Limber up those dialing digits, folks. Soon it won’t be enough to simply dial seven numbers to connect a call. Starting Oct. 24, it will be necessary to dial the full 10 digits – the area code plus the phone number –to complete any call made across the country.
The reason for the change is the implementation of a nationwide number for suicide prevention.
The Federal Communications Commission recently adopted 988 as a new number to connect callers to the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline in the U.S.
Starting July 16, 2022, those who dial “988” will be connected automatically to that line, in much the same way they are when dialing “911” to connect to first responders.
There are 82 area codes in the country, however, that have been using “988” as an actual exchange, and those will need to be changed to 10-digit calling before the FCC’s Oct. 24 deadline so calls will continue go through properly. Two of those 82 area codes are 314 (eastern Missouri) and 618 (southern Illinois).
The North American Numbering Plan Administrator has a list of the states and area codes that will be affected. Go to
nationalnanpa.com and click on “Transition to 10-digit dialing for 988.”
What will change
following Oct. 24?
■ A seven-digit call will no longer go through. Callers will hear a recording informing them of the need to hang up and redial using 10 digits.
■ Services and equipment programmed to automatically dial seven-digit numbers will need to be reprogrammed or updated.
■ Beginning July 16, 2022, dialing 988 will connect a caller automatically to the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline.
What will stay the same?
■ Your telephone number 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+ area code + telephone number for all long-distance calls.
■ You may still dial just three digits to reach 711 (relay services) and 911 (emergency services), as well as any 211, 311, 411, 511, 611 or 811 services available in your community.
■ The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline may still be reached by dialing 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
What will you need to do?
■ Services and equipment programmed to make calls using only seven-digit numbers will need to be updated or reprogrammed. Some examples are life safety systems or medical monitoring devices; business or organization phone systems; fax machines; internet dial-up numbers; fire or burglar alarm systems; security systems or gates; speed dialers; mobile or other wireless phone contact lists; call forwarding settings; voicemail services and other similar functions.
■ Check to make sure your full, 10-digit number is on your website, personal and business stationery, advertising materials, personal and business checks, contact information, personal or pet ID tags, and other such items.
During the transition, Americans who need help should continue to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK).
Veterans and service members may reach the Veterans Crisis Line by pressing 1 after dialing, or texting 838255. Or visit fcc.gov/suicide-prevention-hotline.