803 – Columbia, SC area code

What is the 803 Area Code?

The 803 area code is a telephone area code in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) for the central and southern portions of the U.S. state of South Carolina. It was created in 1954 as a split from the former 803/404 area code. The 803 area code serves the state capital, Columbia, and its surrounding metropolitan area, as well as numerous other cities and towns in central and southern South Carolina.

History of the 803 Area Code

The 803 area code was created on September 1, 1954, as a split from the former 803/404 area code. At the time, the 803 area code covered the entire state of South Carolina. In 1995, the 843 area code was created as a split from the 803 area code, reducing the geographic coverage of the 803 area code to its current boundaries.

Geographic Coverage of the 803 Area Code

The 803 area code covers the following counties in South Carolina: Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, Chesterfield, Chester, Clarendon, Darlington, Dillon, Dorchester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Florence, Georgetown, Greenwood, Hampton, Kershaw, Lancaster, Laurens, Lee, Lexington, Marlboro, McCormick, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, Saluda, Sumter, Union, Williamsburg, and York.

Major Cities Served by the 803 Area Code

The major cities served by the 803 area code include:

• Columbia
• Aiken
• Florence
• Sumter
• Myrtle Beach
• Charleston
• Beaufort
• Hilton Head Island

How to Dial a Number in the 803 Area Code

To dial a number in the 803 area code, follow these steps:

1. Dial 1, the area code (803), and the seven-digit phone number.
2. For example, to dial a number in Columbia, you would dial 1-803-123-4567.

Time Zone of the 803 Area Code

The 803 area code is located in the Eastern Time Zone (ET). This means that the time in the 803 area code is one hour behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and four hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Major Carriers in the 803 Area Code

The major carriers in the 803 area code include:

• AT&T
• Verizon
• T-Mobile
• Sprint
• C Spire

Usage Statistics of the 803 Area Code

The 803 area code is one of the most populous area codes in South Carolina. As of 2021, there were approximately 1.5 million people living in the 803 area code. The area code is also home to a number of businesses and organizations, including the University of South Carolina, Fort Jackson, and the South Carolina State House.

Future of the 803 Area Code

The future of the 803 area code is uncertain. As the population of South Carolina continues to grow, it is possible that the 803 area code will need to be split again in the future. However, no such plans have been announced as of yet.

Conclusion

The 803 area code is a vital part of the telecommunications infrastructure of South Carolina. It serves a large and growing population, and is home to a number of major cities and businesses. The future of the 803 area code is uncertain, but it is likely to continue to play a vital role in the state’s economy and society for many years to come.

FAQ

• What is the time zone of the 803 area code?
  The 803 area code is located in the Eastern Time Zone (ET).
• What are the major cities served by the 803 area code?
  The major cities served by the 803 area code include Columbia, Aiken, Florence, Sumter, Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Beaufort, and Hilton Head Island.
• How do I dial a number in the 803 area code?
  To dial a number in the 803 area code, dial 1, the area code (803), and the seven-digit phone number.
• What is the future of the 803 area code?
  The future of the 803 area code is uncertain. It is possible that the area code will need to be split again in the future as the population of South Carolina continues to grow.