912 – Savannah, GA area code

912: The Savannah, Georgia Area Code

The 912 area code serves the Savannah, Georgia metropolitan area and its surrounding counties. It is one of the oldest area codes in the United States, dating back to the establishment of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) in 1947. The 912 area code covers a significant portion of southeastern Georgia, offering telecommunications services to a diverse population.

Historic Significance of Area Code 912

The 912 area code was initially created to serve the entire state of Georgia. However, as the state’s population and telecommunications needs grew, it became necessary to split the state into multiple area codes. In 1995, the 706 area code was created to serve the northern part of Georgia, leaving the 912 area code to cover the southern and eastern portions.

Geographic Coverage of the 912 Area Code

The 912 area code encompasses 29 counties in southeastern Georgia, including Chatham, Effingham, Bryan, Liberty, and Glynn. It covers a total land area of approximately 10,000 square miles, stretching from the Atlantic coast to the Georgia-Florida border. Major cities and towns within the 912 area code include Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill, Brunswick, and St. Marys.

Demographics Served by Area Code 912

The population served by the 912 area code is diverse and growing. According to the 2020 Census, the total population within the 912 area code is approximately 1.2 million people. The population is primarily concentrated in the Savannah metropolitan area, with a significant African American and Hispanic population. The area also has a growing military presence due to the presence of Hunter Army Airfield.

Major Cities and Towns within 912

The largest city within the 912 area code is Savannah, with a population of over 145,000. Other major cities and towns include Pooler (23,000), Richmond Hill (15,000), Brunswick (15,000), and St. Marys (14,000). The area is home to several colleges and universities, including Savannah State University, Armstrong State University, and the College of Coastal Georgia.

Industries and Economic Impact of 912

The economy of the 912 area code is driven by several major industries, including tourism, manufacturing, healthcare, and military. Savannah is a popular tourist destination due to its historic charm and cultural attractions. The area is also home to several manufacturing facilities, including Gulfstream Aerospace and Hyundai Motor Group. The presence of Hunter Army Airfield provides a significant economic boost to the area.

Telecommunications Providers in Area Code 912

Several telecommunications providers offer services within the 912 area code, including AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile. These providers offer a range of services, such as landline, wireless, and internet access. The area is also served by several smaller, local telecommunications providers.

Transition from 912 to 948

In 2021, the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) approved a plan to overlay the 948 area code over the existing 912 area code. This overlay was necessary due to the depletion of available telephone numbers within the 912 area code. The 948 area code began serving the same geographic area as the 912 area code in February 2022.

948 Area Code Overlay and Impact on 912

The 948 area code overlay is a 10-digit dialing plan, which means that all calls within the 912 area code must be dialed using the full 10-digit telephone number. This includes calls to and from landlines and wireless phones. The 948 area code overlay does not affect existing 912 area code telephone numbers or the services provided by telecommunications providers.

Future of the 912 Area Code

The future of the 912 area code is uncertain. The 948 area code overlay is expected to provide sufficient telephone numbers for the foreseeable future. However, if the population and telecommunications needs within the 912 area code continue to grow, it may become necessary to create a new area code in the future.

FAQ

Q: What is the area code for Savannah, Georgia?
A: 912

Q: What is the 948 area code?
A: The 948 area code is an overlay to the 912 area code.

Q: Do I need to change my phone number because of the 948 area code overlay?
A: No, existing 912 area code telephone numbers will not be affected.

Q: When did the 948 area code start serving the 912 area code?
A: February 2022

Q: Is the 912 area code being phased out?
A: No, the 912 area code is not being phased out. However, all calls within the 912 area code must be dialed using the full 10-digit telephone number.