MT requires 10-digit dialing starting Sunday

The Federal Communications Commission has announced that starting Sunday, Oct. 24, people will have to dial local numbers preceded by the state 406 area code.

The FCC adopted “988” as a new three-digit number to be used nationwide to contact the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline. This is similar to calling 911 for emergency services or 811 for call-before-you-dig.

Because Montana has a working 988 three-digit prefix, the entire state has to switch to using 10-digit dialing for all local calls. The change must be implemented so that 988 can be used as the new three-digit number to reach the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline.

In addition to changing the way local calls are dialed, all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment that are programmed to complete calls to 7-digit local numbers will need to be reprogrammed to complete calls to 10-digit numbers, including the area code. Some examples are: life safety systems and medical monitoring devices, PBXs, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, fire or burglar alarm systems, other security systems or gates, speed dialers, mobile or other wireless phone contact lists, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, and other similar functions.

People need to make sure to check website, personal and business stationery, advertising materials, personal and business checks, contact information, personal or pet ID tags, and other such items to ensure the area code is included.

Some things will not change, the FCC said in their release:

• 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 this dialing change.

• What is a local call now will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed.

• You will continue to dial 1 + area code + telephone number for all long distance calls.

• You can still dial just three digits to reach 911 emergency services and 711 relay services, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, or 811 where those services are available in your community.

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can still be reached by dialing 1-800-273-TALK (8255) — and, starting Sunday, by dialing 988.

Montana is one of 36 states and territories that are affected either as a whole, like Montana, or in regions under specific area codes.