385 Area Code: Empowering Communication Through Call And SMS In Utah

Ever noticed a 385 number flashing on your screen and found yourself wondering about its origins? Well, it’s from Utah! This area code works alongside the familiar 801 code to support the state’s expanding communication needs. In this blog, we’re going to dive into what the 385 area code is, and how it operates. 

What Is 385 Code And Where Is It Used?

The 385 area code is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) and covers the state of Utah, sharing the same geographic area as the 801 area code. It was introduced in 2008 as an overlay to 801, created to meet the growing need for new phone numbers in the region, driven by population growth and the increasing use of mobile devices.

Unlike traditional area code splits that separate regions, an overlay allows both area codes, 385 and 801 and to operate in the same area. This means that residents and businesses in cities like Salt Lake City, Provo, Sandy, Ogden, and nearby areas can have either a 385 or 801 phone number, depending on when their number was assigned.

The arrival of the 385 area code also changed how people dial. Now, all local calls require 10-digit dialing (area code + phone number), even if you’re just calling someone who lives around the corner.

All About Geographic Coverage: Where Is 385 Used In Utah?

The 385 area code spans a large part of northern Utah, mainly covering the same territory as the 801 area code. This region includes bustling cities like Salt Lake City, Provo, Sandy, West Valley City, Orem, Ogden, and Layton. These areas are among the most populated and economically vibrant in the state, making the 385 code essential for meeting the increasing communication demands.

It was first introduced in 2008 as an overlay area code, 385 doesn’t have its own distinct boundaries. Instead, it overlaps with the 801 area code and is used for new phone numbers in the same region. This means that two neighbors on the same street could have different area codes, and one with 801 and the other with 385.

The 385 area code covers communities in Utah County, Salt Lake County, Weber County, and Davis County. 

385 vs. 801: What’s The Difference?

The 801 area code was the first one assigned to all of Utah back in 1947. As the population expanded and the demand for phone numbers increased, 801 started to run low on available numbers. To address this issue, the 385 area code was introduced in 2008 as an overlay.

An overlay means that 385 was added to the same geographic area as 801 without altering the boundaries. Instead of dividing regions and requiring existing users to change their numbers, 385 was designated for new phone lines while 801 numbers continued to be used.

So, there’s no geographic difference between the two codes, just a difference in when the number was assigned. Both require 10-digit dialing for local calls, which includes the area code plus the seven-digit phone number.

Impacts On Businesses And Residents

For businesses, the introduction of the 385 area code has been a real game-changer. As the population and economy of the state grew, so did the need for more phone numbers. The 385 area code stepped in to meet that demand without messing with the existing 801 numbers. This made it easier for new startups, call centers, and service providers to snag local numbers and establish a solid presence in the region.

On the flip side, the addition of 385 did shake up how people dial. Now, both residents and businesses have to use 10-digit dialing for local calls, which took a little getting used to at first. It also meant that marketing materials, contact lists, and business cards had to be updated to show the new dialing format.

For residents, the transition was mostly smooth. New phone subscribers just get a 385 number instead of an 801, depending on what’s available. 

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Common Scams And Safety Tips With 385 Numbers

Robocalls And Spam Calls

Scammers are getting clever with auto-dialers, often using fake 385 numbers to lure people into picking up. These calls try to convince you that you owe taxes, have a package waiting for you, or need to act fast to dodge some legal issues.

Fake Tech Support

Some of these scam calls impersonate big names like Microsoft or Apple, claiming there’s a virus on your device. Their real aim? To gain remote access or to charge you for services that don’t even exist.

Lottery Or Prize Scams

You can get a call or text saying you’ve won a prize or a sweepstakes, only to be followed by a request for your personal information or a “small” fee to claim your winnings.

Phishing Texts (Smishing)

Watch out for text messages from those 385 numbers that come with suspicious links or urgent alerts pretending to be from your bank or delivery services. These messages are created to steal your personal information.

Here Are Some Safety Tips To Stay Protected

• It’s crucial to keep your personal information safe. So be clear of sharing sensitive details like your Social Security number, bank info, or passwords over the phone.
• You can use  call-blocking apps, as these handy tools help you block known spam numbers and automatically flag any suspicious calls.
• And don’t rely solely on caller ID because scammers easily spoof local 385 numbers to make their calls look trustworthy.
• Always verify the source, so if you get a call that raises your suspicions, hang up and reach out to the organization directly through their official channels.
• You can inform the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or use your phone provider’s tools to report any scam attempts.

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Will Utah Get More Area Codes In The Future?

Utah probably won’t need any new area codes beyond 385 and 801 for the foreseeable future. According to forecasts from the Utah Public Service Commission and the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA), the current numbering capacity should meet demand until about 2032 for the 801/385 overlay and until 2041 for the 435 area code in rural areas of Utah.

This stability is partly thanks to modern number-allocation techniques. By pooling numbers more aggressively, reclaiming unused blocks, and consolidating rate centers, we’ve managed to significantly extend the life of existing codes. These strategies help phone carriers use their number resources more efficiently, pushing back the need for new codes.

Looking ahead, the broader North American Numbering Plan isn’t expected to run out of 3-digit area code combinations until around 2050. If demand keeps rising, NANPA can consider implementing overlays or, less frequently, splits, or even think about moving to an 11-digit format. But for now, Utah’s expanding urban areas and tech-savvy communities are well covered by the 385, 801, and 435 area codes.

Conclusion

The 385 area code is essential for meeting the growing communication demands in Utah. It not only facilitates smooth calls and texts but also supports businesses in their expansion efforts by ensuring they have enough numbers available. This code works hand in hand with the established 801 code, thus making it a perfect complement.