Where is Area Code 903?
Area code 903 primarily serves the northeastern region of Texas. It encompasses both urban and rural communities, offering telephone services and connectivity across several counties. Municipalities within this coverage area include:
- Tyler
- Longview
- Texarkana
- Sherman
- Greenville
- Paris
In addition to these major cities, 903 extends to multiple surrounding counties. Residents and businesses in the following counties commonly utilize this area code:
- Smith County
- Gregg County
- Bowie County
- Grayson County
- Lamar County
A complete list of areas covered by this code, as well as any updates, can be found in official telephone allocation data published by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). For comprehensive guidelines on area code administration, please consult the
Federal Communications Commission guidelines.
The FCC offices are located at 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554.
What Time Zone Is 903 Area Code in the USA?
The 903 area code is situated within the Central Time Zone in the United States. This designation means that local calls placed to any region under area code 903 follow Central Standard Time (CST). During Daylight Saving Time (DST), areas served by 903 transition to Central Daylight Time (CDT), aligning with the official U.S. policy on clock adjustments. For time-related guidelines and regulations, refer to official time zone data.
History of the 903 Area Code
Area code 903 was introduced on November 4, 1990, after being split from the existing 214 area code. The primary motive behind this split was to accommodate the substantial population growth and increasing demand for telephone lines in northeastern Texas. Over time, the region’s continued expansion necessitated additional changes:
- In 2003, area code 903 was anticipated to face number exhaustion due to escalating demand.
- The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) approved an overlay plan to ensure a sufficient supply of new phone numbers.
- In 2011, the 430 overlay was officially introduced, allowing new lines to be assigned the 430 code while preserving existing 903 lines.
More details and updates on area code splits, overlays, and allocation procedures can be found through Texas public utility regulations. The Public Utility Commission of Texas office is located at 1701 N. Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78711.
How Many People Use the 903 Area Code?
The 903 area code services a significant section of northeastern Texas. Although exact figures can fluctuate, estimates indicate that several million residents and businesses rely on this code. Factors influencing total usage include:
- The rapid pace of urban development in cities such as Longview and Tyler
- Ongoing economic growth in smaller communities across the region
- Steady residential population trends in rural locations
For more demographic details and population data in counties under the 903 area code, consult the U.S. Census Bureau. This agency provides ongoing updates, ensuring current statistics are accessible to the public and relevant stakeholders.
Is the 903 Area Code Toll-Free?
The 903 area code is classified as a geographic region within Texas and is not designated as a toll-free telephone range. Calls within the same area code are typically considered local; however, long-distance charges may apply when dialing numbers outside the caller’s local calling region. Below are key points worth noting:
- 903 covers localities in the northeastern portion of Texas, subject to local calling rules set by telephone service providers.
- Since 903 is not toll-free, businesses and individuals must follow standard billing practices and dial 10 digits when placing calls to or from the 430 overlay region.
- Toll-free area codes (800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833) differ from 903 by design and coverage. They are intended for national, long-distance, or specialized services where the recipient pays the call charges.
For official policies concerning toll-free numbering, please refer to FCC toll-free resources and direct inquiries to the FCC offices at 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554. Additional guidance on regulations and number allocation is available through Texas public utility regulations at 1701 N. Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78711.