Where Is 940 Area Code?

Where Is Area Code 940?

The 940 area code is designated for parts of northern Texas, covering several key cities, smaller communities, and rural regions. Official registration of the 940 prefix falls under the authority of the North American Numbering Plan. Its scope is comprehensive, ensuring phone services for diverse populations in counties adjacent to the Dallas–Fort Worth region. Among the prominent areas served are:

• Wichita Falls
• Denton
• Gainesville
• Bowie
• Muenster

Officials from the Texas regulatory body, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (located at 1701 N. Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78711), are responsible for the oversight of telephone utilities in these counties. For further details regarding local exchanges or potential service requirements, residents may consult relevant county clerks’ offices, whose addresses can be accessed through the Texas Department of State Health Services for official verification.

What Time Zone Is 940 Area Code in the USA?

The 940 area code falls within the Central Time Zone (CT), which is common throughout much of Texas. This zone observes Daylight Saving Time, transitioning typically in March and November each year. During Daylight Saving Time, the clocks are set forward by one hour, aligning with state-wide energy objectives and national guidelines outlined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). These guidelines are maintained to ensure consistent communication practices across all area codes and time zones.

History of the 940 Area Code

Area code 940 was instituted following a split from area code 817 in the late 1990s to manage heightened demand for new telephone numbers and to accommodate the rapid expansion in northern Texas. Official records show that 940 came into effect in 1997, allowing communities in the northwestern part of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex to receive dedicated numbering resources. This historical shift aimed to:

• Alleviate strain on existing phone lines
• Anticipate population growth in northern Texas
• Streamline communications for businesses and households

Subsequent updates to the 940 designation are overseen by the North American Numbering Plan Administrator, whose central office is located at 46000 Center Oak Plaza, Sterling, VA 20166. Meanwhile, regulatory policy questions can be directed to the Federal Communications Commission at 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, which sets nationwide standards for number allocation and area code management. This approach ensures the seamless introduction of additional overlays or reassignments if future expansions become necessary.

How Many People Use the 940 Area Code?

Exact data regarding the number of landlines and wireless subscribers under the 940 area code are regularly compiled by official agencies, such as the U.S. Census Bureau and state telecommunication authorities. According to population statistics for counties falling within the 940 territory, this area code covers hundreds of thousands of residents and numerous businesses. To offer a clearer perspective, here is an approximate breakdown of a few counties served:

(*Based on U.S. Census Bureau data. Figures are approximate and subject to revision.)

Such population coverage underscores the necessity of maintaining adequate numbering capacity. The Public Utility Commission of Texas monitors growth trends and may work in coordination with service providers to ensure that future numbering requirements in 940—and neighboring regions—are met swiftly and efficiently.

Is the 940 Area Code Toll-Free?

The 940 area code is considered a standard geographic code, not a toll-free designation. Individuals placing calls within the 940 boundaries may incur local or long-distance charges based on their specific phone plans. Toll-free numbers, such as those beginning with 800, 888, or similar three-digit prefixes, are governed separately under FCC regulations for interstate communication. Users seeking exemptions from long-distance fees within area code 940 should consult their service contracts or local exchange carriers for plan-specific details.

In special circumstances, the Texas Office of Public Utility Counsel (located at 1701 N. Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78711) can offer guidance on billing disputes and consumer rights. Additional consumer resources and telecommunications guidelines can also be found by visiting the Federal Communications Commission website, which outlines official policies for both toll-free and local calling protocols in the United States.