984

Area code 984 is a significant part of the telephone numbering plan in the United States, particularly in the state of North Carolina. Geographical Coverage: Area code 984 serves the central part of North Carolina, including the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area. It operates as an overlay for the existing area code 919, meaning it covers the same geographic area. This region is known for its research and technology-focused industries, as well as prestigious educational institutions. Introduction as an Overlay Code: The 984 area code was introduced in 2012 to provide additional numbering resources for the region. As the demand for phone numbers increased, particularly due to the proliferation of cell phones and other communication devices, overlaying 984 with the existing 919 area code allowed for more phone numbers without changing the existing numbers. Impact on Dialing Patterns: With the introduction of the 984 overlay, 10-digit dialing (area code + phone number) became mandatory for all calls within this region. This means that even for local calls within the same area code, the full 10-digit number must be dialed. In conclusion, area code 984 plays a vital role in North Carolina's telecommunication infrastructure, particularly in the central part of the state, including the rapidly growing Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area. Its implementation as an overlay area code reflects the growing telecommunications needs and technological advancements in this economically vibrant and culturally diverse region.