10-digit dialing is coming to 26 area codes in 17 TDS impacted states
Starting April 24, 2021, residents in 26 area codes in 17 TDS impacted states can start dialing 10-digits (area code + telephone number) when making local calls. Beginning Oct. 24, 2021, everyone in these area codes will be required to dial 10 digits.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted 988 as a new three-digit number to be used nationwide to reach the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline. For 988 to work in these area codes, 10-digit local dialing must first be implemented. Customers should continue to dial 1-800-273-TALK to reach the Lifeline until July 16, 2022.
TDS Telecom (TDS®) is alerting its customers in these area codes and states about the change.
Important information for residents and businesses:
· Your telephone number, including your current area code will not change.
· The price for calls, local and long-distance calling areas, and other rates and services provided by TDS will not change due to these new changes.
· A local call now remains 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).
· If 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, or 811 are currently available in your community, you can still dial these three digits.
Dates to keep in mind:
Effective April 24, 2021, customers in these areas should begin using the new dialing procedures whenever you place a call. If customers forget and dial just seven digits, calls will still be completed.
Beginning Oct. 24, 2021, customers must use the new dialing procedures, as described above for all calls. After this date, 7-digit calls will not be completed, and a recording will instruct you to hang up and dial again.
In addition to changing dialing procedures, customers are encouraged to begin reprogramming automatic dialing equipment and other devices now programmed with seven digits. Residents and businesses should check with security or alarm companies to make sure their systems are programmed to handle the new 10-digit dialing pattern.
Products to consider include: life safety systems, VoIP and Private Branch Exchange (PBX) systems, electronic telephone sets, auto-dial systems, multi-line key systems, fax machines, internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems, gates, speed dialers, call forwarding settings, and voicemail services. All such devices will need to be reprogrammed with 10-digits by Oct. 24, 2021.
Residents and businesses should also check their business stationery or advertising materials to ensure the area code is included.
If you have any questions regarding any information provided in this notice, call 1-888-CALL-TDS or visit www.tdstelecom.com. You can also visit the FCC website at https://www.fcc.gov/suicide-prevention-hotline.
TDS impacted states and area codes include:
Alabama – 251
Arizona – 520 and 928
California – 209 and 530
Colorado – 970
Georgia – 912
Indiana – 574
Michigan – 616. 906, 989
Minnesota – 218 and 952
Mississippi – 662
New Hampshire – 603
New York – 607
Ohio – 513
Tennessee – 731 and 865
Vermont - 802
Virginia – 804
Washington – 509
Wisconsin – 262, 414, 608, 920
