Mandatory ten-digit local dialing has arrived for the 615 area code in Tennessee
TDS Telecom alerts Tennessee residents and businesses within the 615 area code that, as of Feb. 28, all local calls will require 10-digit dialing (area code plus 7-digit telephone number).
TDS Telecom is reminding residents and businesses in the 615 area code that ten-digit dialing will be mandatory starting Feb. 28. In order for calls placed in La Vergne, Mt. Juliet, Nashville, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Lebanon, and other communities in north-central Tennessee to connect, callers will need to include the area code and telephone number. Then, beginning March 28, 2015, the new 629 area code will be “overlaid” or superimposed over the same geographical area as the 615 Area Code.
Adding a new area code ensures a continuing supply of telephone numbers for businesses and residents in the 615 area code region. The Tennessee Regulatory Authority (TRA) ordered the Area Code Overlay for the area served by 615. 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 are 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 615 area code will not change.
The price for calls, local and long-distance calling areas, and other rates and services provided by TDS Telecom 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.
Customers 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, customers should ensure all of their automatic dialing equipment, applications, software, and other types of equipment have been re-programmed to follow the new 10-digit dialing procedure. This includes PBX systems, electronic telephone sets, auto-dial systems, multi-line key systems, life safety systems, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems, gates, speed dialers, call forwarding settings, and voicemail services.
Residents and businesses 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 tn.gov/tra/615areacodeexhaust.shtml or contact TDS at 888-CALL-TDS (888-225-5837).
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