Prepare for Area Code Relief:  

Enter 10-Digit Phone Numbers Now 

Submitted by Cellcom, September 14, 2009 

Seven-digit local telephone numbers will soon be a thing of the past. The increasing demand for phone numbers has prompted the need for new area codes and the use of 10-digit calling nationwide. 

These new area codes impact not only telephone calls but text messaging as well. To ensure that your text message is sent to the correct person, it is recommended that you enter all ten digits of the phone number –regardless if it is a local or long-distance number. 

During the next few years, the 534 area code will be added to the geographic region currently served by 715, and the 274 area code will be added to the 920 geographic area. This means that you may have a 715 area code, but the phone number for the new business next door may have a 534 area code. New telephone lines in the current 715 area code region may be assigned the 534 area code as soon as August 14, 2010. Mandatory 10-digit calling will begin in the 715 area code region on July 17, 2010. Dates for the new 274 area code in the current 920 geographic area have not yet been determined. 

Calls that were considered local before the introduction of the new area code will continue to be local calls, and the procedure for placing long-distance calls from landline phones will remain the same (1 + area code + 7-digit telephone number). However, local calls placed without an area code after July 17, 2010, will not be completed.   

The best way to stay ahead of these changes – and ensure that your calls and messages are received – is to start using all ten digits now. Get into the habit of keying in the area code along with the seven-digit phone number when you program your fax machine, enter a person in the contact list on your wireless phone and print business cards or other materials that include your telephone number. By getting ahead of the game, the change should have little effect when the change is official.  

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