Area codes are those three-digit numbers that come before the seven-digit phone number. These codes are used to direct phone calls to specific geographical areas.
The area code 402 is one of Nebraska’s original area codes and covers a large portion of the state.
So, what is the 402 area code all about? This article will explore where you’ll find it, when it was established, what time zone it’s in, and other interesting details.
Where is area code 402?
Area code 402 covers northern and eastern parts of Nebraska, including the cities of Omaha, Lincoln, and Bellevue.
[If available, insert a map showing the 402 area code’s coverage area]
Omaha and Lincoln are the largest cities within the 402 area code. Other key cities and communities include:
- Bellevue
- Fremont
- Norfolk
- Columbus
- Papillion
The 402 area code also includes these Nebraska counties:
- Douglas
- Lancaster
- Sarpy
- Washington
- Dodge
Time Zone and Daylight Saving Time
If you’re calling someone in the 402 area code, you’ll want to keep in mind that the region is in the Central Time Zone (CT), specifically America/Chicago. So, when it’s 9 a.m. on the West Coast, it’s 11 a.m. in Omaha.
Like most of the United States, the 402 area code observes Daylight Saving Time (DST). In 2025, DST begins on Sunday, March 9, at 2:00 a.m. and ends on Sunday, November 2, at 2:00 a.m.
History of the 402 area code
The 402 area code dates back to 1947, when the Bell System introduced the first 86 area codes. At the time, 402 covered the entire state of Nebraska.
Back then, area codes with a zero as the middle digit were assigned to cover an entire state. That held true until 1953.
In 2011, the 531 area code was introduced to overlay the 402 area. From that point on, anyone calling within the 402/531 area had to dial all 10 digits of the phone number.
Here’s a fun fact about the 402 area code: Because of the numbers involved, it took 16 pulses to dial on a rotary phone. Most other area codes created at the same time averaged only 14.1 pulses.
Telecommunications Infrastructure
The 402 area code is supported by a range of telecommunications companies, offering both landline and wireless services.
Telephone Carriers
Windstream and Qwest Corp are the major landline carriers in this region. While exact usage percentages can fluctuate, these companies have a strong presence throughout the 402 area code.
Verizon and Sprint are major wireless carriers in the 402 area code.
Prefixes
If you’re looking at a phone number, you’ll notice that the area code is followed by three more digits. These digits are referred to as the prefix, and each prefix is assigned to a specific geographic area or service provider.
What area codes are nearby?
The 402 area code is surrounded by several others. For example, 308 serves western Nebraska, while 641 and 515 are both in Iowa. These area codes cover different regions within Nebraska and neighboring states.
Closing Thoughts
Area code 402 is more than just a three-digit prefix. It’s a geographic and cultural marker, representing eastern Nebraska and its communities. Understanding area codes is crucial for effective communication in our increasingly connected world.
As telecommunications continue to evolve, area codes will likely change with them, reflecting shifts in population and technology. But for now, 402 remains a vital part of Nebraska’s identity and its connection to the wider world.