Ever wonder how phone calls find their way to the right place? It’s all thanks to the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). The NANP is a system that divides different geographic regions into numbered “area codes” so that telephone calls can be routed to the correct location. Each area code serves a specific region.
So, where is the 931 area code? Area code 931 is located in Middle Tennessee. This article will explore everything you need to know about the 931 area code, including its location and how to dial it, as well as some helpful tips on how to use it safely.
We’ll cover the location of the 931 area code, how to dial numbers within and outside of it, the advantages of having a local number, and important safety measures to protect yourself from potential scams. Let’s get started.
Where is Area Code 931?
Area code 931 is located in Middle Tennessee. It covers a broad geographic region with a mix of urban and rural communities.
Geographic Coverage
Several major cities fall within the 931 area code, including:
- Clarksville
- Cookeville
- Columbia
- Murfreesboro
Counties Encompassed
The 931 area code encompasses all or part of the following counties:
- Bedford
- Cannon
- Cheatham (small portion)
- Clay
- Coffee
- Cumberland
- Davidson (very small portion)
- DeKalb
- Dickson
- Fentress
- Franklin
- Giles
- Grundy
- Hickman
- Houston
- Humphreys
- Jackson
- Lawrence
- Lewis
- Lincoln
- Macon
- Marion
- Marshall
- Maury
- Montgomery
- Moore
- Overton
- Perry
- Pickett
- Putnam
- Robertson (small portion)
- Rutherford
- Sequatchie
- Smith
- Stewart
- Sumner (small portion)
- Trousdale
- Van Buren
- Warren
- Wayne
- White
- Williamson (very small portion)
- Wilson (small portion)
Note: The counties listed with “small portion” or “very small portion” only have a limited area covered by the 931 area code.
To get a clearer picture, it can be helpful to see a map of the 931 area code’s coverage area, if one is available.
The History of the 931 Area Code
Area codes are assigned when a region needs more phone numbers than its existing code can provide. This usually happens because of population growth and increased phone usage — especially with the rise of cell phones and internet-connected devices.
The 931 area code was established in 1997. Before that, the region it covers was part of the 615 area code.
Initially, the 931 area code covered a large portion of Middle and Southern Middle Tennessee, including cities like Clarksville, Cookeville, Columbia, and Tullahoma. As of my last knowledge update, there have been no splits or overlays of the 931 area code. This means that the phone numbers in that region still use the 931 code.
How to dial numbers with the 931 area code
These days, phone numbers are more complicated than they used to be. Here’s what you need to know about dialing within and from the 931 area code.
Local calls
To make a local call within the 931 area, you must dial all 10 digits: the area code plus the seven-digit phone number. It’s been this way since 2001, when the number of available phone numbers was dwindling. This change allowed for more phone numbers to be created within the 931 area.
So, to make a local call, you’ll dial 931-XXX-XXXX.
Long-distance calls
To make a long-distance call from outside the 931 area code to a number within the 931 area code, dial 1 + 931 + XXX-XXXX.
You’ll always need to dial “1” before the area code when calling long-distance to a 931 number.
Toll-free and premium numbers
To call toll-free numbers (with prefixes like 800, 888, and others) or premium numbers (900 numbers), you’ll dial 1 + the area code + the phone number.
Phone number formats and dialing tips for the 931 area code
When you’re dialing a phone number in Tennessee’s 931 area code, it’s important to use the full 10-digit number. Since the implementation of 10-digit dialing, you must dial the area code even when calling someone in the same area code.
The 10-digit dialing format
A 10-digit phone number is composed of the area code (931), followed by the exchange code (XXX), and finally the subscriber number (XXXX). For example, a phone number would look like this: 931-XXX-XXXX.
Remember, 10-digit dialing is required for all calls within the 931 area.
Dialing tips
Here are a few simple tips to help you avoid misdialing:
- Double-check the phone number before you dial.
- Save frequently dialed numbers in your phone to prevent errors.
- Check your phone’s settings to ensure you’re using the proper dialing format.
What time is it in the 931 area code?
If you’re calling someone in the 931 area code, you’ll want to keep the time difference in mind. Here’s what you need to know about time zones in this area:
- The 931 area code is located in the Central Time Zone (CT).
- The UTC offset for CT is UTC-6 during standard time.
- Like most of the United States, the 931 area code observes Daylight Saving Time (DST).
- During DST, the UTC offset is UTC-5.
- DST starts on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.
So, if it’s 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, it’s 1:00 p.m. in the 931 area code during standard time and 2:00 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time.
Benefits of the 931 area code for businesses and individuals
Using a phone number with the 931 area code can offer several advantages, both for businesses and for individuals who live in or have ties to Middle Tennessee.
Local presence
For businesses, using a 931 area code can help establish a local identity. It tells potential customers that you’re part of the community and not just an out-of-state or national corporation.
When people see a local area code, they’re often more likely to answer the phone and to trust that you understand their needs and concerns as Middle Tennessee residents.
