Lowell, Massachusetts
978 Area Code
Establish a trusted local presence in Lowell and northeastern Massachusetts with a 978 area code number. Ideal for businesses that want higher pickup rates and local trust in Essex, Middlesex and Worcester counties.
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About 978 Area Code
Area code 978 serves Lowell and the northeastern portion of Massachusetts. Created on September 1, 1997 after a split from the 508 area code, 978 covers major population centers including Lowell, Lawrence, Haverhill, Fitchburg, Leominster, Salem and Gloucester across Essex, Middlesex and Worcester counties. The code supports local voice and SMS-capable numbers used by businesses, healthcare providers, educational institutions and manufacturers throughout historic mill cities and coastal communities.
The 978 region has pivoted from its industrial textile heritage toward healthcare, higher education and technology sectors. UMass Lowell anchors educational demand, while healthcare systems and biotech startups drive steady telephony needs. Local businesses use 978 numbers for patient reminders, campus communication, sales outreach and service dispatch. A local number improves answer rates compared to toll-free alternatives because it signals regional presence and builds trust with communities that value their New England roots.
FoneSwift lists live 978 inventory and capabilities on this page. Search numbers to see which support Voice, SMS and MMS. Because 978 shares its geographic footprint with overlay code 351, availability can vary. If your preferred 978 number is not immediately available, nearby area codes (351, 617, 508) still provide strong recognition for eastern Massachusetts audiences while maintaining regional credibility.
If your business targets Lowell or northeastern Massachusetts, display numbers in both local and E.164 formats (e.g., (978) 555-1234 and +1 978 555 1234) and register messaging traffic if you plan A2P campaigns. For porting, see our porting guide. Many businesses maintain the same number to preserve customer familiarity and local market continuity.
| Country | United States |
| State | Massachusetts |
| Area code | 978 |
| Primary cities | Lowell, Lawrence, Haverhill, Peabody, Fitchburg |
| Counties served | Essex, Franklin, Middlesex, Worcester |
| Timezone | America/New York (EST) |
| Created | September 1, 1997 |
| International Format | +1 978 XXX XXXX |
| Local Format | (978) XXX-XXXX |
10-digit dialing is required for all calls within and into the 978 region due to the overlay with 351. Register A2P messaging for business SMS to comply with US carrier rules (10DLC).
Area code 978 uses Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5) and observes Daylight Saving Time (EDT, UTC-4 from mid-March to early November). Most business hours align with East Coast schedules.
Local numbers are commonly used for higher answer rates and local trust. If needed, consider nearby NPAs like 351, 617 or 508 for additional inventory while preserving a strong regional presence.
Quick Facts about 978 Area Code
Interesting tidbits about this area code 978
Split from 508
Area code 978 was created in 1997 after a split from the 508 area code to accommodate rapid growth in northeastern Massachusetts driven by population expansion and mobile phone adoption.
Cradle of American industry
The 978 region includes Lowell, known as the cradle of the American Industrial Revolution. Lowell was the first large-scale factory town in the United States and pioneered integrated textile manufacturing in the 1820s.
Literary heritage
Beat Generation author Jack Kerouac was born in Lowell in 1922. Poet Robert Frost also spent his formative years in Lawrence, publishing early work in the Lawrence High School Bulletin.
Overlay with 351
In 2001, area code 351 was introduced as an overlay to 978, requiring mandatory 10-digit dialing for all calls within the region. Both codes serve the same geographic footprint.
Immigrant gateway
Lawrence and Lowell became major immigrant destinations during the Industrial Revolution. Today, the 978 region remains culturally diverse, with significant Cambodian, Dominican and Brazilian communities.
University hub
UMass Lowell drives innovation in the 978 region. The university emerged in 1975 from merging Lowell Technological Institute and Lowell State College, both with roots in the 1890s.
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How Does Local 978 Phone Numbers Work?
A local business number is a structured telephone identifier that tells networks where to route calls and messages. When you use a 978 number in Lowell and Massachusetts, the digits signal the international gateway, the geographic region, the local exchange and the specific subscriber, so calls reach the right destination quickly and reliably.
The typical parts of a United States local number are:
- Country code (+1): identifies United States for international routing.
- Area code (978): directs the call to the Lowell / Massachusetts region.
- Central office / exchange (eg. 555): narrows the call to a local switching area or rate center.
- Subscriber number (eg. 1234): the unique line assigned to a person, extension, or device.
Example formats:
| International Format (E.164) | +1 978 555 1234 |
| Local Format (National) | (978) 555-1234 |
Quick Dialing Guide
The correct formats to reach 978 numbers locally and globally.
