Frequently Asked Questions
Chillicothe, Ohio is in area codes 740 and 220.
Area code 220 was implemented on April 22, 2015, as an overlay to area code 740.
Area code 220 was added to address the issue of number exhaustion in the 740 area code region.
Athens, Ohio is in area codes 740 and 220.
Major cities in the 220 area code include Athens, Chillicothe, Delaware, Lancaster, Marion, Newark, Portsmouth, and Zanesville.
Area code 220 is an overlay area code, meaning it shares the same geographic region as area code 740.
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) regulates area code 220.
10-digit dialing is required for all local calls within area code 220. For toll calls, dial 1 + the 10-digit number, and for operator-assisted calls, dial 0 + the 10-digit number.
The NPA code for area code 220 is 220.
Area code 740 was created on November 8, 1997, by splitting from area code 614.
No, area code 220 does not cover Columbus, Ohio; Columbus is primarily in area code 614.
Area code 220 supports landline, wireless, and VoIP services.
10-digit dialing requires dialing both the area code and the 7-digit phone number for all calls. It is required in the 220 area code.
Chillicothe, Ohio, is covered by area code 220, which is an overlay for the existing area code 740. This overlay was implemented on April 22, 2015, to address the increasing demand for phone numbers in the region and ensure there were enough available numbers in southeastern and central Ohio.
Area code 220 in Ohio was implemented on April 22, 2015. It serves as an overlay for area code 740, meaning they both cover the same geographic area, which includes cities like Athens, Chillicothe, and Zanesville. The overlay helps accommodate growing number demands without requiring existing customers to change numbers.
Area code 220 was introduced in Ohio to address number exhaustion in the 740 area code region. It serves as an overlay, meaning it shares the same geographic area as 740. This approach allowed for more phone numbers to become available without forcing those already using the 740 area code to change their current number.
To dial a 220 number from a 740 number, you must use 10-digit dialing, including both the area code and the seven-digit phone number. This dialing procedure is also required when dialing any number within the 220 area code or when making local calls within the 740 area code due to its overlay status.
Area code 220 is an overlay for area code 740 in Ohio. This means both area codes serve the same geographic region, increasing the available pool of phone numbers without requiring existing 740 numbers to change. The 220 overlay was implemented on April 22, 2015.
Area code 220 in Ohio covers several cities, including Athens, Chillicothe, Delaware, Lancaster, Marion, Newark, Portsmouth, and Zanesville. It's an overlay for area code 740, so these cities are also within the 740 area code region.
Area code 220 in Ohio is regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). They oversee the implementation and administration of the area code, ensuring it adheres to the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) guidelines. These guidelines mandate 10-digit dialing within the area code.
An overlay area code, like 220 in Ohio, means it shares the same geographic area as another area code, in this case, 740. This allows for a larger pool of phone numbers to be assigned within the same region without requiring existing customers with the original area code to change their numbers.
You should always use 10-digit dialing for all calls within area codes 220 and 740 in Ohio. Since 220 is an overlay of 740, both area codes serve the same region, and 10-digit dialing is required for local calls as well as those to numbers within the same area code.
To make an operator-assisted call in the 220 area code, dial '0' followed by the 10-digit number you are trying to reach. Remember, 10-digit dialing (including the area code) is always necessary for local calls and calls within the 220/740 overlay region in Ohio.
Area Code 220: Ohio Cities, Location, and Complete Coverage Guide
Area code 220 is a telephone area code serving southeastern and central Ohio. Implemented in 2015 as an overlay to area code 740, it covers 106 cities across 33 counties, including Newark, Lancaster, Marion, Athens, Chillicothe, and Zanesville. This guide provides complete details on area code 220 location, cities served, dialing requirements, and Ohio telecommunications regulations.
What is Area Code 220?
Area code 220 overlays area code 740 to address telephone number exhaustion in the region. By the end of 2013, exhaust studies showed that area code 740 would run out of telephone numbers by 2015. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) approved the overlay solution, which launched on April 22, 2015. Area code 220 covers Ohio's largest area code by geographic size – a predominantly rural region spanning southeastern and central Ohio, excluding Columbus and Franklin County.
Where is Area Code 220 Located?
Area code 220 is located in southeastern and central Ohio, serving the same geographic region as area code 740. The coverage area spans 33 counties across Ohio's largest numbering plan area by geographic size. The region excludes the city of Columbus and rate centers in Franklin County, which primarily use area code 614.
