Where is Area Code 404?
Area Code 404 primarily serves the city of Atlanta and its neighboring localities within Georgia. This area encompasses major portions of the metropolitan region, including significant parts of Fulton County and DeKalb County. While its core base resides in downtown Atlanta, the coverage extends to various other municipalities and communities in the surrounding vicinity.
Due to the growth in population and telecommunication needs, additional area codes such as 678, 770, and 470 now overlay or border 404.
What Time Zone Is 404 Area Code in the USA?
Residents and businesses within the 404 area code operate in the Eastern Time Zone (ET). This time zone is observed as Eastern Standard Time (EST) during the fall and winter months, which is UTC-5. When Daylight Saving Time (DST) goes into effect, clocks are shifted forward, and the region observes Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), which is UTC-4. Telephone carriers and government agencies encourage residents and businesses to stay aware of DST changes and to adjust any telecommunications equipment accordingly.
History of the 404 Area Code
Area Code 404 is one of the original area codes created in 1947 as part of the North American Numbering Plan. Over time, Georgia’s rapid population expansion prompted multiple alterations to meet the increasing demand for additional telephone numbers.
- 1954: Area Code 404 initially served most of the State of Georgia. However, parts of the state later received new codes.
- 1992: Area Code 706 was created from the northern and eastern regions of the original 404 service area.
- 1995: Area Code 770 was introduced to serve the suburban regions surrounding Atlanta due to further population and business growth.
- 1998 to Present: With the ongoing rise in telephone lines and cellular devices, overlays like 678 and 470 were introduced within the Atlanta metropolitan region to supplement 404 and 770.
The changes were implemented under guidelines set forth by federal authorities. More information about numbering rules and allocation policies can be found by reviewing federal communications commission guidelines at Federal Communications Commission guidelines. For state-specific regulations, refer to Georgia Public Service Commission guidelines.
How Many People Use the 404 Area Code?
Numerous households, businesses, and government offices within Atlanta and select communities continue to rely on 404 numbers. This area code remains heavily associated with the city’s iconic identity and infrastructure. The larger Atlanta metropolitan region houses over six million residents, and 404 still represents a sizable portion of that population—particularly within central Atlanta. As expansions continue:
- Existing 404 lines often become valuable due to their historical association with downtown Atlanta.
- The rise of cellular phones has broadened the presence of multiple area codes in use simultaneously.
Local agencies tracking telecommunications data, such as the Georgia Public Service Commission at 244 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30334, collaborate with the Federal Communications Commission at 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554 to monitor usage rates and allocate new numbers when needed.
Is the 404 Area Code Toll-Free?
Area Code 404 is not designated as a toll-free code. Instead, it is a geographic code associated with the city of Atlanta and surrounding areas. Calls placed within the 404 boundary can incur local or regional charges based on the caller’s service plan. Unlike toll-free area codes (e.g., 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833), 404 does not allow callers to connect without incurring charges.
Key points to consider:
- Calls from landlines within the same local calling region might be subject to minimal or no additional fee.
- Cellular plans often include local and long-distance packages that combine cost structures.
- Businesses in the Atlanta area typically maintain a 404 number to emphasize their local presence.
For current information on rate structures and calling plans, it is recommended to consult carriers directly or review official bulletins posted on Georgia state government resources.