If you are having problems dialing local numbers, it’s most likely because you are still using seven digits when you dial. Seven-digit dialing is now a thing of the past. On October 24, the new requirement of using 10 digits when dialing local numbers went into effect. 

New Mexico isn’t the only place learning to adapt. Area codes 505 and 575 both joined 80 other area codes nationwide included in the new dialing protocol.

It is now “mandatory for all customers” in these 82 area codes across 35 states and one US territory to dial using 10 digits, said the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) on behalf of the US government’s Federal Communications Commission (FCC). 

988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The reason for the change from seven- to 10-digit dialing is because “on July 16, 2020, the FCC adopted an Order (FCC 20-100) approving 988 as the three-digit abbreviated dialing code to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline starting July 16, 2022,” states the NANPA.  

All telephone carriers are required to make any and all necessary network changes “to ensure that users can dial 988 to reach the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by July 16, 2022.” The only way to fulfill this directive is by changing local call dialing in the 82 affected area codes from seven- to 10-digit dialing. 

Currently, landline and wireless customers can reach the 24/7 suicide prevention hotline by dialing 1-800-273-TALK; wireless customers additionally have the option of dialing 988. When the change happens on July 16, 2022, both wireless and landline users will be able to dial 988 to connect with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

It is important for everyone to understand that a seven-digit local phone number is no longer valid. Phone calls dialed using seven digits will not be completed. Instead, your call will most likely be intercepted with a recording that informs you that “your call cannot be completed as dialed.” Your only solution is to hang up and dial again using 10 digits (area code plus the seven-digit phone number). 

Necessary Security and Safety Measures 

In early April, the Lea County Tribune alerted area residents about the upcoming switch to 10-digit dialing. Locals were encouraged to start using the new protocol at that time. The goal was for the use of 10 digits to be commonplace before such use became mandatory on October 24.

In the previous article security and safety measures to be aware of were mentioned as the change could make vital systems unable to connect to intended recipients. It may also make customers unable to reach local businesses if they aren’t reminded of the area code.

• Medical alert systems and alarms, fire and burglar alarms and security systems and gates must be reprogrammed, if necessary, to 10-digit dialing. 
• PBXs and fax machines may need to be reprogrammed.
• Internet dial-up numbers may need to be reprogrammed.
• Speed dial numbers may need to be reprogrammed.
• Phone contact lists could need updating to comply with the 10-digit dialing format.
• Call forwarding settings may need to be reprogrammed. 
• Voice mail and similar functions may need to be reprogrammed. 
• Seven-digit phone numbers on websites, contact information, signage, advertising materials, personal and business checks, personal and business stationery, personal and/or pet ID tags and the like need to be updated to ensure the area code is included with the seven-digit phone number. 

These changes may prove both time consuming and costly but are necessary for both individuals and businesses to function effectively in the new world of 10-digit local call dialing. 

Some Things Don’t Change 

Your phone number and area code do not change and will not change, and what you have always known as a local call remains a local call. Further, just like always when dialing long distance numbers, you will dial 1 + the area code + the telephone number. 

Also, what you pay for a phone call and phone service does not charge. “The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the dialing change,” states the NANPA. 

For emergency services, everything remains the same. Simply dial 911.