Area code 985 is a telephone area code in the United States. It is used for routing calls to specific geographic regions. Area codes are essential for identifying the origin of a phone number and are typically required when dialing long-distance numbers. They help organize the vast network of phone numbers, ensuring efficient communication across different areas.
Area code 985 covers southeastern Louisiana, including cities such as Houma, Slidell, and Hammond. It encompasses regions like St. Tammany Parish, Terrebonne Parish, and Tangipahoa Parish. This area code serves the Northshore region of Lake Pontchartrain and extends to parts of the Mississippi River Delta. Key cities like Thibodaux and Covington are also included, providing coverage for both urban and rural communities.
Area code 985 was established on February 12, 2001, as a split from area code 504. This change was necessitated by the growing demand for new telephone numbers in Louisiana. The introduction of 985 helped alleviate the strain on the 504 area code, ensuring adequate numbering resources for the region. This adjustment was part of a broader trend of area code splits across the United States.
Area code 985 serves a diverse mix of users including oil and gas industry professionals, seafood businesses, maritime workers, and shipping companies. Educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and tourism-related businesses also rely heavily on this code. Many small businesses catering to both locals and visitors use this area code, as do commercial fishing operations and petrochemical facilities.
Area code 985 in Louisiana has seen its share of unwanted calls, including robocalls, telemarketing, and phone scams. Common schemes include callers claiming to be from government agencies, tech support, or credit card companies. Some scammers use number spoofing to make calls appear local, while others attempt to collect personal information or money from unsuspecting residents.
To get a 985 phone number, contact major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile, who service this Louisiana area code. When signing up for a new plan, specifically request a number beginning with 985. If local numbers aren't immediately available, try online services like Google Voice or number porting services. You can also check smaller regional carriers who may have more 985 numbers available.