Introduction
The 973 area code, part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), is key for businesses targeting Northern New Jersey. It offers more than just a number—it establishes a local presence, builds trust, and connects you with customers in a vibrant, economically strong region. This guide covers the history, coverage, and benefits of the 973 prefix, along with how My Country Mobile can help you secure and use your 973 number for business success.
Key Takeaways:
- The 973 area code phone number serves northern New Jersey, including Newark, Paterson, and Clifton.
- It was created in 1997 as an overlay to the 862 area code.
- Overlays, like the one for 973, are becoming more common as a solution to phone number shortages.
A Brief History of the 973 Prefix
The 973 area code has a relatively recent history, especially compared to some original prefixes established in 1947. Initially, Northern New Jersey was part of the 201 prefix, one of the first in the nation. As the population and demand for phone numbers grew, particularly in the densely populated areas surrounding New York City, the 201 area code prefix was split. In 1997, the 973 area code was officially created to serve the northwestern portion of the 201 region.
This split was necessary to accommodate the increasing number of residential and business phone lines, fax machines, and mobile phones. Creating 973 ensured a sufficient supply of phone numbers for the region’s continued growth. Later, to further address number exhaustion, the 862 prefix was overlaid onto the 973 region, meaning both prefixes now serve the same geographic area. You can learn more about the history and specifics of this overlay on the Wikipedia page for Area codes 973 and 862.
Geographic Coverage: Cities and Counties in the 973 Calling Prefix
The 973 area code encompasses a significant portion of Northern New Jersey, covering various cities, towns, and counties. Some of the most prominent cities within this prefix include:
- Newark: The largest city in New Jersey, Newark is a central commercial, cultural, and transportation hub.
- Paterson: Known for its industrial history, Paterson is the third-largest city in the state.
- Clifton: A large suburban city with a diverse population and a thriving business community.
- Passaic: Another historically significant city with a rich industrial heritage.
- East Orange: A densely populated city bordering Newark.
- Montclair: An affluent suburb known for its arts scene and vibrant downtown.
- Morristown: A historic town with a significant role in the American Revolutionary War.
- Dover: A town with a growing population and a diverse economy.
- Parsippany-Troy Hills: A large township known for its corporate headquarters and residential communities.
The 973 prefix also covers parts or all of the following counties:
- Essex County: A densely populated county that includes Newark and East Orange.
- Passaic County: Home to Paterson, Clifton, and Passaic.
- Morris County: A predominantly suburban county with a high median income.
- Sussex County: A more rural county in the northwestern part of the state.
- Union County: A portion of Union County falls within the 973 code.
This broad geographic reach makes a 973 area code number particularly valuable for businesses seeking to connect with customers across a wide swath of Northern New Jersey.
Why a 973 Prefix Number is Essential for Your Business
In today’s competitive business landscape, establishing a local presence is crucial, even in the digital age. Consumers often prefer to do business with companies they perceive as regional, and a 973 area code provides that instant connection for businesses targeting Northern New Jersey. Here are some key benefits:
- Build Trust and Credibility: A local prefix fosters trust. It signals that your business is invested in the community.
- Improve Marketing and Advertising ROI: Local phone numbers often perform better in local searches. Customers are more likely to call a number they recognize.
- Enhance Customer Service: A local number can make your business feel more accessible. It suggests a commitment to personalized service.
- Gain a Competitive Edge: A local phone number can help your business stand out.
- Cost-Effective Marketing: Acquiring a virtual 973 area code number is highly cost-effective.
- Increase call answer rates: People are more inclined to answer calls from local numbers.
