What cities are covered by Area Code 774?

Area Code 774 covers cities including Attleboro, Worcester, Taunton, Brockton, and New Bedford in Massachusetts.

How do I dial a number with Area Code 774?

For local calls, dial 10 digits (774-XXX-XXXX). For long-distance calls, dial 1+10 digits (1-774-XXX-XXXX).

Is Area Code 774 the same as 508?

Yes, Area Code 774 is an overlay of 508, meaning they cover the same geographic region in Massachusetts.

What is Area Code 774?

Area Code 774 is a telephone area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) that serves parts of southeastern Massachusetts, including cities like Attleboro.

Which cities are covered by Area Code 774?

Area Code 774 covers cities such as Attleboro, Worcester, Taunton, Brockton, and New Bedford.

What is the relationship between Area Code 774 and Area Code 508?

Area Code 774 is an overlay of Area Code 508, meaning they cover the same geographic region in southeastern Massachusetts.

When was Area Code 774 introduced?

Area Code 774 was introduced in 2001 as an overlay to accommodate the growing demand for new telephone numbers.

How do you dial a local call within Area Code 774?

For local calls within Area Code 774, you can dial 10 digits (e.g., 774-XXX-XXXX).

How do you dial a long-distance call using Area Code 774?

For long-distance calls, you should dial 1 followed by the 10-digit number (e.g., 1-774-XXX-XXXX).

What latitude and longitude coordinates are associated with Area Code 774?

The latitude and longitude coordinates for Area Code 774 are approximately 41.94454 and -71.28561.

What dialing patterns does Area Code 774 follow?

Area Code 774 follows dialing patterns such as 10D for local calls and 1+10D for toll calls.

What types of telecommunications services are supported by Area Code 774?

Area Code 774 supports a variety of telecommunications services, including landline and mobile services.

Which state is served by Area Code 774?

Area Code 774 serves the state of Massachusetts.

Is there an operator assistance dialing pattern for Area Code 774?

Yes, the standard operator assistance dialing pattern is 0+10D.

What is the primary city for Area Code 774?

The primary city for Area Code 774 is Attleboro, Massachusetts.

What is the purpose of introducing an overlay like Area Code 774?

Overlays like Area Code 774 are introduced to accommodate the growing demand for new telephone numbers without requiring existing customers to change their current numbers.

Where can I find more information about area codes in Massachusetts?

More information about area codes in Massachusetts can be found on the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) website.

What is the permissive HNPA LOCAL dialing pattern for Area Code 774?

The permissive HNPA LOCAL dialing pattern for Area Code 774 is 1+10D.

Does Area Code 774 cover the entire state of Massachusetts?

No, Area Code 774 specifically serves parts of southeastern Massachusetts.

How are new numbers introduced in Area Code 774?

New numbers in Area Code 774 are introduced through the overlay system, which allows new numbers to be added without changing existing ones.

What are some major cities in Area Code 774 besides Attleboro?

Besides Attleboro, major cities in Area Code 774 include Worcester, Taunton, Brockton, and New Bedford.

Is Area Code 774 part of the United States?

Yes, Area Code 774 is part of the United States, serving southeastern Massachusetts.

How does the overlay system work for Area Code 774?

The overlay system allows both Area Code 774 and Area Code 508 to serve the same geographic region, providing additional phone numbers without requiring changes to existing numbers.

Area Code 774: Coverage, Cities, and Services in Massachusetts

Area code 774 serves a vital role in the telecommunications infrastructure of southeastern Massachusetts. This guide provides a detailed overview of its history, geographic coverage, dialing procedures, associated regulations, and the telecommunications landscape it supports. You'll gain a practical understanding of how area code 774 functions and its significance within the broader North American Numbering Plan (NANP).

Area Code Overlays

Before diving into the specifics of 774, let's clarify the concept of an overlay. An overlay area code shares the same geographic region as an existing area code. This approach allows for the introduction of new telephone numbers within an area without requiring existing customers to change their numbers. This is a crucial strategy for managing number exhaustion in high-growth areas. Area code 774 is an overlay of area code 508, meaning they both serve the same geographic area in southeastern Massachusetts. This overlay implementation, which began in 2001, made 10-digit dialing mandatory for all local calls within the region. This mandatory 10-digit dialing ensures accurate call routing and avoids confusion between the two area codes.

Geographic Coverage of Area Code 774

Area code 774 primarily covers southeastern Massachusetts, overlapping with area code 508. While Attleboro is often cited as a primary city, the coverage area extends to several major cities and numerous smaller towns.

