Area code 234 is an overlay for area code 330 in northeastern Ohio, serving cities such as Akron, Canton, Youngstown, and Warren. Introduced in 2000, it was the first overlay in Ohio, implemented to handle the increasing demand for new numbers in the industrial and suburban areas outside Cleveland. With ten-digit dialing now mandatory, 234 is commonly assigned to mobile phones and new business lines. The region has a strong legacy in manufacturing, education, and healthcare. While 330 is still seen as the legacy code, 234 plays a critical role in keeping the region connected and modernized.