918 Area Code: A Deep Dive into Its History, Coverage and Importance in Oklahoma

The 918 area code is an essential part of the telecommunications landscape in Oklahoma, particularly serving the northeastern region of the state. This area code covers cities like Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Muskogee, and other surrounding communities. Since its introduction, the 918 area code has been vital in supporting the region’s growing population, economic development, and industries. In this article, we will explore the history of the 918 area code, its geographical coverage, its importance for local businesses, and how it functions today.

What Is the 918 Area Code?

What Is the 918 Area Code

The 918 area code is a telephone area code assigned to northeastern Oklahoma, including the city of Tulsa, the second-largest city in the state. Introduced in 1953, it originally covered a large portion of the state before being split in the 1990s. Today, the 918 area code serves a critical role in connecting residents and businesses across northeastern Oklahoma.

The region covered by the 918 area code is known for its rich history in the oil industry, a diverse economy, and a vibrant arts and culture scene. Cities like Tulsa and Broken Arrow, which fall under this area code, are some of the most important economic hubs in Oklahoma.

History of the 918 Area Code

The 918 area code was introduced on January 1, 1953, as a split from the original 405 area code, which had previously covered the entire state of Oklahoma. At the time, the 918 area code covered most of the eastern part of the state, while the 405 area code continued to serve the central and western portions.

The Introduction of the 580 Area Code

By the 1990s, the increasing demand for phone numbers in Oklahoma prompted the need for a further division of area codes. To accommodate this demand, the western portion of the 918 area code was split off in 1997 to create the 580 area code, which now serves the southwestern and southeastern parts of the state. This allowed the 918 area code to focus exclusively on northeastern Oklahoma, where cities like Tulsa and Muskogee were experiencing significant growth.

The 539 Overlay

In 2011, the 539 area code was introduced as an overlay for the 918 area code. This overlay allowed for new phone numbers to be assigned with the 539 area code while retaining the existing 918 numbers. The introduction of the 539 overlay ensured that northeastern Oklahoma could continue to expand without running out of available phone numbers.

Geographical Scope of the 918 Area Code

The 918 area code covers northeastern Oklahoma, including Tulsa, the state’s second-largest city, and a range of smaller cities and towns in the region. This area is known for its historical significance in the oil industry, its thriving economy, and its cultural contributions.

Key Areas Served by the 918 Area Code:

  • Tulsa: The largest city in the 918 area code, Tulsa is a major economic and cultural hub in Oklahoma. Known for its rich history in the oil industry, Tulsa is also a center for finance, aerospace, and arts.
  • Broken Arrow: A rapidly growing suburb of Tulsa, Broken Arrow is known for its strong sense of community and growing business sector.
  • Muskogee: A city with historical significance, Muskogee is known for its role in the oil industry and as a center for agriculture and manufacturing.
  • Bartlesville: A smaller city located north of Tulsa, Bartlesville is home to the global headquarters of Phillips 66 and has a strong history in the energy sector.
  • Owasso: A suburban city located north of Tulsa, Owasso has seen rapid population growth in recent years due to its proximity to Tulsa and its family-friendly atmosphere.

Table: Breakdown of Cities Served by the 918 Area Code

City in Northeastern Oklahoma Primary Area Code Overlay Area Code
Tulsa 918 539
Broken Arrow 918 539
Muskogee 918 539
Bartlesville 918 539
Owasso 918 539

The 918 and 539 area codes cover much of northeastern Oklahoma, ensuring that residents and businesses have access to the telecommunications services they need.

How to Dial the 918 Area Code

How to Dial the 918 Area Code

Dialing a number with the 918 area code follows the standard North American dialing procedures. Since the 918 area code has an overlay with the 539 area code, 10-digit dialing is required for all local calls, even within the same area.

Dialing from the US

  • Local Calls: To dial a local number within the 918 area code region, dial the full 10-digit number, including the 918 area code, followed by the 7-digit local number (e.g., 918-123-4567).
  • Long-Distance Calls: If you are calling a number with the 918 area code from outside the northeastern Oklahoma region but within the U.S., dial 1 (the U.S. country code), followed by 918 and the 7-digit local number (e.g., 1-918-123-4567).

Dialing from Abroad

When dialing a number with the 918 area code from outside the U.S., you will need to include the international dialing code for the U.S., which is +1, followed by the 918 area code and the local number. The format is as follows:

  • Dial +1 918 followed by the 7-digit local number (e.g., +1 918 123 4567).

This ensures that your call is directed to the correct recipient in northeastern Oklahoma.

Also Read: 310 Area Code

Importance of the 918 Area Code for Businesses

The 918 area code is particularly important for businesses operating in northeastern Oklahoma, which is known for its diverse economy, historical significance in the oil industry, and vibrant cultural scene. Having a phone number with the 918 area code can help businesses establish credibility and build trust with local customers, especially in cities like Tulsa and Broken Arrow.

Benefits for Businesses Using the 918 Area Code:

  • Local Presence: A phone number with the 918 area code signals to customers that your business is based in or serves northeastern Oklahoma, helping to build trust and establish a local presence.
  • Access to a Strong Economy: Tulsa and the surrounding areas have a diverse economy that includes industries such as energy, aerospace, healthcare, and finance. Having a local phone number allows businesses to tap into this growing market.
  • Connection to Major Industries: The 918 area code covers areas known for their contributions to the oil and energy sectors, as well as manufacturing and agriculture, providing businesses with access to key economic drivers in the region.

Even businesses located outside of Oklahoma can acquire a 918 number through VoIP services, allowing them to establish a virtual presence in northeastern Oklahoma and connect with customers and clients in this growing region.

The Future of the 918 Area Code

The Future of the 918 Area Code

As northeastern Oklahoma continues to grow, the 918 area code will remain an important part of the region’s telecommunications system. The introduction of the 539 overlay has helped ensure that there are enough phone numbers available for the region’s expanding population and businesses.

While the 918 area code remains widely used, many new phone numbers in the region are now assigned the 539 area code. However, the 918 area code retains its historical significance and will continue to be an essential part of northeastern Oklahoma’s identity.

FAQs About the 918 Area Code

What areas are covered by the 918 area code?

The 918 area code covers northeastern Oklahoma, including cities such as Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Muskogee, Bartlesville, and Owasso.

Is the 918 area code still available for new phone numbers?

Yes, the 918 area code is still in use, but many new phone numbers in the region are now assigned the 539 overlay code due to the limited availability of 918 numbers.

How do I call a number with the 918 area code from outside the U.S.?

To call a number with the 918 area code from abroad, dial +1 (the U.S. country code), followed by 918 and the 7-digit local number.

Can businesses outside of Oklahoma get a 918 area code number?

Yes, businesses can acquire a 918 area code number through VoIP services, allowing them to establish a virtual presence in northeastern Oklahoma.

Why was the 539 area code introduced?

The 539 area code was introduced in 2011 as an overlay to the 918 area code to provide additional phone numbers for the growing population in northeastern Oklahoma.

The 918 area code is a key part of northeastern Oklahoma’s identity, serving as the primary area code for cities like Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Muskogee, and Bartlesville. Since its introduction in 1953, the 918 area code has supported the region’s telecommunications needs, helping residents and businesses stay connected in one of the state’s most important economic and cultural areas.

As northeastern Oklahoma continues to grow, the 918 area code will remain a crucial part of the region’s telecommunications infrastructure, providing phone numbers for businesses, government institutions, and individuals alike. Whether you’re a local resident, a business owner, or a visitor, the 918 area code is an essential link to the heart of northeastern Oklahoma.

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