Area code 508 serves southeastern Massachusetts, including cities such as Worcester, New Bedford, Framingham, and Cape Cod. It was created in 1988 from a split of the original 617 area code to manage growing demand outside of the Boston metro. In 2001, area code 774 was introduced as an overlay, and ten-digit dialing became mandatory. The 508 region includes a diverse mix of historic industrial towns, suburban communities, and popular coastal destinations. Worcester, the largest city in the area, is a center for education and healthcare. 508 remains a legacy code recognized for its wide reach across southern and central Massachusetts, from inland cities to seaside resorts.