Common User Problems and How a 973 Number Solves Them
Businesses often face challenges in connecting with specific geographic markets. Here are some common problems and how a 973 area code, mainly through My Country Mobile, can provide solutions:
| Problem | Solution with a 973 Prefix (and My Country Mobile) |
| Difficulty establishing a local presence in Northern New Jersey. | Instantly gain a local identity with a 973 number. My Country Mobile’s virtual phone system makes this seamless. |
| Low response rates to marketing campaigns targeting Northern New Jersey. | Improve call rates with a local number. My Country Mobile’s tracking features let you measure campaign effectiveness. |
| Customers are hesitant to call a toll-free or out-of-state number. | Provide a local number that feels familiar. My Country Mobile offers competitive rates for local and long-distance calls. |
| Difficulty managing calls and routing them to the right team members. | My Country Mobile’s features, like call forwarding and auto-attendant, ensure calls are handled professionally. |
| Need for a professional phone system without expensive hardware. | My Country Mobile’s cloud-based system eliminates the need for costly equipment. You can manage your system online. |
| Lack of insights into call data | My Country mobile provides call analytics, giving you insights to optimize your communication. |
| Needing a seperate number for marketing | My Country mobile offers multiple number options to track campaign performance. |
| Want to appear more established | A local prefix makes you look more ingrained in the local community. |
My Country Mobile: Your Partner for 973 Success
My Country Mobile is a leading provider of virtual phone numbers, including 973 area code numbers. We offer features designed to help businesses thrive in Northern New Jersey. Here’s why My Country Mobile is the ideal choice:
- Instant Activation: Get your 973 area code number up and running quickly.
- Affordable Pricing: We offer transparent pricing plans. Explore our price options and find the perfect plan.
- Advanced Features: Our virtual phone system includes:
- Call Forwarding: Route calls to any device.
- Auto-Attendant: Create a professional greeting.
- Voicemail-to-Email: Receive voicemail messages as email attachments.
- Call Recording: Record calls for training or compliance.
- SMS Capabilities: Send and receive texts using your 973 area code number.
- International Calling: Make international calls at competitive rates.
- Mobile App: Manage your phone system from your smartphone.
- Reliable Service: We provide a secure platform with excellent call quality.
- Exceptional Customer Support: Our support team is available to assist you.
How to Get a 973 Number with My Country Mobile
Getting a 973 area code with My Country Mobile is simple:
- Visit our website: Go to the My Country Mobile website.
- Choose your number: Search for available 973 numbers.
- Select a plan: Choose a pricing plan.
- Create an account: Sign up for an account.
- Activate your number: Follow the instructions to activate your new 973 area code.
You can start using your new number immediately.
Beyond the 973 Prefix: Other Options
While the 973 prefix is a primary focus, it’s worth noting the 862 prefix. The 862 prefix serves the same region as 973. My Country Mobile also offers 862 numbers. For information about telecommunications in New Jersey, visit the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJ BPU). The NANPA website provides useful resources, too.
A Searchable Table of Cities in the 973/862 Prefixes
| City | County |
| Newark | Essex |
| Paterson | Passaic |
| Clifton | Passaic |
| East Orange | Essex |
| Passaic | Passaic |
| Montclair | Essex |
| Morristown | Morris |
| Dover | Morris |
| Parsippany | Morris |
| Bloomfield | Essex |
| West Orange | Essex |
Conclusion:
For businesses seeking to connect with customers in Northern New Jersey, a 973 area code is invaluable. It provides a local presence, builds trust, and improves marketing. My Country Mobile offers an affordable way to acquire a 973 number and leverage its benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
What is the difference between the 973 and 862 prefixes?
There is no functional difference. 862 is an overlay of 973. New numbers are typically assigned the 862 prefix.
Is a 973 area code number toll-free?
No, a 973 number is a local number.
Can I port my existing 973 area code number to My Country Mobile?
Yes, in most cases, you can port your existing number.
Can I choose a specific 973 number?
While you can’t typically choose a specific number, My Country Mobile allows you to search for available 973 numbers.
How long does it take to get a 973 area code number?
With My Country Mobile, you can typically get a number activated quickly.
What if I need more than one 973 number?
My Country Mobile allows you to purchase multiple numbers.
How secure is My Country Mobile?
My Country Mobile uses industry-standard encryption. Our privacy policy is on our website. We use secure data centers.
What kind of customer support does My Country Mobile offer?
We offer phone, email, and live chat support.
