Area code 402 serves eastern Nebraska, including major cities such as Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, and Norfolk. It was one of the original area codes created in 1947 and initially covered the entire state. Due to increasing demand, it was split in 1954 to create area code 308, and in 2011, area code 531 was introduced as an overlay for the same region. Ten-digit dialing is now required across the 402/531 area. This area code covers Nebraska’s economic and political hubs, with key sectors including finance, technology, agriculture, and education. 402 is widely recognized across the state and is a core identifier for eastern Nebraska residents and businesses.