Local Calls Will Soon Require Ten-Digit Dialing

Suddenlink released a note yesterday stating that beginning April 24, you should begin dialing ten digits. This will include area code and phone number for all local calls. However, for the time being, if you only dial the seven digits, and your call will still be completed as dialed.

However, beginning October 24, you must dial ten digits for all local calls. If you forget and only dial seven, your call will not be completed. You will receive a recording alerting you of the error and it will tell you to hang up and try the call again. This will affect Louisiana along with Arizona, Arkansas, California, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas.

You will need to reprogram certain services and equipment like fax machines and alarm/security services. Many may wonder why the change is being made. The Federal Communications Commission has adopted 988 as a new three-digit number to be used nationwide to reach the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline beginning July 16, 2022. This would be impossible if ten-digit local dialing is not implemented.