Where is Area Code 979?
Area Code 979 is primarily located in the southeastern region of Texas. It spans numerous counties and communities, serving residents and businesses throughout its coverage area. Major cities within the 979 region typically include Bryan, College Station, Lake Jackson, and several others in close proximity. This code was introduced to accommodate the expanding telecommunication needs of these growing communities.
Key counties and regions within the 979 boundary include:
- Fort Bend County
- Brazoria County
- Brazos County
- Wharton County
- Washington County
- Austin County
Local administrative offices often coordinate with the Public Utility Commission of Texas to ensure that telephone numbering resources are allocated appropriately. The Commission, located at 1701 N. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78711, provides oversight for area code assignments and handles any concerns regarding telecommunication services in the state.
What Time Zone Is 979 Area Code in the USA?
This area code operates within the Central Time Zone (CT), which means residents experience Central Standard Time (CST) during the fall and winter months and Central Daylight Time (CDT) during daylight saving time. Daylight saving time generally begins in March and concludes in November each year.
During CST, the time is typically six hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-06:00). Upon switching to CDT, the offset changes to UTC-05:00.
History of the 979 Area Code
The 979 area code was introduced in 2000 as a result of a split from the existing 409 code. This split was deemed necessary due to the increasing demand for telephone numbers across the region. State officials identified the risk of exhausting the numbering resources under area code 409 and created 979 to alleviate pressure on the system.
In its early years, the 979 code served a smaller population than it does now. As regional growth continued, more lines were assigned within the new area code. Key reasons for establishing 979 were:
- Rapid population and commercial growth require additional phone lines.
- Overextension of the previous local area code.
- Strategic planning is needed to ensure the long-term availability of numbering resources.
Throughout its existence, 979 has not undergone further splits or overlays. It remains a geographically specific area code overseen by regulatory bodies such as the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
How Many People Use the 979 Area Code?
The 979 geographic zone supports a substantial population of Texas residents and businesses. Estimates vary, but the region covered by this code is home to several hundred thousand inhabitants. Many educational institutions and large employers in the Brazos Valley—particularly in and around Bryan and College Station—contribute to the volume of assigned numbers within 979.
A combination of large student populations, commercial expansions, and ongoing residential development have all played a role in maintaining a robust assignment of phone lines in the area. In order to manage these resources effectively, government agencies and telecom carriers closely monitor the remaining capacity to anticipate any need for future adjustments.
Is the 979 Area Code Toll-Free?
Area Code 979 is classified as a geographic code rather than a toll-free number. This means standard rates may apply to calls made and received through telephone lines in this region. Toll-free numbers in the United States typically use prefixes such as 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833.
For more details on rules on toll-free communications, consult the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), located at 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554.