Area code 848 is an important part of the telephone numbering plan in the United States, specifically in New Jersey.

Geographic Coverage: Area code 848 serves the central and parts of northern New Jersey. It operates as an overlay for the existing area code 732. This means that it covers the same geographic region as 732, including towns and cities such as New Brunswick, Edison, Lakewood, and Toms River.

Introduction as an Overlay Code: The area code 848 was introduced in 2001. This was in response to the growing demand for telephone numbers in the region. Overlay area codes allow for a greater number of telephone numbers in the same geographic area, facilitating continued growth and development without changing existing numbers.

Dialing Changes: With the introduction of the 848 overlay, 10-digit dialing (area code + phone number) became mandatory in the overlay region. This means that for all calls within and between the 732 and 848 area codes, the full 10-digit number must be dialed.

In conclusion, area code 848 plays a crucial role in New Jersey's telecommunication infrastructure, reflecting the region's expansion and the evolving needs for more telephone numbers. Its implementation as an overlay area code is a solution to the increasing demand for phone services in central and northern New Jersey.