Overview of Area Code 938
Area code 938 serves the northern region of Alabama, including cities like Huntsville, Florence, and Decatur. It was introduced in 2010 as an overlay to the 256 area code to meet the rising demand for new phone numbers. The 938 area code operates in the Central Time Zone (CT) and requires 10-digit dialing for all local calls.
Cities and Counties Covered
The 938 area code covers the northern portion of Alabama, overlapping with the 256 area code. Major cities and areas served by 938 include:
Cities
Huntsville, Florence, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Albertville, and Scottsboro
Counties
Madison County, Lauderdale County, Morgan County, Limestone County, Marshall County, and Jackson County
Why Businesses Use a 938 Number
A 938 number offers several advantages for businesses across northern Alabama:
Builds Trust and Credibility
Consumers in Huntsville and the surrounding region are more likely to trust a business that uses a recognizable 938 local area code.
Local Marketing and Presence
A 938 number strengthens your local SEO strategy, complements regional advertising, and increases visibility in local listings and directories.
Increased Response Rates
Residents of northern Alabama are more likely to answer calls or reply to messages from local numbers, which improves engagement and conversions.
Text-Enable or Port Your 938 Number
Already have a 938 number? Falkon SMS can help you text-enable your existing landline or VoIP number. We also offer seamless number porting, so you can maintain your current number and unlock SMS capabilities.
Enhance Your Business Operations with Falkon SMS Features
Falkon SMS delivers powerful tools to improve communication for businesses in the 938 area code:
Group Texting
Reach large audiences with a single text to announce promotions or send updates.
Auto Replies
Stay responsive even after hours with automated responses.
Message Scheduling
Schedule texts in advance to ensure timely delivery, no matter where you are.
Time Zone Details
Standard Time:
Eastern Standard Time (EST) – UTC−5
Daylight Saving
Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) – UTC−4
DST in 2025
Begins on March 9, 2025, and ends on November 2, 2025
History of the 938 Area Code
Area code 938 was created as an overlay to the 256 area code in 2010 to accommodate the growing population and business activity in northern Alabama. The region includes Huntsville — one of the fastest-growing cities in the Southeast and a major hub for aerospace, defense, and technology industries. With the overlay, 10-digit dialing became mandatory for local calls, but existing 256 numbers remained unchanged.
Dialing Guidelines
Local Calls
Dial the full 10-digit number (938-XXX-XXXX)
Long-Distance Calls
Dial 1 + 938 + 7-digit number
International
Dial +1 (938) XXX-XXXX from outside the U.S.
Economic and Cultural Importance
The 938 area code includes Huntsville and surrounding communities, a region that plays a critical role in Alabama's economy and culture:
Tourism & Recreation
Huntsville, known as the "Rocket City," attracts visitors with its rich history and vibrant cultural scene. Top attractions include the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, the world's largest space attraction, and the Huntsville Botanical Garden. The city also offers outdoor activities like hiking at Monte Sano State Park and exploring the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum.
Finance & Business Services
Huntsville's economy is bolstered by a diverse range of industries, including aerospace, defense, and biotechnology. The city is home to major employers such as NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology.
Healthcare & Education
The Huntsville area boasts a robust healthcare system, with facilities like Huntsville Hospital and the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. Educational institutions such as the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) and Calhoun Community College offer a range of academic programs, contributing to the region's skilled workforce.
Innovation & Technology
Huntsville has been recognized as one of the world's most innovative cities by Fast Company in 2025. The city's growing tech sector is supported by institutions like UAH and the HudsonAlpha Institute, fostering advancements in fields such as aerospace, defense, and biotechnology.
Scam Warning
Watch out for scam calls or text messages that appear to come from 938 numbers. Scammers may spoof local numbers to increase the chances of being answered. Always confirm a caller's identity before sharing personal or financial information.
Major Carriers
The 938 area code is supported by a wide range of telecommunications providers, including:
If you have a phone number with a 938 area code and want to enable text messaging capabilities, Falkon SMS can help. Whether it's a landline, VoIP number, or business line, we offer reliable solutions to text-enable your existing number.