Here's a breakdown of the geographic reach:

State: Massachusetts
Country: United States
Major Cities Served: Worcester, New Bedford, Brockton, Fall River, Framingham, Taunton, and Attleboro. Note that Worcester, the second largest city in New England (after Boston), falls within the 774 overlay. This highlights the significant population served by this area code.
Counties Covered: 774 spans portions of Worcester County, Bristol County, and Plymouth County. Worcester County, being the largest county in Massachusetts by land area, contributes significantly to the 774 area code's user base. As per available data, Bristol County represents approximately 19% of the 774 area code, while Worcester County, despite its larger size, accounts for about 24% due to the overlay's concentration in the southeastern part of the state.

The approximate geographic center of the 774/508 overlay is located at:

Latitude: 41.94454
Longitude: -71.28561

Regulatory and Dialing Information

Understanding the dialing procedures and regulations associated with area code 774 is essential for seamless communication. You should familiarize yourself with these standards:

Standard HNPA (Home Number Plan Area) LOCAL: 10 digits (774-XXX-XXXX)
Standard HNPA TOLL: 1 + 10 digits (1-774-XXX-XXXX)
Standard FNPA (Foreign Number Plan Area) LOCAL: 10 digits (774-XXX-XXXX)
Standard FNPA TOLL: 1 + 10 digits (1-774-XXX-XXXX)
Standard Operator Assistance: 0 + 10 digits (0-774-XXX-XXXX)
Permissive HNPA LOCAL: 1 + 10 digits (1-774-XXX-XXXX)

Key takeaway: Always dial all 10 digits, even for local calls within the 774 area code. This practice ensures accurate call routing and is consistent with the mandatory 10-digit dialing implemented with the overlay.

Telecommunications Services within Area Code 774

Area code 774 supports a wide range of telecommunications services, catering to both residential and business needs. These services include:

Landline Services: Traditional wired telephone services are still prevalent, offered by various providers.
Mobile Services: Major wireless carriers operate within the 774 area code, providing cellular phone services.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol): VoIP services are increasingly popular, offering voice communication over internet connections.
Data Services: High-speed internet access, including DSL, cable, and fiber optic connections, is available throughout the region.

The Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable (DTC) oversees these telecommunications providers, striving to ensure reliable service and reasonable costs for consumers. You can find a list of licensed telecommunications operators in Massachusetts on the DTC website (https://services.oca.state.ma.us/dtc/frmTelecomList.aspx).

History and Implementation of Area Code 774

Area code 774 was introduced on May 2, 2001, as an overlay to area code 508. This implementation was necessary due to the increasing demand for telephone numbers in the region, driven by population growth and the proliferation of mobile devices. The overlay method allowed for the addition of new numbers without disrupting existing customers. The North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) manages the allocation of area codes and prefixes, ensuring the efficient use of numbering resources. As of 2018, the 508/774 NPA is projected to be exhausted by 2045, highlighting the continued growth in the region.

Area code 774 is part of a larger numbering plan area that includes:

Area Code 508: The original area code for southeastern Massachusetts, now overlaid by 774.
Area Code 978: Created in 1997 from a split of the original 508 area code, serving northern and northeastern Massachusetts.

Understanding these related area codes provides valuable context for the telecommunications landscape of Massachusetts. The NANP, which governs these area codes, is a critical component of the North American telecommunications infrastructure, enabling seamless communication across international borders. It's worth noting that the NANP itself is a testament to international cooperation, encompassing 20 countries and 25 numbering plan areas.

Troubleshooting and Best Practices

While dialing within the 774 area code is generally straightforward, you might encounter occasional issues. Here are some common scenarios and troubleshooting tips:

Call doesn't connect: Double-check that you're dialing all 10 digits, including the area code. Verify that the number is active and in service.
Getting a "number not in service" message: Confirm the number's accuracy. Contact your service provider to report the issue.
Poor call quality: Check your internet connection if using VoIP. Report persistent issues to your provider.

Best Practice: Always save contacts with the full 10-digit number, including the area code. This eliminates dialing errors and ensures consistent communication.

Conclusion

Area code 774 is a crucial part of the telecommunications network in southeastern Massachusetts. By understanding its history, coverage, dialing procedures, and related regulations, you can navigate the region's telecommunications landscape effectively. This comprehensive guide has equipped you with the knowledge to communicate seamlessly within and beyond the 774 area code.

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