Where is Area Code 224?
Area Code 224 is assigned to the northern region of Illinois and primarily serves many suburban communities around the Chicago metropolitan area. This area code is an overlay of Area Code 847 and covers a range of localities in Cook County, Lake County, Kane County, and parts of McHenry County. It encompasses both residential and commercial areas that continue to experience steady population growth.
Key localities covered by Area Code 224 include:
- Arlington Heights
- Des Plaines
- Evanston
- Mount Prospect
- Skokie
- Waukegan
These municipalities rely on Area Code 224 to accommodate ongoing economic development and increasing demand for new telephone lines. Individuals seeking official regulatory information about coverage or number assignments may refer to the Illinois Commerce Commission (527 East Capitol Avenue, Springfield, IL 62701). To learn more about numbering oversight and related policies, consult the FCC official site for phone numbering resources for supplementary guidance.
What Time Zone Is 224 Area Code in the USA?
The 224 Area Code follows the Central Time Zone (CT). This region observes Daylight Saving Time (DST), transitioning to Central Daylight Time (CDT) when daylight saving is in effect. During DST, local clocks move forward one hour, typically beginning in March and concluding in early November.
Agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) (45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554) maintain regulations and standards for telecommunications providers regarding the observance of time zone protocols and other phone service guidelines. For more details, see the FCC guidelines on local numbering.
History of the 224 Area Code
Area Code 224 was introduced as part of an overlay plan to address the shortage of new numbers in the rapidly expanding 847 region. The new overlay took effect on January 5, 2002, ensuring that individuals and businesses in the northern region of Illinois had consistent access to additional telephone numbers. As a result of this overlay, residents and companies in covered localities were required to use 10-digit dialing for all calls within and between Area Codes 847 and 224.
Reasons for establishing Area Code 224:
- Rapid population growth and increased commercial activity
- Proliferation of mobile devices, fax numbers, and data lines
- Need for continuous availability of new telephone numbers
Oversight for these changes was managed in coordination with state and federal agencies, including the Illinois Commerce Commission (527 East Capitol Avenue, Springfield, IL 62701) and the FCC’s regulator resources. These organizations remain responsible for addressing number allocation, area code relief planning, and ensuring compliance with national standards.
How Many People Use the 224 Area Code?
Area Code 224 spans portions of several counties in northern Illinois and covers a population that exceeds one million residents. An exact count of telephone numbers can fluctuate over time due to:
- Changes in population dynamics
- Shifts in business presence
- Technological advancements in communication methods
Based on estimates, the total assignable customer base served by Area Codes 847 and 224 is one of the largest within Illinois. For population data on cities within the 224 region, consult the U.S. Census Bureau’s official site for current statistics. Municipal planning offices coordinate with state agencies to track growth rates and ensure sufficient numbering resources remain available to the public. Verification of these allocations may be obtained by contacting the Illinois Commerce Commission (527 East Capitol Avenue, Springfield, IL 62701).
Is the 224 Area Code Toll-Free?
The 224 Area Code is not a toll-free area code. It functions as a standard geographic area code for the northern portions of Illinois. Calls to numbers within 224 may incur local or long-distance charges, depending on individual calling plans. Consumers typically pay standard rates to call 224 numbers, unless a telecommunications provider offers flat-rate or nationwide calling packages.
Key considerations for Area Code 224:
- It is a geographic code subject to local calling charges.
- Toll-free codes in the United States typically begin with 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833.
- In certain border areas, calls placed to or from nearby states may be billed differently.
For questions on calling costs or specific dialing requirements, contact your telephone or cellular service carrier. Further information about toll-free regulations is available from the FCC official site for phone numbering resources and from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) (45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554).