In July 2020, the Federal Communications Commission adopted an order approving the designation of 988 as the 3-digit dialing code to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. To facilitate implementation, area codes in 37 states where the 988 prefix is a working prefix and which now use 7-digit local dialing must switch to 10-digit local dialing. This includes our 515 and 319 area codes in Iowa.
Beginning October 24, 2021, all Iowans with numbers in the 319 and 515 area codes must use 10-digit dialing for all local calls. As of that date, local calls dialed with only seven digits may not be completed, and a recording may indicate a call cannot be completed as dialed. If you get this recording, you must hang up and dial again using the full 10-digit number (area code with the seven-digit telephone number). A 1 does not need to be dialed before the area code for ‘local’ calls.
A number of factors will remain the same after the October 24th transition. Telephone numbers, including your area code will not change. All calls that are considered a local call will remain a local call with no charges billed, even though the area code must be dialed. All long-distance calls will continue to require a 1+ area code + telephone number to complete the call and charges will apply for a long-distance connection. Three-digit dialing remains for 211 (essential community services), 411 (directory assistance), 511 (Iowa traveler information), 811 (Iowa One Call), and 911 (emergency services).
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can still be reached by dialing 1-800-273-TALK.
In addition to changing your dialing routine, any numbers that are pre-programmed as local calls will need to be reprogrammed with the new 10-digit number. Important safety and security equipment, such as medical alert devices and alarm and security systems, must be programmed to use 10-digit dialing. Many systems operate on 10-digit dialing by default, but some older equipment may still use seven-digits. Contact your medical alert or security provider if you are not sure whether your equipment needs to be reprogrammed to accommodate the upcoming change to 10-digit local dialing. Any needed reprogramming of alarm and home security equipment must be done during the permissive dialing period from now to October 24, 2021, to avoid interruption of services.
Some other examples of services that may need to be re-programmed are fax machines, home alarms or other 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, personal or pet ID tags, and other such
items to ensure the area code is included. The Jefferson Telecom telephone directory will include the 10-digit numbers in the 2021-2022 directory for all residences and businesses.
If you have any questions regarding the change to 10-digit dialing please call Jefferson Telecom at 515-386-4141, option #4.
