Mandatory 10-digit dialing for 317 area code starts Oct. 15

TDS Telecom alerts Indiana residents and businesses in 317 area code that all local calls will require 10-digit dialing, starting Oct. 15.

Beginning mid-October, Indiana residents and businesses with a 317 area code will be required to ten-digit dial all local calls (area code + telephone number). This change takes effect Oct. 15, 2016 (originally, the change was scheduled to take effect Sept. 17). It will impact TDS Telecom (TDS®) customers in areas around Clayton, Whitestown, and Pittsboro.

Then, beginning Oct. 15, 2016, the new 463 area code will be “overlaid” or superimposed over the same geographical area as the 317 area code. Adding the new area code ensures a continuing supply of telephone numbers for businesses and residents in the current 317 area code region. The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission approved the Area Code Overlay for the area served by 317.

According to Federal Communications Commission rules, when two area codes serve the same region, callers are required to change the way they dial local calls. While customers do not have to change their existing area code or phone number, they will be required to ten-digit dial all local calls (area code and seven-digit telephone number).

What residents and businesses need to know about the area code overlay:

• Existing phone numbers in the 317 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 the new Area Code Overlay. What’s a local call now remains a local call, regardless of the number of digits dialed.
• The dialing procedure for long distance or operator assisted calls will not change.
• 911 remains a three-digit dial. If 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 and 811 are available currently, they will remain a three-digit dial.

Residents and businesses alike should identify their telephone number as a ten-digit number (area code + 7-digit telephone number), and include the area code when giving their number to friends, family, business associates, and customers.

In addition to changing dialing procedures, customers are encouraged to begin reprogramming automatic dialing equipment and other devices programmed with seven digits. This includes life-alert safety systems, PBX systems, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems, gates, speed dialers, call forwarding settings, and voicemail services. All devices will need to be reprogrammed with ten-digits (area code + telephone number) by Oct. 15, 2016.

Customers should also check with security or alarm companies to make sure their systems are programmed to handle the new dialing pattern.

For more information, visit the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission or contact TDS at 888-CALL-TDS (888-225-5837)