Phonedialingchanges

Effective Oct. 24, 2021, 10-digit local dialing will be required for all customers in the Ohio 440 and 513 area codes.

The Federal Communications Commission adopted an order approving988as the 3-digit abbreviated dialing code to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, starting July 16, 2022. Customers must continue to dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach the Lifeline until that date.

The order requires all telecommunications carriers, interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers and one-way VoIP providers (covered providers) tomake any network changes necessary to ensure that users can dial 988 to reach the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by July 16, 2022. For 988 to work in the Ohio 440 and 513 area codes, 10-digit local dialing must first be implemented.

Beginning April 24, 2021, callers should start dialing 10 digits (area code + telephone number) for all local calls. If not, calls will still be completed.

Beginning in October, callers will have to 10 digits (area code + telephone number) for all local calls. On and after this date, local calls dialed with only 7 digitsmay not be completed, and a recording will inform that the call cannot be completed as dialed. Callers will need to hang up and dial again using the area code with the 7-digit telephone number.

For more information, call the local service provider or visit https://www.fcc.gov/suicide-prevention