If you haven’t already, you need to start dialing all 10 digits when you make a phone call – even for a local number.
The change, which becomes mandatory on Oct. 24, is necessary due to the FCC adopting an order approving the designation of 988 as the three-digit abbreviated dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. That change required all telecommunications carriers, interconnected Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers and one-way VoIP providers to make any network changes necessary to ensure that users can dial 988 to reach the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. That number is 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). The change is being implemented to help ensure there are no issues for those who wish to reach the hotline.
In the area codes where the 988 is an assigned, working prefix, local calls will have to be dialed using all 10 digits of the phone number. That means to make a local call, for instance to the Republican-Times, someone in Trenton would need to dial 660-359-2212. This applies to all calls within the area code that are currently dialed using seven digits.
Grundy County is not the only area affected by the change, in fact all of the locations within the 314, 417, 660 and 816 area codes are affected. Not just those areas that have a 988 prefix will be affected.
Since April, residents have been encouraged to start using the 10 digits, but as of Oct. 24, calls will not go through if only seven digits are dialed and a recording will tell inform the caller that 10 digits must be used.
In addition to changing dialing patterns, residents are reminded that all numbers that are pre-programmed will need to be changed to add the 10 digits. That would include life safety systems or medical monitoring devices, PBXz, fax machines, internet dial-up numbers, fire or burglar alarm and security systems or gates, speed dialers, mobile or other wireless phone contact lists, call forwarding systems and voicemail services and other similar functions. It would also be a good time to update the phone number of websites, advertising material, business cards, etc. to ensure the area code is listed.
For more information, visit the FCC website at https://www.fcc.gov.suicide-prevention-hotline.
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