Where is Area Code 475?
Area code 475 is situated in the southwestern region of Connecticut, functioning as an overlay for the longstanding 203 area code. It primarily serves a range of municipalities and communities within Fairfield and New Haven counties. Several significant urban centers and suburban areas fall under the purview of this area code, including:
- Bridgeport
- New Haven
- Stamford
- Norwalk
- Waterbury
Residents and businesses within these locales commonly utilize the 475 area code as part of their ongoing telecommunications needs. For official information on area code assignments and boundaries, consult the North American Numbering Plan Administration via its recommendations on numbering policy North American Numbering Plan Administration guidance.
Local regulatory oversight is provided by the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). For in-person inquiries, the agency’s main office is located at 10 Franklin Square, New Britain, CT 06051. In addition, you may visit Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority resources to learn more about the state's telecommunications policies.
What Time Zone Is 475 Area Code in the USA?
The 475 area code falls within the Eastern Time Zone (ET), the standard time designation for Connecticut. This region observes Daylight Saving Time from mid-March to early November, adjusting clocks one hour forward in the spring and reverting to standard time in the autumn. Individuals and organizations in the area should remain aware of these scheduling changes to maintain timely coordination with other states and regions.
Key points regarding time zone observance in the 475 area code include:
- Standard Time: Eastern Standard Time (UTC-05:00)
- Daylight Saving: Eastern Daylight Time (UTC-04:00)
- DST period: Generally from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November
History of the 475 Area Code
Area code 475 was created in response to increased demand for additional telephone lines in southwestern Connecticut. The original area code, 203, faced rapid exhaustion of available numbers due to several factors, including population growth, the expansion of businesses, and widespread adoption of cell phones.
Implementation timeline and reasoning:
- Year Introduced: The 475 area code was activated in December 2009.
- Overlay Method: Instead of splitting the existing 203 region, regulators opted for an overlay, providing new phone numbers under 475.
- Primary Reason for Change: Ensuring continued availability of phone numbers in densely populated localities while minimizing inconvenience to existing 203 subscribers.
Oversight and planning for new area codes in Connecticut are managed in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and state authorities. For complete regulatory details on telephone numbering plans, please consult the official numbering regulations published by the FCC.
The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, with its main office at 10 Franklin Square, New Britain, CT 06051, also plays a key role in reviewing area code proposals. It conducts public hearings and facilitates transparent communication among service providers, consumer advocates, and local governments before finalizing any overlay or split decisions.
How Many People Use the 475 Area Code?
The 475 area code covers a wide segment of southwestern Connecticut, and its user base comprises both residential and commercial phone lines. This region maintains a substantial population—Fairfield and New Haven counties collectively account for over 1.8 million residents, though not all individuals have a direct 475 line.
Estimating the exact number of assigned numbers involves combining data from various telecommunications providers. Recent reports by state authorities indicate that area code 475 consistently sustains growth in active subscribers due to:
- Increasing mobile and internet-based phone services
- Expansion of small and mid-sized businesses
- Continued migration into southwestern Connecticut’s urban and suburban centers
For statistical details and reference, consult the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority resources.
Is the 475 Area Code Toll-Free?
Area code 475 is a geographic code, not exempt from long-distance charges outside its local calling region. It functions under standard telephone billing practices in southwestern Connecticut. Key points regarding this code’s billing status and practices include:
- Not Toll-Free: Calls under 475 are billed similarly to those under other geographic codes.
- Ten-Digit Dialing: Residents are required to use ten-digit dialing (area code + phone number) for local calls, given the overlay with area code 203.
- Special Number Assignments: Certain government or emergency hotlines, such as 911, remain free of charge and do not require an area code prefix.
The Federal Communications Commission maintains regulations that outline the boundaries and billing structures for all North American area codes. To learn more about these policies, consult the numbering regulations provided by the FCC. Individuals or businesses seeking further clarification on telephone billing issues may also contact the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority at 10 Franklin Square, New Britain, CT 06051 for assistance.