Time Zone: Eastern Time (GMT -05:00)
State: Ohio
Counties Covered: 33 counties including Athens, Muskingum, Fairfield, Licking, Lawrence, Washington, Delaware, Marion, Belmont, Perry, Jefferson, and more
Cities Served by Area Code 220
Area code 220 covers 106 cities and communities across southeastern and central Ohio. The region remains largely rural with lower population density than other parts of Ohio, except near Columbus.
Major Cities Covered
Additional Cities and Communities
The coverage area also includes Belpre, Cadiz, Cambridge, Circleville, Coshocton, Gallipolis, Heath, Ironton, Jackson, Laurelville, Logan, Marietta, Mount Vernon, Nelsonville, Newcomerstown, Pataskala, Rockbridge, Reynoldsburg, Shadyside, Steubenville, and Washington Court House.
Area Code 220 Technical Specifications
Area code 220 operates as an overlay, sharing the same geographic region as area code 740. This approach expands the available number pool without changing existing phone numbers.
How Does the 220/740 Overlay Work?
Area code 220 functions as an overlay to area code 740, meaning both area codes serve the identical geographic region. When you request new phone service in this area, you may receive either a 220 or 740 number depending on availability.
The overlay system allows the same geographic area to support two area codes simultaneously. All current 740 area code subscribers maintained their existing numbers. Once available phone numbers in the 740 area code were exhausted, new telephone numbers using the 220 area code were assigned.
Regulatory Framework
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) regulates area code 220 and approved the overlay plan following exhaust projections. The implementation follows North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) guidelines, which predicted the 740 area code exhaustion and assigned the new 220 area code. The NANPA is responsible for managing the North American Numbering Plan and coordinating area code assignments across the United States, Canada, and other participating countries.
All calls within the 220/740 numbering plan area require full 10-digit dialing as mandated by PUCO order.
How to Dial Phone Numbers in Area Code 220
Starting March 21, 2015, all local calls within the 740/220 area code region require 10-digit dialing:
Important: Your telephone number and current area code will not change. What qualifies as a local call now remains a local call. The overlay does not affect call prices, coverage areas, or other rates.
What Equipment Needs Updating for Area Code 220?
Ensure all your services, automatic dialing equipment, applications, and software recognize area code 220 as valid. Check and update these systems:
Telecommunications Services in Area Code 220
Major Carriers
Area code 220 supports multiple carriers offering:
When Was Area Code 220 Introduced?
The area code 220 implementation followed a multi-year planning process:
Frequently Asked Questions About Area Code 220
What area code is 220?
Area code 220 is a telephone area code in Ohio that serves southeastern and central regions of the state, covering 106 cities across 33 counties.
Where is the 220 area code located?
The 220 area code is located in southeastern and central Ohio, including major cities like Newark, Lancaster, Marion, Athens, Chillicothe, Delaware, Portsmouth, and Zanesville. The region excludes Columbus and Franklin County.
What time zone is area code 220?
Area code 220 operates in the Eastern Time Zone (GMT -05:00). The region observes daylight saving time.
Is area code 220 the same as 740?
Yes, area code 220 is an overlay of area code 740, meaning both codes serve the same geographic region in Ohio. The overlay was implemented to provide additional phone numbers for the area.
When did area code 220 start?
Area code 220 was implemented on April 22, 2015. Mandatory 10-digit dialing began on March 21, 2015, before the new area code launched.
Do I need to dial 10 digits for local calls?
Yes, all local calls within the 220/740 area code region require 10-digit dialing (area code + 7-digit phone number), even for calls within the same area code.
Why was area code 220 added to Ohio?
Area code 220 was added as an overlay to area code 740 because exhaust studies in 2013 projected that available telephone numbers in the 740 area code would be depleted by 2015. The overlay solution allows both area codes to serve the same geographic region, providing additional phone number capacity without requiring existing customers to change their numbers.
Conclusion
Area code 220 maintains efficient telecommunications across Ohio by providing sufficient numbering resources for residents and businesses in southeastern and central Ohio. The implementation ensures the region meets growing communication demands while preserving existing phone numbers through the overlay system.
For more information on Ohio's area codes and telecommunications regulations, visit the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.