Area Code Atlas

NPA 508 split from 617

In July 1988, area code 508 was created in a split from area code 617. This change divided eastern Massachusetts, with 508 serving central and southeastern regions while 617 continued to serve the Boston area and nearby communities.

NPA 617 split to create 508

Area code 617 was reduced in size on July 16, 1988, when area code 508 was created to serve the surrounding regions. The new code took over most of the western, northern, and southern portions of the original 617 area, including Worcester County, the Merrimack Valley, the South Coast, and Cape Cod and the Islands. 617 continued to serve the Boston metropolitan area.

NPA 508 activated for service

Area code 508 was activated for service on July 16, 1988, serving south-central and most of southeastern Massachusetts after splitting from 617.

Permissive dialing begins for 617 and 508

Permissive dialing between area codes 617 and 508 began on July 16, 1988, allowing calls to be completed using either code during the transition period following the split.

Mandatory dialing for 617 and 508 after split

Permissive dialing between area codes 617 and 508 ended on January 1, 1989, requiring callers to use the correct area code for calls within eastern Massachusetts.

Declaration of Jeopardy Situation in NPA 508 (Massachusetts)

Extraordinary NPA-Specific Conservation Procedures for 508 and 617 NPAs (Massachusetts)

NANP-Split of 508 (Massachusetts) Numbering Plan Area (NPA)

NPA 978 split from 508

Area code 978 was split from 508 on September 1, 1997, serving northeastern Massachusetts. The split was implemented to address the need for more telephone numbers in the region, with the remaining 508 area continuing to serve south-central and southeastern Massachusetts. It includes cities such as Lowell and Lawrence.

Extension in the Permissive Dialing Period for the 508 and 617 NPA Relief Plans (Massachusetts)

Additional Changes to the Split of 508 & 617 NPAs (Massachusetts)

Permissive dialing ended for 978

The permissive dialing period for area code 978 ended on February 1, 1998, requiring callers to use the new area code for numbers in the 978 region.

Extraordinary Jeopardy Procedures for 508, 617, 781 and 978 Numbering Plan Area (NPA) in Massachusetts

NPA 774 overlay on 508 announced

NPA 774 To Overlay NPA 508;NPA 857 To Overlay NPA 617;NPA 339 To Overlay NPA 781; andNPA 351 To Overlay NPA 978 (Massachusetts)

Overlay of 508 with 774

Area code 774 was added to the 508 numbering plan area on May 2, 2001, forming an overlay complex. This change made ten-digit dialing mandatory for all calls within the region.

Exhaust projection for 508/774 complex

As of 2018, area codes 508 and 774 were projected to be exhausted by 2045, according to NANPA exhaust projections.