Where is Area Code 708?
Area code 708 covers a significant portion of suburban Cook County in Illinois, along with smaller segments of Will and DuPage Counties. This area code primarily serves communities directly west and south of Chicago’s metropolitan center. The region includes a variety of residential, commercial, and industrial zones. Notable cities and villages within the 708 area code include:
- Cicero
- Orland Park
- Berwyn
- Oak Lawn
- Oak Park
- Tinley Park
- Calumet City
- Chicago Heights
For official information on telecommunications services in this region, the Illinois Commerce Commission provides regulatory oversight and guidelines. The main offices of the Illinois Commerce Commission can be reached at 527 E Capitol Ave, Springfield, IL 62701.
What time zone is 708 area code in the USA?
The 708 area code follows the Central Time Zone (CT). This time zone reflects the standard and daylight saving practices observed in Illinois. During daylight saving time, which generally begins in March and ends in early November, clocks are set forward by one hour to maximize evening daylight. Key points regarding the time zone include:
- Standard Central Standard Time (CST) is observed from November to mid-March.
- Central Daylight Time (CDT) is implemented from mid-March to early November.
- The official time transition dates are determined by the federal government, in coordination with state guidelines.
- For details on time zone regulations, please consult the Federal Communications Commission at 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, which oversees communication policies nationwide.
History of the 708 Area Code
Area code 708 was introduced in 1989 to accommodate the rapid population and telephone service expansion in northern Illinois. It was originally carved out of the 312 area code—which historically served the city of Chicago and many of its surrounding suburbs—and was intended to meet growing communication demands in the region. Over the years, subsequent splits and overlay codes have reshaped the area:
- 1996 Split: Due to continued growth and the widespread adoption of mobile devices, the 708 region was adjusted to create area codes 630 and 847 for specific suburban territories.
- Overlays: Telecommunications authorities have considered overlay plans to ensure adequate numbering resources for residents and businesses without requiring existing subscribers to change their numbers.
- Government Oversight: These adjustments are monitored by regulatory agencies such as the Illinois Commerce Commission and the Federal Communications Commission. Both agencies continually assess the usage rates and guidelines to ensure the numbered approach remains efficient and cost-effective.
How Many People Use the 708 Area Code?
The 708 area code covers a substantial suburban population within metropolitan Chicago. It is estimated that this geographic region encompasses over a million residents, although the precise figures may vary depending on the inclusion of portions in bordering counties. According to recent assessments:
- A significant portion of phone lines are dedicated to residential usage, reflecting the suburban nature of the area.
- Businesses, both small and large, depend on 708 as part of their primary communication network.
- Government offices and public services in towns like Oak Lawn, Cicero, and Bellwood also utilize this area code for their primary contact numbers.
For official data on numbering assignments and subscriber statistics, reference the public databases maintained by the Federal Communications Commission. These databases may be updated periodically in accordance with federal reporting standards.
Is the 708 Area Code Toll-Free?
The 708 area code is not designated as a toll-free code. It is a geographic code specific to parts of suburban Chicago, and standard long-distance or cell phone charges may apply when dialing into or out of this area, depending on individual phone plans. Certain considerations apply:
- Toll-Free Status: Toll-free area codes in the United States typically begin with 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833. Since 708 does not fall into these ranges, calls are billed according to carriers’ local or long-distance structures.
- Local Calling Plans: Many telecommunication providers offer extended local calling areas that might include the 708 region, reducing or eliminating extra fees for in-network subscribers.
- Regulatory Guidance: The Illinois Commerce Commission and Federal Communications Commission oversee compliance with rate-setting policies.
- Public Contact: For more details on rate structures and toll-free regulations, citizens are encouraged to contact local provider offices or the Illinois Commerce Commission at 527 E Capitol Ave, Springfield, IL 62701 to discuss any billing concerns.