THATCHER — There are just two more weeks before dialing the area code will be required to complete any call, even when calling within the same code.
The Federal Communications Commission announced last spring the requirement went into place for 928, 480 and 520 area codes effective April 24; however, the past six months have been the “permissive period” of the new requirement. Meaning those who forgot to include the area code still had calls go through.
That permissive period ends effective Oct. 24, when the area code on all numbers must be included, regardless if one is calling cross-country or down the block. Those who forget to include the area code will hear a recording that the number cannot be completed as dialed.
There may also be impact to other phone line-related products and services, including:
● Life safety systems or medical monitoring devices
● PBXs
● 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 settings
● Voicemail services and other similar functions
The change was necessitated by the addition of a new three digit phone number for Arizona — 988 for the Suicide Prevention Hotline. Other three-digit phone numbers — such as 911 for emergencies and 411 for information — will remain unaffected by the change.
