Where is Area Code 353?
Area code 353 is located in southwestern Wisconsin, encompassing a wide and dynamic region including the cities of Madison, Janesville, and La Crosse. It serves as an overlay for the existing 608 area code, meaning it covers the exact same geographic area. Residents, businesses, and local institutions may now be assigned either the 353 or 608 area code for new phone numbers, ensuring adequate numbering resources for continued growth and development. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin provides regulation and oversight located at the address:
4822 Madison Yards Way
North Tower - 6th Floor
Madison, Wisconsin 53705-9100
- Phone: (608) 266-5481
- General toll-free: (888) 816-3831
- Fax: (608) 266-3957
What time zone is 353 area code in the USA?
The entire region served by area code 353 lies within the Central Time Zone (CT). This means that Southwestern Wisconsin—including Madison, Janesville, and La Crosse—observes Central Standard Time (CST) during the late fall and winter months and Central Daylight Time (CDT) during Daylight Saving Time. For more on time zone rules and Daylight Saving Time transitions, see the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
History of the 353 Area Code
Area code 608 has historically served southwestern Wisconsin since 1955, supporting a growing population in cities like Madison, Janesville, and La Crosse. Due to sustained population growth, expanding business needs, and the proliferation of mobile devices, the pool of available 608 numbers began to dwindle. To address this, area code 353 was introduced as an overlay—meaning both area codes now coexist in the same region, and both can be assigned to new phone lines. The overlay solution helps avoid the disruption of a geographic split and supports the high demand for new numbers. This initiative was coordinated by the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) in partnership with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. Since the introduction of 353, ten-digit dialing is mandatory for all calls within the region, ensuring everyone can connect regardless of area code.
How Many People Use the 353 Area Code?
Southwestern Wisconsin—served by area codes 353 and 608—encompasses nearly one million residents, as well as thousands of businesses, two major university campuses, regional government offices, and expanding technology and healthcare sectors. While many households and organizations still use legacy 608 numbers, an increasing share of new phone numbers (especially for mobile lines and new businesses) are now issued with the 353 area code. This ensures the ongoing availability of phone numbers for both residential and commercial users as the area continues to grow. Oversight and periodic updates are managed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) located at the address:
45 L Street NE
Washington, DC 20554
- Phone: 1-888-225-5322
- Videophone: 1-844-432-2275
- Fax: 1-866-418-0232
Is the 353 Area Code Toll-Free?
Area code 353 is not toll-free; it is considered a standard geographic area code specific to southwestern Wisconsin. Calls made to numbers in the 353 area code are billed as local or long-distance, depending on your phone plan and location. In the United States, toll-free area codes start with 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833. If you have questions about rates or wish to learn more about toll-free calling, visit the FCC’s guide to toll-free numbers.