WASHINGTON—The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released the Ten-Digit Dialing Guide, which will require 10-digit dialing for multiple area codes in the U.S beginning Oct. 24, 2021. The move will affect credit unions and their members.
“There are 82 area codes in 35 states and one U.S. territory that currently use ‘988’ as their local exchange and allow seven-digit dialing,” stated the FCC. “A local exchange, also known as a central office code, is the first three numbers of a seven-digit telephone number. To prepare for implementation of a quick way to dial the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – using only "988" to connect callers to the Lifeline – these area codes must transition to ten-digit dialing for all calls, including local calls.”
“If your phone number has a 988 local exchange, beginning on Oct. 24, 2021, you must use ten-digit dialing (area code + telephone number) for all calls. Additionally, if you use a PBX or VoIP phone system, you may need to update or reprogram it for ten-digit dialing,” stated the FCC. “You should plan to complete any needed reprogramming and test your system before Oct. 24, 2021.”
The North American Numbering Plan Administrator has a list of the states and area codes that will be affected, NAFCU noted.