What is Area Code 910?
In North America, every phone number starts with a three-digit area code. These codes are part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANPA) and are used to route calls to specific geographic regions.
Area code 910 is located in southeastern North Carolina. If you’re wondering “where is area code 910?” the answer is that it covers cities like Fayetteville, Wilmington, and Jacksonville.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about area code 910, including its exact geographic location, its history, the demographics of the area it covers, and information about the phone carriers that operate within it.
Where is area code 910?
Area code 910 is located in southeastern North Carolina. It covers a large section of the state, including both coastal and inland regions.
Key Cities and Counties
Some of the larger cities within the 910 area code include:
- Fayetteville
- Wilmington
- Jacksonville
The area code also covers most or all of the following counties:
- Bladen
- Brunswick
- Columbus
- Cumberland
- Hoke
- New Hanover
- Onslow
- Robeson
- Scotland
Keep in mind that some of these counties may only be partially covered by the 910 area code, and the area code extends well beyond the larger cities in the region.
A little history of the 910 area code
The 910 area code didn’t exist until fairly recently. Here’s a little of the backstory.
How the 910 area code was created
The 910 area code came into being on November 14, 1993. It was the 146th area code to be created in North America.
Why was it created? To relieve the phone system in the area covered by the 919 area code, which was becoming overburdened. The creation of the 910 area code was part of a larger expansion of area codes to keep up with the growth in phone usage.
Area code splits and overlays
In 1997, the 910 area code was divided. Some of the areas previously covered by 910 were given a new area code at that time.
Then, on October 7, 2022, the 472 area code was introduced as an overlay for the 910 area code. An overlay means that the new area code covers the same geographic region as the original area code.
Why use an overlay? Overlays are implemented when an area is running out of phone numbers. With an overlay, everyone gets to keep their existing area code, but new phone numbers are assigned the new area code.
If you’re in an area with an overlay, you have to dial the area code for all calls, even if you’re calling someone with the same area code as you.
Time zone and demographics
Eastern Time Zone
The 910 area code exists within the Eastern Time Zone, which is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) -05:00.
If you’re calling someone in the 910 area code from the West Coast, keep in mind that they’re three hours ahead of you. When it’s 9 a.m. in Los Angeles, it’s noon in Wilmington.
Population demographics
The population served by the 910 area code (including the overlay 472) is approximately 1.9 million people.
This part of North Carolina is home to a diverse population in terms of age, race, and ethnicity. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median age in North Carolina is about 40 years old, and the population is about 68% White, 22% Black or African American, 10% Hispanic or Latino, and 3% Asian.
If you’re looking for more detailed demographic information, you can find it on the U.S. Census Bureau website.
Telephone Carriers and Prefixes
Who provides phone service in the 910 area code, and how many phone numbers are still available?
Landline Carriers
In the 910 area, major landline providers include Centurylink and Bellsouth, although their market share has been shrinking as more people opt for wireless-only service.
Landline prefixes make up a pretty hefty chunk of the prefixes assigned in the 910 area code: about 68%.
Wireless Carriers
The big names in the wireless world—Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile—all operate in the 910 area code. The market share fluctuates as people switch carriers, but these three are generally the biggest players.
Wireless prefixes account for about 31.5% of the prefixes used in the 910 area.
Prefix Assignment and Availability
Here’s where it gets interesting: the prefix assignment rate for the 910 area code is around 95.8%. This means that out of all the possible phone number prefixes, almost all of them have already been assigned to a service provider.
Out of 800 possible prefixes, 766 are active, while just 34 are inactive. So, if you’re trying to get a new 910 number, you might find the pickings are a little slim.
What area codes are nearby?
Area code 910 is bordered by several other area codes in North Carolina. Here’s a quick rundown:
- 252 covers the northeastern part of North Carolina, including the Outer Banks region.
- 336 serves the Piedmont Triad region, including cities like Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point.
- 434 is primarily in southern Virginia, but it dips down into the northernmost counties of North Carolina.
- 704/980 serves the Charlotte metro area.
- 843 is located to the south, in South Carolina, and serves the Myrtle Beach area.
To get a better picture of where these area codes are in relation to each other, take a look at a map of North Carolina area codes. You’ll be able to see how they all fit together.
North Carolina’s area code situation
North Carolina has a total of 10 area codes. They’re spread out across the state, with the more densely populated areas having their own area codes. The number of phone numbers needed in a particular region is a major factor when the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) decides where to assign area codes.
Closing Thoughts
Area code 910 serves southeastern North Carolina, including cities like Wilmington, Fayetteville, and Jacksonville. Created in 1993, it reflects the region’s growth. Several telephone carriers operate within the 910 area code, serving a diverse demographic.
Understanding area codes is more than just knowing where a phone call originates. It’s essential for effective communication, especially in business. Area codes help businesses target specific geographic markets and establish a local presence.
With the rise of mobile technology and VoIP services, the role of area codes is evolving. While location isn’t always tied to a phone number, area codes still offer valuable insights into the geographic distribution of phone users and businesses. They remain a key part of the North American Numbering Plan even as technology changes.