(978) Area Code Business Phone Numbers
The 978 area code covers northeastern Massachusetts, anchored by Lowell and stretching across the Merrimack Valley and North Shore. It was established in 1997 and now serves roughly 1.5 million residents across more than a dozen cities [1].
Get a 978 NumberAbout the 978 Area Code
The 978 area code was carved out of the 508 code back in 1997 as demand for phone numbers across eastern Massachusetts kept climbing [2]. Today it covers the Merrimack Valley, the North Shore, and north central Massachusetts, from Lowell and Lawrence over to Gloucester and Salem. It serves about 1.5 million people across 14 cities and towns, making it one of the busiest regions in the state [1].
Lowell sits at the heart of it all. The city ranked second in the nation as a great place for small businesses, thanks to affordable commercial rents and a highly educated workforce [3]. With UMass Lowell anchoring the community and the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor bringing in new tech and research jobs, the local business scene is growing fast [4].
When you run a business in this region, a local number matters. Customers in the 978 area are more likely to answer a call from a familiar area code than from an out-of-state or toll-free line. A 978 number tells people you're right here in the neighborhood, whether you're in Lowell, Salem, or anywhere in between.
Cities Served by the 978 Area Code
The 978 area code reaches from the Merrimack Valley through the North Shore and into north central Massachusetts. Here are the 14 cities covered by this region.
Phone Features Built for 978 Businesses
Whether you're a solo contractor in Lowell or a growing team in Lawrence, Tonet gives you everything you need to stay connected with local customers.
Auto Attendant
Greet every caller with a professional menu that routes them to the right person. No more missed calls or confusing hold music.
Call Recording
Record every conversation so you never lose track of a quote, a promise, or a customer detail. Great for training new hires too.
AI Transcription
Get a written summary of every call automatically. Search back through conversations without listening to hours of audio.
Business SMS
Text your 978 customers from the same number you call from. Perfect for appointment reminders, order updates, and quick follow-ups.
Mobile App
Take your 978 business line wherever you go. Make and receive calls on your phone while your team sees you're still at the office.
Daily Billing
Plans start at $10 per user per month, billed daily. No contracts, no surprises, just a phone system that flexes with your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a 978 number if my business isn't in Massachusetts?
Yes. You can pick a 978 number from Tonet even if your office is elsewhere. It gives you a local presence in the Lowell area so customers see a familiar area code when you call.
How much does a 978 business phone number cost with Tonet?
Plans start at $10 per user per month, billed daily. Numbers themselves are just $2.50 per month each, and there are no contracts tying you down.
Is 978 the only area code I can use in this region?
No. The 351 overlay was added in 2001 and shares the same geographic area as 978. With Tonet you can choose whichever number works best for your business.
Will a 978 number help my business seem more local?
Absolutely. Customers in Lowell, Lawrence, Salem, and the surrounding towns are more likely to pick up when they see a familiar area code on caller ID. A local number builds trust right away.
Can I keep my existing 978 number and switch to Tonet?
Yes. You can port your current 978 number over to Tonet in just a few days. Your customers keep calling the same number, and you get all the modern features that come with it.
Get Your 978 Number Today
Set up a local business line in minutes with Tonet, no contracts and no hassle.
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