WMOK has learned that our 618 area code is one of the area codes nationwide that will have to start dialing 10 digits when making a local phone call and that’s coming up later this month.
Beginning October 24th you must dial 10 digits which is your area code plus the telephone number for all local calls. 10 digit dialing for local calls has been available in these area codes since the spring so you can actually begin dialing the 10 digit code anytime as to get yourself used to it before it becomes the only way to dial on October 24th.
On or after October 24th calls made with only seven digits may not connect and a recording will tell you that your call cannot be completed as dialed. Now for some companies who use a PBX or a VoIP phone system said you may need to update or reprogram that for 10 digit dialing.
Another change that came in 2020, the FCC established 988 as the new Nationwide three digit number for the national suicide prevention lifeline.
This new dialing code will be available Nationwide by July of 2022 and it works similarly to dialing 911 for emergencies. Again that’s a 988 Nationwide three digit phone number for the national suicide prevention lifeline and that will be available Nationwide by July of 2022.
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