No, 508 is an area code, not a cell phone prefix. While cell phones operating within a specific geographical region will use the 508 area code, 508 itself refers to the broader geographic identifier, not the specific central office code within a phone number.
Understanding Phone Number Structure
A standard ten-digit North American phone number is composed of three main parts:
- Area Code (NPA - Numbering Plan Area): The first three digits, indicating a specific geographic region.
- Prefix (NXX - Central Office Code): The next three digits, identifying a specific central office or switch within that area code.
- Line Number (XXXX): The final four digits, unique to the individual subscriber line connected to that central office.
Here's a breakdown:
| Component | Description | Example (for a number like 508-555-1234) |
|---|---|---|
| Area Code | Geographic region identifier | 508 |
| Prefix (NXX) | Exchange code within the area code, identifies a specific switch or carrier | 555 |
| Line Number | Unique subscriber number | 1234 |
The 508 Area Code in Massachusetts
The 508 code is indeed an area code serving a significant portion of Massachusetts. This area code covers a wide range of cities and regions, including:
- Attleboro
- Cape Cod
- Fall River
- New Bedford
- Plymouth
- South Coast
- Taunton
- Worcester
Both landline and mobile phone numbers located within these areas will begin with the 508 area code. However, the "cell phone prefix" refers to the three digits immediately following the area code, which can vary widely depending on the specific carrier and number block assigned.
For instance, a mobile number might be 508-345-XXXX, where '345' is the prefix, or 508-789-XXXX, where '789' is the prefix. The '508' part always identifies the general region.
