Things to Know About Billings Area Code and Communication Information - Billings - 1

The entire state of Montana, including Billings, uses a single area code (Area Code) 406.

Montana is the fourth largest state in the U.S. by area, but due to its low population, the entire state shares one area code. All phone numbers in Billings are in the format (406) XXX-XXXX, and the same 406 area code is used when calling other cities in Montana (such as Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman, etc.). Although it is an in-state call, long-distance charges may apply, so it's important to check your mobile plan.

The major mobile service providers available in Billings include Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. All three carriers provide LTE and 5G coverage in downtown Billings. However, Montana has vast rural areas and mountainous regions, so moving to the outskirts of Billings or near national parks can often result in weak or dropped signals. Those who frequently take long road trips or engage in outdoor activities tend to prefer Verizon for its relatively wider coverage.

Looking at the locations of each carrier's stores in Billings, the main Verizon store is located in Rimrock Mall and the King's Avenue area. The AT&T store is also located near King's Avenue and downtown, while the T-Mobile store is in the West End shopping district. Many people also use MVNO services like Google Fi, Mint Mobile, and Cricket Wireless. MVNOs lease networks from major carriers, so coverage is nearly identical, but the rates are lower.

In terms of internet service, the main wired internet providers in Billings are CenturyLink (currently rebranded as Lumen or Quantum Fiber) and the cable internet provider Optimum (formerly Bresnan Communications). CenturyLink offers DSL and fiber services, with speed varying by location. Cable internet generally provides faster speeds, but availability may differ based on the residential area. Gigabit fiber internet service is also available in some areas of downtown Billings and the West End.

Satellite internet service Starlink is particularly popular in the rural areas outside of Billings. While Starlink can also be used in downtown Billings, wired internet is often more advantageous in areas where it is available due to speed and stability. Additionally, satellite internet can experience speed fluctuations depending on weather conditions. When choosing an internet service in the Billings area, it's most accurate to check with each provider for service availability and speed based on your residential address.

For TV services, options include DISH Network, DirecTV, and cable TV, and recently, more households are using streaming-based internet TV services like YouTube TV, Hulu Live, and Sling TV. Local broadcasts include major network channels such as ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX, with KULR-8 (NBC), KTVQ (CBS), KSVI (ABC), and KOUS (FOX) being the local stations in Billings. Some people also use free antenna reception (Over-The-Air, OTA) to watch these local broadcasts as a way to reduce TV service costs.

In case of emergencies, here are some important phone numbers for Billings: Emergency (Police/Fire/Ambulance): 911, Billings Police Department Non-Emergency: (406) 657-8200, Billings City Hall: (406) 657-8400, Yellowstone County Courthouse: (406) 256-2701, Billings Clinic Main: (406) 657-4000, St. Vincent Healthcare: (406) 237-7000, Billings Public School District (SD2): (406) 247-3700. It's a good idea to save these numbers on your phone early on so you can quickly contact them in case of emergencies or for handling inquiries.