Mandatory 10-digit local dialing coming October 24

ALPENA, Mich. – A reminder that changes to how area residents make phone calls is coming.

In July of 2020 the FCC adopted an order that affects several area codes including the 989 prefix.

The change takes effect October 24.

At that time you must dial the area code plus the telephone number for all local calls.

Your telephone number, including current area code, will not change.

People will need to reprogram equipment like fax machines and security systems to make calls to 10–digit number.

Some other examples are:

• life safety systems or medical monitoring devices.

• PBXs.

• Internet dial-up numbers.

• 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.

Also remember: 

• 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+ area code + telephone number for all long-distance calls

• Callers will still be expected 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 3-digit codes

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can still be reached by dialing 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) starting July 16, 2022.