Coming from our member, Tina Lyding of Voicecom Plus, residents of multiple states, including New York and New Jersey, will soon be required to dial all 10 digits to make local calls within their areas code.
Many people already have to use 10-digit dialing because of area code “Overlays.” An ‘Overlay’ is a region where more than one area code is assigned because of demand for phone numbers.
With this demand for more phone numbers, the FCC is making changes that now require 10 digits to complete a phone call. This is the 3 digit area code and the 7 digit telephone number.
You can begin dialing 10 digits as of April 24th.
Many parts of our area already use 10-digit dialing.
On October 24, 2021, all consumers with numbers in the following area codes for NY and NJ must dial 10-digits for all local calls:
856 and 908 for New Jersey
516, 845, 914 for New York
On and after this date, local calls dialed with only 7 digits may not complete. A recording will 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 plus the seven-digit telephone number.
What do you need to do?
To prepare for this change, you need to re-program your safety and security equipment along with other types of equipment that are currently programmed with 7 digit numbers.
Contact your providers to assist with these programming changes.
Some examples of services that may need to be programmed are:
· Life Safety Systems or Medical Monitoring Devices
· Telephone Systems
· 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
For further clarification, feel free to call Voicecom Plus, Inc. at 201-512-3900.