Where is Area Code 656?
Area code 656 primarily serves regions in and around Tampa, Florida. Its coverage extends across several significant communities and nearby areas. Key cities using this code:
- Tampa
- Brandon
- Town 'n' Country
- Riverview
In Hillsborough County, area code 656 is part of an overlay plan. For further details on local telephone regulations, consult the Florida PSC official guidelines. Oversight for area code assignments is also managed through the North American Numbering Plan for uniform administration across participating regions.
Residents or businesses seeking in-person assistance can reach out to the Florida Public Service Commission at 2540 Shumard Oak Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32399. Additionally, local queries related to city planning and telephone infrastructure may be addressed at Tampa City Hall, 315 E Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33602.
What Time Zone Is 656 Area Code in the USA?
The entire coverage area for code 656 falls under the Eastern Time Zone (ET). This zone observes Eastern Standard Time (EST) during the winter months and transitions to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) when Daylight Saving Time (DST) is in effect.
• Eastern Standard Time (EST): UTC-05:00
• Eastern Daylight Time (EDT): UTC-04:00
History of the 656 Area Code
Origin and Implementation
Area code 656 was introduced as an overlay to the established 813 area code. The Federal Communications Commission’s jurisdiction permits the allocation of new overlays in regions exhibiting rapid population expansion or heightened phone number demand. Local authorities collaborated with the Florida Public Service Commission to ensure that telecommunications services were efficiently administered.
Timeline of Area Code Changes
- 813 Established: The original 813 area code was assigned to western Florida back in the mid-20th century. Over time, population increases and evolving technologies created the necessity for an additional overlay.
- 656 Introduction: Officially activated in 2022, area code 656 now accommodates new telephone numbers in Tampa and surrounding communities.
- Reasons for Overlays: These changes aim to prevent the depletion of phone numbers, ensuring consistent service availability for personal, business, and governmental users.
If you require a detailed historical account of area code evolution, the numbering plan administrator site offers further documentation.
How Many People Use the 656 Area Code?
The 656 area code, as an overlay, blends into existing communities served by 813. While exact figures vary, regulatory authorities estimate that several hundred thousand lines may ultimately adopt 656. This number is subject to growth as:
- Businesses expand in key commercial districts of Tampa.
- Residential developments continue rising around Hillsborough County.
- Telecommunication services diversify to support mobile, landline, and VoIP connections.
Information regarding assigned numbers and monthly updates on utilization can be accessed via the Florida PSC official guidelines.
Is the 656 Area Code Toll-Free?
The 656 area code is not classified as a toll-free number prefix. Instead, it is a geographic area code servicing Florida’s local communities. Calls placed within the region may still incur standard local or long-distance charges, depending on the caller’s specific plan. Key considerations include:
- Geographic Purpose: Area code 656 is assigned to physical locations within Florida.
- Billing Distinctions: Business and personal calling plans may apply normal in-state or out-of-state fees.
- Regulatory Oversight: The Florida Public Service Commission oversees rate structures in tandem with federal communications guidelines.