870 Area Code
If you live in Arkansas, chances are you are familiar with the 870 area code. This area code covers a large portion of the state and is used by many residents. This guide will delve into the 870 area code, providing information about its history, cities and counties, population, geography, climate, tourist attractions, education, healthcare, government, and administration. Read on to learn more about this vital area code in Arkansas.
History of the 870 Area Code
The 870 area code was established on April 14, 1997, as a split from the 501 area code. The 501 area code served the entire state of Arkansas. Still, the above-given area code was created to provide relief due to the growing population and increased demand for telephone numbers.
The above-given area code serves 40 counties in Arkansas’s eastern and southern portions. It covers Jonesboro, Pine Bluff, West Memphis, and Texarkana. This area code is also used by businesses and individuals in small towns and rural areas in Arkansas, making it an essential part of the state’s telecommunications system.
Cities in the 870 Area Code
As mentioned earlier, the 870 area code covers much of Arkansas, including numerous cities and towns. Some major cities that use the above-given area code include Jonesboro, Batesville, Forrest City, Helena-West Helena, Monticello, Mountain Home, Pine Bluff, and Texarkana. In addition to these major cities, numerous small towns and rural areas use the above-given area code. These towns include Crossett, Hamburg, Sheridan, Warren, De Queen, and Pocahontas. With 75 cities and towns, the above-given area code covers a diverse range of communities in Arkansas.
Counties in the 870 Area Code
The 870 area code covers 40 Arkansas counties, roughly 60% of the state. Some prominent counties using the above-given area code include Craighead, Crittenden, Drew, Independence, Jefferson, Lawrence, and Mississippi.
Other counties in the above-given area code are Ashley, Baxter, Bradley, Calhoun, Chicot, Cleveland, Columbia, Faulkner, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Hempstead, Jackson, Lafayette, Lee, Lincoln, Little River, Logan, Marion, Miller, Monroe, Montgomery, Nevada, Ouachita, Phillips, Pike, Poinsett, Polk, Pope, Prairie, Randolph, Saline, Scott, Searcy, Sevier, St. Francis, Stone, Union, Van Buren, White, Woodruff, and Yell.
The population of the 870 Area Code
According to the latest United States Census Bureau estimates, the population of the above-given area code is approximately 907,000. This makes Arkansas’s second most populous area code, behind the 501 area code.
With a population density of 69 people per square mile, the above-given area code is not as densely populated as other area codes in the country. However, it covers a significant portion of land in Arkansas and is home to a diverse range of people.
Geography and Climate of the 870 Area Code
The 870 area code covers a large and diverse region in Arkansas with varying geography and climate. The eastern and southern parts of the area code are primarily rural, with vast forests and farmlands. The Mississippi River runs along the eastern edge of the area code, providing fertile land for agriculture and diverse wildlife.
The climate in the above-given area code is subtropical, with hot, humid summers and mild, wet winters. The southernmost counties in the area code experience more extreme temperatures and occasional tropical storms, while the northern counties tend to have cooler summers and colder winters.
Tourist Attractions in the 870 Area Code
With its diverse geography and rich history, the 870 area code has numerous tourist attractions that draw visitors from all over the country. Some popular destinations include the Delta Cultural Center in Helena-West Helena, the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home in Dyess, and the Blanchard Springs Caverns in Stone County.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the above-given area code offers hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping opportunities in its many state parks and wildlife management areas. Some popular parks include Devil’s Den State Park, Daisy State Park, Crowley’s Ridge State Park, and Lake Chicot State Park.
Education and Healthcare in the 870 Area Code
The 870 area code is home to several notable colleges and universities, including Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and the University of Central Arkansas at Conway. These institutions provide higher education opportunities for students in the region and contribute to the economic growth of the area code.
The above-given area code also has several outstanding healthcare facilities, such as the St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff, and Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home. These hospitals serve the large population of the area code and provide quality healthcare services to patients.
Government and Administration in the 870 Area Code
The laws and regulations of Arkansas govern the 870 area code. It is represented by multiple state senators and representatives at the state and federal levels.
The area code is also home to county and city governments, which provide essential services to their residents. These services include law enforcement, public works, and parks and recreation.
Conclusion
The 870 area code is an essential part of the telecommunications network in Arkansas. With its diverse geography and rich history, the area code has a thriving population, numerous cities and towns, and various tourist attractions.
As technology advances and the population grows, the demands on the above-given area code will continue to increase. However, with the potential for future changes, one thing is sure – the above-given area code will remain a vital part of Arkansas for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are there any plans to split the 870 area code shortly?
A: There are no plans to split the 870 area code. However, this may change as the population and demand for telephone numbers continue to increase.
Q: Can I keep my current phone number if I move to a different city within the 870 area code?
A: You can keep your current phone number if you move within the 870 area code. This is known as “number porting” and is a process that allows you to transfer your existing phone number to a new location.
Q: Are there any restrictions on telemarketing calls within the 870 area code?
A: The 870 area code is subject to the National Do Not Call Registry, which restricts telemarketing calls to registered phone numbers. If you receive unwanted telemarketing calls, you can register your phone number on the registry to stop them.
Q: What is the current time zone for the 870 area code?
A: The 870 area code is located in the Central Time Zone, which is UTC-6:00 during standard time and UTC-5:00 during daylight saving time.
Q: What zip codes are included in the 870 area code?
A: 797 zip codes fall within the 870 area code, ranging from 71601 in Pine Bluff to 72686 in Witts Springs. You can find a complete list of zip codes on the Arkansas Public Service Commission website.