CONTACT INFORMATION:
Joy Trimbell
607-746-1581
joyt@delhitel.com

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mandatory 10-digit dialing to begin October 24, 2021 for DTC Customers

 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, to be implemented starting July 16, 2022.

In order for the 3-digit 988 direct dial to the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline to work (in 516,607,716,845,914 area codes), 10-digit local dialing must first be implemented, requiring there be a change to the way you dial local calls

Beginning April 24, 2021, customers with numbers in the area codes above should start dialing 10-digits (area code + telephone number) for all local calls. This is known as a permissive dialing period because if you forget and dial just seven-digits, your call will still be completed.

Beginning October 24, 2021, all consumers with numbers in the area codes above must dial 10-digits (area code + telephone number) for all local calls. On and after this date, local calls dialed with only seven-digits may not be completed, and a recording may inform you that your call cannot be completed as dialed. If you get this recording, you must hang up and dial again using the area code with the seven-digit telephone number.

Beginning July 16, 2022, dialing “988” will route your call automatically to the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline.

What other changes need to be made?

In addition to changing the way you dial local calls, all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment that are programmed to automatically complete calls to 7-digit local numbers will need to be reprogrammed to complete calls to 10-digit numbers. Some examples are life safety systems or medical monitoring devices, PBXs, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, fire or burglar alarm and security systems or gates, speed dialers, mobile or other wireless phone contact lists, call forwarding settings, voicemail services and other similar functions. Be sure to check your website, personal and business stationery, advertising materials, personal and business checks, contact information, your personal or pet ID tags, and other such items to ensure the area code is included.

Please remember to identify your telephone number as a 10-digit number and include the area code when giving the number to friends, family, business associates and customers, etc.

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 dialing change.
  • What is a local call now will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits
  • 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).
  • Any 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, or 811 services available in your community can still be reached by dialing their three-digit codes.
  • The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can still be reached by dialing 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

If you have any questions regarding information provided in this notice, please call Delhi Telephone Company at 607-746-1500 or access www.delhlitel.com for more information.

You can also visit the FCC website at www.fcc.gov/suicide-prevention-hotline.