The 281 area code, significant for its coverage and historical development, encompasses several key facts:

Geographical Coverage: The 281 area code is located in the state of Texas, with Houston being the largest city it serves. This area code, along with its overlays, covers a substantial population and a wide geographical area, reflecting the urban and suburban spread of the Houston metropolitan area​​​​.

History and Implementation: This area code was assigned on August 19, 1994, and it officially went into service on November 2, 1996. The introduction of area code 281 marked a key development in the telecommunication infrastructure of Texas, accommodating the growing need for phone numbers in the region​​.

Overlap with Other Area Codes: Area code 281 has overlaps with three other area codes: 346, 713, and 832. This overlapping system, often referred to as an overlay plan, is a testament to the increasing demand for new telephone numbers, driven by population growth and the proliferation of mobile devices and services​​​​.

These facts not only highlight the significance of the 281 area code in terms of its regional importance but also reflect broader trends in telecommunications and urban development in Texas.