From Landlines
Standard United States FormatUse for domestic long-distance calls within United States.
From Mobile
E.164 InternationalThe universal format. Works on any mobile device, anywhere.
International
From abroadDialing from outside United States (exit code 00 varies by country).
With FoneSwift, your 978 number can be instantly configured through our intuitive dashboard. Connect it to call forwarding rules, AI voice agents, IVR menus, or route calls directly to any device. Enable voice, SMS, and MMS capabilities right from your account, no technical setup required. Your number becomes active immediately after purchase, and you can update routing, business hours, and integrations anytime.
For businesses, local numbers offer clear benefits: higher answer rates, stronger local recognition, and better performance for local campaigns and customer trust. Typical business features include call forwarding, call recording, auto-attendants, voicemail-to-email, and multi-device ringing.
Important operational notes:
- SMS & A2P: If you plan to send application-to-person messages from a 978 number, register your traffic where required and follow carrier rules (10DLC/A2P) to avoid deliverability or throughput issues.
- Number Porting: Bring your existing 978number to FoneSwift seamlessly. Our team handles the entire porting process, simply submit your number details and we'll coordinate with your current provider. Porting typically completes within 5-10 business days, and you'll receive updates at each step. There's no service interruption during the transfer.
- Display & formatting: Always publish numbers in both local and E.164 formats so international and mobile users can easily dial.
Ready to get started? Browse available 978 numbers in the phone numbers section above, you'll see real-time availability and can filter by features like voice, SMS, and MMS. Once you find your perfect number, purchase it in seconds and start making calls immediately. Our team is here to help you choose the right setup for your business needs, whether you're setting up AI receptionists, call forwarding, or SMS campaigns. Start your 14-day free trial today, no credit card required.
How to Get a 978 Phone Number
Buying a local 978 phone number using FoneSwift is easy and takes just a few minutes. Follow these simple steps to get your local 978 phone number and start connecting with customers in United States today.
Create a new account on FoneSwift or sign in to your existing account to get started.
Once logged in, you'll be taken to your FoneSwift dashboard where you can manage all your phone numbers and settings.
Click on Settings in the sidebar, then go to "My Numbers" and click the "Add a Number" button.
Choose United States as your country from the dropdown menu.
Select Local as the type of number, then choose the 978 area code from the available options.
Click the "Search" button to see all available phone numbers with the selected area code.
Browse through the available numbers, select one that fits your needs, click "Buy Number", and confirm your purchase.
Your number is now active! Start making and receiving calls from the FoneSwift Dialer immediately.
You can configure your number to handle calls, forward calls, or even create an AI voice agent to handle the calls for you.
Businesses Using 978 Phone Numbers
Lowell and northeastern Massachusetts host education, healthcare, manufacturing and technology businesses. Local phone numbers are commonly used for customer-facing operations, patient care and regional B2B coordination.
Higher education & research
Universities and colleges use local 978 numbers for admissions, campus security, student services and alumni relations. UMass Lowell and other regional institutions generate steady telephony demand for enrollment and campus operations.
Healthcare & medical services
Hospitals, clinics and medical practices rely on local numbers for appointment scheduling, patient callbacks and telehealth services. A 978 area code helps with patient recognition and increases callback engagement.
Manufacturing & industrial suppliers
The region maintains manufacturing operations from its textile heritage. Industrial suppliers, precision manufacturers and distributors use local numbers for B2B sales, vendor coordination and logistics management.
Technology & biotech
Tech startups, software companies and emerging biotech firms use 978 numbers for customer support, sales calls and recruitment. A local number provides credibility in this innovation-focused market.
Professional services
Law firms, accounting practices, consulting agencies and financial advisors use local numbers for client communication, new business inquiries and service coordination throughout Essex and Middlesex counties.
Tourism & hospitality
Hotels, restaurants and coastal tourism operators in Salem, Gloucester and other historic towns rely on 978 numbers for reservations, visitor information and event coordination along the North Shore.
Why Choose 978 Local Phone Number for Your Business?
Discover the advantages of having a local phone number that builds trust, increases engagement, and drives results.
Powerful Features for Your 978 Local Phone Number
Get the most out of your localphone number with FoneSwift's enterprise-grade features designed to help your business communicate more effectively.
Nearby Area Codes
Explore other area codes in the same region to expand your local presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cities use the 978 area code?
When was the 978 area code created?
Can I get SMS-capable numbers in area code 978?
Do I need to dial 10 digits for 978 numbers?
Is 978 a toll-free code?
How do I buy a 978 local phone number?
What is the difference between 978 and 351?
How can I port my existing number into FoneSwift?
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