10-digit numbering requirement begins October 24 for northern Indiana area codes

Beginning Sunday, October 24, everyone in area codes 219 and 574 will be required to use 10-digit dialing, rather than seven, to make local phone calls.

This change takes into account the implementation of the “988” national lifeline for suicide prevention.

Local calls made with seven digits will still work until the end of the permissive dialing period on October 24, 2021.

After October 24, if you do not use 10 digits, your call will not be terminated and a recording will ask you to hang up and dial again.

The 988 hotline has been designated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and will be fully utilized by July 16, 2022.

The lifeline can be reached before and after July 16, 2022 at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

The following facts are important to residential consumers and businesses in these area codes:

• Your phone number, including the current area code, will not change.
• You will need to dial the area code + phone number (a total of 10 digits) for all local calls in zones 219 and 574.
• You will 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.
• You can still dial three digits to reach 911 for emergency services.
• You can 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).
• You should start including the area code with your local seven-digit phone numbers when providing numbers to others.
• You must ensure 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 dials, telephone contact lists. mobile / cordless phones, call forwarding settings, voicemail services and similar features.
• You should check your website, stationery, advertising materials, personal and business checks, personal or pet ID tags and microchips, and other items to make sure the phone number includes area code.

All safety and security equipment, such as alarm systems or medical alert devices, should be programmed for local 10-digit dialing, unless calls are already directed to long distance or toll-free numbers. .

If you are unsure whether your equipment needs to be reprogrammed, contact your safety or medical alert provider.

This reprogramming must also be completed by October 24.

Many area codes across the United States implement 10-digit numbering to accommodate the 988 Lifeline.

Mandatory 10-digit numbering has been in place in Indiana’s 317 and 812 area codes for several years.

Area codes 260 and 765 are not affected.

Click here for a video summarizing the changes.