Business credibility
A local area code can enhance trust and credibility with potential customers. People are often wary of doing business with companies they don’t recognize, but a local phone number can help to put them at ease.
It projects a professional image, suggesting that you’re invested in the area and committed to providing quality service to local residents.
Market access
Using a 931 area code allows businesses to target local customers more effectively. You can use your phone number in local advertising and marketing campaigns to reach people who live in the area.
It also makes it easier for customers to find you online and to connect with you through local directories and review sites.
Personal use
Even if you move away from Middle Tennessee, keeping a 931 number can help you maintain ties to the region. It’s a way to stay connected with family and friends and to show your continued support for the local community.
Some people simply prefer to deal with individuals who have a local number, as it suggests a shared understanding of the area and its culture.
How businesses use the 931 area code
If you’re setting up a business, using a 931 area code can offer some real advantages.
VoIP and virtual numbers
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, lets you make and receive calls over the internet rather than through a traditional phone line. You can get a virtual phone number with the 931 area code, even if your business isn’t physically located in Middle Tennessee.
VoIP solutions offer a lot of flexibility and can easily grow with your business. You can add or remove lines as needed, and many VoIP services come with features like call forwarding, voicemail to email, and automated greetings.
Targeted marketing campaigns
A 931 number is a great tool if you’re running marketing campaigns aimed at Middle Tennessee residents. People are often more likely to respond to a local number because it feels more personal and trustworthy.
It’s important to keep track of how well your campaigns are doing. Use call tracking and analytics to see how many calls you’re getting from your 931 number and how many of those calls are turning into customers.
Customer service
Using a 931 number for customer support can make your business feel more local. Customers often prefer to call a local number when they have questions or issues.
Providing local customer support can help you build stronger relationships with your customers. It shows that you’re invested in the community and that you’re there to help.
How to Get an Area Code 931 Phone Number from Major Providers
If you’re looking to establish a presence in the area covered by area code 931, there are a number of providers that can help you get a local phone number. Here are a few options:
My Country Mobile
My Country Mobile offers a range of services for obtaining a 931 area code number, including virtual phone numbers and business communication solutions. The features and benefits of using My Country Mobile often include cost-effectiveness, scalability, and a variety of communication tools.
OpenPhone
OpenPhone provides services such as virtual phone numbers with the 931 area code, along with business phone systems and communication platforms. The features and benefits of OpenPhone can include ease of use, integration with other business tools, and affordable pricing.
KrispCall
KrispCall offers virtual phone numbers with the 931 area code, as well as cloud-based communication solutions for businesses. The features and benefits of KrispCall often include advanced call management features, analytics, and customer support.
Callmama
Callmama provides virtual phone numbers with the 931 area code, along with various communication services tailored to businesses. The features and benefits of using Callmama can include flexible pricing plans, user-friendly interfaces, and reliable service.
Other Providers
Of course, these aren’t the only providers that can help you get a 931 area code phone number. There are many other options available, so it’s worth exploring different providers to find the one that best suits your needs and budget.
Area Code 931 Scams and Safety Precautions
Unfortunately, area codes like 931 can be used by scammers to trick you into answering the phone or sharing your personal information. Here’s what to watch out for.
Common Scams
Some phone scams associated with the 931 area code include the IRS scam, in which the caller claims to be from the Internal Revenue Service and demands immediate payment for back taxes. Another common scam is the tech support scam, where the caller pretends to be a computer technician who needs remote access to your computer to fix a problem.
Safety Precautions
If you get a call from an unfamiliar number, especially one asking for personal or financial information, verify the caller’s identity before you share anything. Never give out sensitive information like your Social Security number, bank account details, or credit card numbers over the phone.
If you think you’ve been targeted by a phone scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Caller ID Spoofing
Scammers often use a technique called caller ID spoofing, which allows them to disguise their real phone number and display a different number on your caller ID. This can make it appear as though the call is coming from a legitimate source, even when it’s not.
The Future of the 931 Area Code
Like all area codes, 931 could change as the area grows and technology evolves. Here are some possibilities for the future:
- Area Code Overlays: If 931 runs out of phone numbers, the region might get an “area code overlay.” This means a new area code is introduced in the same geographic area. Existing numbers keep the 931 code, but new numbers get the new code. This prevents needing to change everyone’s number.
- Emerging Technologies: New technologies like 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT) require more phone numbers. This could put a strain on the existing 931 number pool.
- Dialing Procedures: Regulations and dialing procedures can change. Keep an eye out for any future announcements about how to dial numbers within the 931 area code.
Summary
The 931 area code serves a large swath of Middle Tennessee, including cities like Clarksville, Cookeville, and Tullahoma. To dial a number in the 931 area code from outside the region, you’ll need to dial “1” plus the area code and the seven-digit phone number. Knowing which region an area code covers can help you communicate effectively and avoid phone scams.
Understanding area codes is more important than ever in our increasingly interconnected world. As populations grow and technology evolves, area codes are subject to change. While it’s hard to predict the future, you can be sure that the 931 area code will continue to play a crucial role in telecommunications throughout Middle Tennessee.