Get ready for 10-digit dialing

To support the mental health needs of all Americans, the Federal Communications Commission has adopted 988 as a new, nationwide three-digit number to reach the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline, starting July 16, 2022. Until then, people in need will still dial 1-800-273-TALK to reach the Lifeline.

In order for 988 to work in some area codes, including 515, mandatory 10-digit local dialing will have to be implemented. You will need to dial the area code for all local calls starting on October 24, 2021.

What will be the new dialing procedure?

To complete all local calls, you will now need to dial area code + telephone number. This applies to all calls within your area code that are currently dialed with seven digits.

Who will be affected?

Anyone with a telephone number from the 515 area code will need to make a change from 7-digit local dialing to 10-digit local dialing.

When will the change begin?

Beginning October 24, 2021, you must dial 10 digits (area code + telephone number) for all local calls. On and after this date, local calls dialed with only 7 digits may not be completed, and a recording will inform you that your call cannot be completed as dialed.  You must hang up and dial again using the area code and the 7-digit number.

Beginning July 16, 2022, dialing “988” will route your call to the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline.

What will I need to do?

• How you dial local calls - append the area code to the beginning, for a total of 10 digits.

• All services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment that are programmed to complete calls to 7-digit local numbers will need to be reprogrammed to complete calls to 10-digit numbers. Some examples are 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. 

• Be sure to check your website, personal and business stationery, advertising materials, personal and business checks, contact information, your personal or pet ID tags, and other such items to ensure the area code is included.

What stays the same?

• Your telephone number, including current area code.

• The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services. 

• 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 can still dial just three digits to reach 711 (relay services) and 911 (emergency services).

• All 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, or 811 services can be reached by dialing their three-digit codes.

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

Who can I contact with questions?

If you have questions regarding information provided in this notice, please call IMU Fiber at 515-961-9444 or access www.indianola.com for more information, or visit the FCC website at https://www.fcc.gov/suicide-prevention-hotline.