Area Code 2488 – Sukagawa, Fukushima

Overview of Area Code 2488

Area code 2488 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) within the Japanese numbering plan, specifically assigned to the city of Sukagawa and its surrounding areas in Fukushima Prefecture. This code is part of the larger 0248 area code region, which serves the Nakadōri region of Fukushima. The 2488 prefix is used for fixed-line telephone services, including PSTN and VoIP lines, and is managed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) in accordance with ITU-T E.164 standards.

Geographic Coverage and Jurisdiction

Sukagawa is a city located in the central part of Fukushima Prefecture, in the Tōhoku region of Japan. The area code 2488 covers the city of Sukagawa and may also include parts of neighboring towns such as Ishikawa and Tamakawa, depending on the specific exchange boundaries. The region is known for its historical sites, including the Sukagawa Shrine, and is an important agricultural and commercial hub.

Dialing Formats

When dialing a number within the same area code, callers can omit the area code and dial the subscriber number directly. However, for calls from outside the area code but within Japan, the full national number must be dialed: 0248-XX-XXXX. For international callers, the format is +81 248-XX-XXXX, where the leading zero of the area code is dropped. For example, a local number in Sukagawa might be 0248-88-1234 domestically, and internationally as +81 248-88-1234.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

As of the latest updates, there is no overlay code for the 0248 area. The numbering capacity is sufficient for the region's demand. However, with the increasing adoption of VoIP services, numbers with the 2488 prefix may be assigned to non-geographic providers, but they remain geographically associated for routing purposes. Callers should note that when dialing from mobile phones, the same national and international formats apply.

Caller Instructions

For local callers within Sukagawa, dial the 6-digit subscriber number directly. For callers from other parts of Japan, dial 0248 followed by the subscriber number. For international callers, dial the international access code (e.g., 011 from the US), then Japan's country code 81, then the area code without the leading zero (248), and finally the subscriber number. Ensure to include the correct number of digits; local numbers are typically 6 digits, making the total national number 10 digits (including the area code).