10-digit dialing in northern Indiana area codes starting October 24

As of Sunday, everyone in Northern Indiana’s 219 and 574 area codes will be required to use 10 digits to make local phone calls.

After October 24, callers who do not use 10 digits for these area codes will receive a recording asking them to hang up and dial again.

The change to 10-digit numbering is necessary to take into account the national lifeline for suicide prevention “988”. The Federal Communications Commission requires that 10-digit numbering be implemented by all telecommunications providers by July 16, 2022 for any area code with a “988” prefix.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached before and after July 16, 2022, at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or at 988 after July 16, 2022.

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor states that the most important facts for residential and business consumers to know in these area codes are:

• Phone numbers, including the current area code, will not change.
• Callers will need to dial the area code + phone number (a total of 10 digits) for all local calls in zones 219 and 574.
• Continue to dial 1 + area code + phone number (a total of 11 digits) for all long distance calls.
• Calls that are now local will remain so.
• 10-digit dialing for local calls will not change the price of a call, your coverage area, or other rates and services.
• Callers always dial three digits to reach 911 for emergency services.
• Continue to dial three digits to dial 211 (social services), 411 (directory assistance), 711 (telecommunications relay service), or 811 (call to ask for the location of utilities before digging).
• Start including the area code with local seven-digit phone numbers when providing numbers to others.
• Make sure that all preprogrammed numbers for local calls are configured to include the area code. Examples include life security systems, health surveillance services, PBXs, fax machines, Internet access numbers, alarm and security systems, portals, speed dialers, telephone contact lists. mobile / cordless phones, call forwarding settings, voicemail services and similar features.
• Check websites, stationery, advertising material, personal and business checks, personal or pet ID chips and chips, and other items to make sure the phone number includes the area code .

All safety and security equipment, including medical alert devices and alarm systems, should be programmed for mandatory 10-digit local dialing, unless calls are already directed to wireless phone numbers. charges or long distance.

Anyone unsure whether the equipment needs to be reprogrammed should contact their medical alert or safety provider. All necessary reprogramming must be completed by October 24.

Mandatory 10-digit numbering has been in place for several years in Indiana’s 317 and 812 area codes due to the addition of new “overlapping” area codes due to the decrease in the number of numbers.

Indiana isn’t alone in the change, with some area codes in 35 states – including Indiana’s four neighboring states – implementing 10-digit dialing to accommodate the 988 Lifeline. Area codes 260 and 765 are not affected.