States are making some changes to the way you dial your phone calls. In the past, local calls within your area code could be dialed with just the 7-digit phone number. However, beginning on April 24, 2021, you’ll need to get into the habit of dialing the area code for all calls (including local calls).
This change affects a handful of states, but in New York it will affect the following area codes:
- 914
- 845
- 516
- 607
- 716
10-digit dialing may take some time to get used to. It will not become mandatory until October 24, 2021, at which time callers who dial without the area code will hear the familiar message, “your call cannot be completed as dialed.” Take these next few months as an opportunity to get into the habit of 10-digit dialing, and to make necessary changes to items affected by this.
To give you an idea of some items that may be affected by this change, consider updating the following:
- Life safety systems or medial monitoring devices
- Fire, burglary, and security alarm systems
- Speed dial presets
- Phone contact lists (cellphone, business phone, email contacts, etc.)
- Call forwarding services
- Voicemail services
- Email signatures, business cards, stationary, websites with your phone number
- Pet ID tags
The sooner you make these adjustments, the easier the transition will be. For more information or to see affected area codes in other states, click here.
