg, MA Lynn, MA Manchester, MA Marlborough, MA Maynard, MA Merrimac, MA Methuen, MA Middleton, MA New Salem, MA Newbury, MA Newburyport, MA North Andover, MA North Reading, MA Orange, MA

Peabody, MA Pepperell, MA Petersham, MA Princeton, MA Rockport, MA Rowley, MA Royalston, MA Salem, MA Salisbury, MA Shirley, MA Southborough, MA Sterling, MA Stow, MA Sudbury, MA Templeton, MA Tewksbury, MA Topsfield, MA Townsend, MA Tyngsboro, MA Waltham, MA Warwick, MA Wenham, MA West Newbury, MA Westford, MA Westminster, MA Wilmington, MA Winchendon, MA Woburn, MA Worcester, MA

978 Area Code FAQs

Q: What area code is 978?

A: Area code 978 is a telephone area code that covers northeastern Massachusetts.

Q: When the 978 area code was created?

A: The 978 area code was created on September 1, 1997.

Q: Where is area code 978?

A: Area code 978 covers northeastern Massachusetts. It includes cities such as Lowell, Lawrence, Fitchburg, and Salem.

Q: Who needs to dial 1 before the 978 area code?

A: Dialing 1 before the area code is generally necessary when making long-distance calls within the United States. Therefore, callers outside the 978 area code typically need to dial 1 before the area code.

Q: Why are area codes like 978 important?

A: Area codes like 978 are important because they allow for efficient routing of telephone calls within a country and internationally. 

Q: Is Area Code 978 overlaid with another area code?

A: Yes, Area Code 978 is overlaid with Area Code 351.

Q: What other area codes are nearby area code 978?

A: Area Code 978 is bordered by Area Code 508 to the south, Area Code 781 to the southeast, Area Code 603 (New Hampshire) to the north, and Area Code 413 to the west.

Q: Can I obtain a phone number with Area Code 978?

A: Yes, phone numbers with Area Code 978 are generally available through local telecommunications providers, depending on specific availability.

Q: What is the population of the area covered by area code 978?

A: The area includes parts of many towns and cities, each with its population. 978 Area Code Demographic Information according to Census 2020 is 1,405,321 people

Q: What is the timezone for Area Code 339?

A: Area Code 978 is located in the Eastern Time Zone. 

Find the real owner of someone with a 339, 351, 413, 508, 617, 774, 781, 857, or 978 area code