All wireline subscribers must now use 10-digit local dialing.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted “988” as a new three-digit number to be used nationwide to reach the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline. For 988 to work successfully in our area code (910), the FCC is requiring that mandatory 10-digit local dialing must first be implemented to all wireline subscribers. While we understand this may cause some inconvenience and take some getting used to, the addition of the national 988 three-digit number will make it much easier for someone to reach out and receive immediate assistance during a time of mental health crisis.
Important Dates
October 24, 2021
7-digit dialing will be removed and 10-digit dialing will become mandatory for all calls being placed by wireline customers.
July 16, 2022
Dialing “988” will route calls to the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have to begin dialing 10 digits?
The Federal Communications Commission is requiring every landline in the 910 area code to make way for the implementation of a National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Does dialing 10-digits mean all of my calls are long distance?
No. The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the dialing change. What is a local call now will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed.
Will I have to change my phone number?
No. One of the reasons for changing to 10-digit local dialing is to avoid the need to change people’s telephone numbers.
How will this change the way I make calls from my landline?
When 10-digit dialing begins, you will need to dial using all 10-digits of the phone number, even if they are in the same area code. To complete all local calls, you will need to dial the area code + telephone number (or 1+ area code + telephone number). This applies to all calls that are currently dialed with seven-digits. The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the dialing change.
When can I begin using 10-digit dialing?
You can now dial using 10 digits. If you forget and dial just seven-digits, your call will still be completed.
When will 10-digit dialing become mandatory?
Beginning October 24, 2021, you must begin dialing 10 digits (area code + telephone number) or 1+10 digits (1+area code+telephone number) for all local calls. On and after this date, local calls dialed with only seven-digits will not be completed, and a recording will inform you that your call cannot be completed as dialed. If you get this recording, you must hang up and dial again using the area code with the seven-digit telephone number.
What other changes need to be made?
In addition to changing your dialing patterns, all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment that are programmed to complete local calls using only seven-digit numbers will need to be reprogrammed to complete calls to 10-digit numbers. Some examples are:
Businesses should be sure to check websites, stationery, advertising materials, business checks and other such items to ensure the area code is included.
- life safety systems or medical monitoring devices
- PBXs
- fax machines
- fire or burglar alarm and security systems or gates
- speed dialers
- mobile or other wireless phone contact lists
- call forwarding settings
- voicemail services and other similar functions
- stationary, checks, and pet ID tags
Businesses should be sure to check websites, stationery, advertising materials, business checks and other such items to ensure the area code is included.
What will remain the same?
- Your telephone number, including current area code, will not change.
- The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the dialing change.
- What is a local call now will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed.
- You will continue to dial 1+ the area code + telephone number for all long-distance calls.
- You will continue to dial a prefix (such as “9”) when dialing from a multi-line telephone system (i.e., in a hotel, office building, etc.) as required.
- You can still dial just three digits to reach 711 (relay services) and 911 (emergency services).
- Any 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, or 811 services available in your community can still be reached by dialing their three-digit codes.
If you have any questions regarding information provided above, please call: 910-754-4311
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