Are you dialing 10-digits yet?
Local dialing change becomes mandatory Feb. 28!
Verizon and other West Virginia telecommunications providers will implement mandatory 10-digit dialing for local calls beginning Feb. 28. This means if you dial a local call without the area code, your call will not go through immediately. You will get a recording. Just remember ... AREA CODE plus the number.
Example: Today you can dial a local call such as 555-5555 without an area code. Beginning Feb. 28, add the area code and dial 304-555-5555. Toll or long distance dialing remains the same (1 + the area code + the number.)
Got programmed local telephone numbers? If you have any 7 digit telephone numbers programmed into devices -- such as fax machines, cell phones or speed dialing -- re-program before Feb. 28. If your local calls fail after this date, check the number first.
Area Code Changes At-a-glance:
LOCAL CALLS -- Dial the area code + your usual 7-digit telephone number.
LONG DISTANCE -- Dial 1 + the area code + the number for "long distance" or toll calls.
Remember .. local calls are still local. Toll calls are still toll calls.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers,
the 681 area code will be added to the area served by 304.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who Will be Affected?
The new 681 area code will serve customers in the same geographic region as the current 304 area code, which is the entire state of West Virginia. This is known as an area code overlay.
What is an Area Code Overlay?
An overlay is the addition of another area code (681) to the same geographic region as an existing area code (304). An overlay does not require customers to change their existing area code.
What Will be the New Dialing Procedure?
To complete local calls, the new dialing procedure requires callers to dial the area code + the seven digit telephone number. This means that all local calls from the 304 area code that are currently dialed with seven digits will need to be dialed using ten digits ( the area code + seven digit telephone number). The dialing procedure for long distance or operator assisted calls will not change.
When Will the Change Begin?
Beginning February 28, 2009, you must use the new dialing procedure for all local calls. After this date, if you do not use the new 10-digit dialing procedure for a local call, your call will not be completed, and a recording will instruct you to hang up and dial again.
Beginning March 28, 2009, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the 681 area code. However, no 681 numbers should be issued until providers exhaust the current supply of numbers with the 304 area code.
What Will You Need to Do?
In addition to changing your dialing procedure for local calls, all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment that are programmed with a 7-digit number will need to be reprogrammed with a 10-digit number. Some examples are life safety systems, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, security systems, security gates, speed dialers, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, and similar functions. You may also want to check your business stationery or advertising materials to ensure the area code is included.
What Will Remain the Same?
Your telephone number, including current area code, will not change.
The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay.
What is a local call now will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed.
You can still dial just three digits to reach 911. If 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 and 811 are currently available in your community you can still dial them with just three digits.
Questions?
You can call your Verizon service representative at 304-954-6200 for Residential Service or 1-800-562-2355 for Business Service or access the following websites for more information:
www.nanpa.com or see our Area Code information on this site.
