The 385 area code, part of the North American Numbering Plan, plays a vital role in telecommunications in north-central Utah.

Geographical Coverage: Area code 385 serves Salt Lake City and the four surrounding counties of the Wasatch Front in north-central Utah. It encompasses a diverse range of cities and counties, including Salt Lake County, Utah County, Davis County, Weber County, and Wasatch County, covering 29 cities in total​​.

Overlay with 801 Area Code: The 385 area code exists in an overlay complex with area code 801. This overlay means that both area codes serve the same geographic area, offering an expanded pool of numbers to accommodate growing demand. This approach also allowed existing 801 subscribers to retain their numbers when 385 was introduced​​.

Implementation and 10-Digit Dialing Requirement: Area code 385 was implemented in 2008 as a response to the exhaustion of numbers in the 801 area code. Since its introduction, 10-digit dialing (area code + phone number) became mandatory for local calls in the region, starting from June 2009. This change marked a significant shift from the traditional 7-digit dialing previously common in the area​​.

In conclusion, area code 385 is a crucial element of Utah's telecommunication infrastructure, ensuring continued service and growth in a region rich in history and development. Its coexistence with area code 801 demonstrates a strategic approach to managing the region's growing demand for phone numbers, reflecting the dynamic nature of telecommunications.