Area code 757 is a Virginia area code that serves the southeastern portion of the state, commonly known as the Hampton Roads region. If you’re wondering “Where Is Area Code 757?”, it encompasses a large and diverse area with major cities and significant landmarks. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the 757 area code, the locations it covers, and important upcoming changes, including the introduction of the new 948 area code overlay.
Area code 757 was established as one of Virginia’s original area codes in 1995, split from the older 804 area code. It covers a significant portion of southeastern Virginia, including major cities such as:
- Virginia Beach: A popular coastal city known for its beaches and military bases.
- Norfolk: Home to the world’s largest naval base and a major Mid-Atlantic port.
- Chesapeake: A large city with a mix of urban and rural landscapes.
- Newport News: A historic city with shipbuilding and military significance.
- Hampton: One of the oldest continuously inhabited English-speaking settlements in North America.
- Portsmouth: Another historic naval and shipping center.
- Suffolk: A large, primarily rural city with a growing urban center.
- Williamsburg: Famous for its colonial history and living history museum, Colonial Williamsburg.
Beyond these principal cities, area code 757 also includes numerous smaller towns, communities, and military installations throughout the Hampton Roads region. This area is characterized by its rich history, maritime culture, and significant military presence.
The introduction of the 948 area code as an overlay reflects the growing demand for phone numbers in the 757 region. An area code overlay is when a new area code (in this case, 948) is added to the same geographic region already served by an existing area code (757). This means that while the geographic area remains the same for area code 757, a new area code will be introduced to provide additional phone numbers. It’s crucial to understand that the overlay does not require anyone to change their existing 757 area code. Your current phone number and area code will remain the same. However, residents and businesses seeking new phone lines after May 9, 2022, might be assigned numbers with the new 948 area code.
A significant change associated with the 948 overlay is the mandatory shift to 10-digit dialing for all local calls within the 757 and 948 area codes. Beginning April 9, 2022, all local calls in the 757 area must be placed using 10 digits – the area code plus the seven-digit phone number. Seven-digit dialing will no longer work for local calls within this region. This change ensures that there are enough phone numbers for everyone in the growing Hampton Roads area and facilitates the smooth integration of the 948 area code.
Here are some key facts to remember about the 757/948 area code overlay:
- Your current phone number (including the 757 area code) will not change.
- If you get new phone service after May 9, 2022, you might receive a phone number with the 948 area code.
- You must dial 10 digits (area code + phone number) for all local calls, including calls within the same area code.
- For long-distance calls, continue to dial 1 + area code + phone number.
- What is considered a local call now will remain a local call.
- The price of calls, coverage areas, and other services will not change due to the overlay.
- You can still dial 911 for emergencies, and 211, 311, 511, and 811 where available using just three digits.
It is important to update all your contacts and devices to reflect 10-digit dialing. This includes reprogramming devices and equipment that are set for 7-digit dialing to accommodate 10-digit dialing. Examples of equipment to check and reprogram include:
- Life-safety systems and medical alert devices
- Security and alarm systems
- Fax machines
- Internet dial-up numbers
- Speed dialers
- Mobile phone contact lists
- Call forwarding settings
- Voicemail services
Ensure that your business stationery, advertising materials, checks, and pet ID tags also include your area code in your phone number. Contact your security or medical alert service providers to confirm that your systems are prepared for 10-digit dialing, especially if you have older equipment. Any necessary reprogramming should be completed before April 9, 2022.
In conclusion, area code 757 is located in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia, encompassing major cities like Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Newport News. The introduction of the 948 area code overlay and the transition to mandatory 10-digit dialing are important changes for everyone in this region to be aware of. By understanding these changes and taking the necessary steps to update your dialing habits and equipment, you can ensure seamless communication within and beyond the 757 and 948 area codes. For more detailed information, please visit the Virginia State Corporation Commission website at https://www.scc.virginia.gov or contact your local telephone service provider.
