Alianza will be implementing 10-digit dialing for our customer accounts between 6/27/22 and 7/1/22. After this is implemented, local calls dialed with only seven digits may not be completed, and a recording will inform you that your call cannot be completed as dialed. You must hang up and dial again using the area code and the seven-digit telephone number. You should start to use 10-digit dialing on June 27, 2022.
What is 10-Digit Dialing?
A 10-digit dialed telephone call requires entering both the three-digit area code and the seven-digit phone number to complete the call, even if the area code is the same area code as your own. After we transition to 10-digit dialing, you will no longer be able to dial seven digits to make a local call. For instance, instead of dialing 924-5521 to make a call, you would need to dial 501-924-5521 to make that call.
Transitioning to 10-digit dialing will not affect your current telephone number. Your phone number, including your area code, will not change.
Why Is 10-Digit Dialing Necessary?
In 2020, the FCC established “988” as the new, nationwide three-digit phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The new dialing code will be available nationwide by July 16, 2022, providing an easy to remember three-digit number to reach suicide prevention and mental health counselors. Beginning July 16, 2022, dialing “988” will automatically route calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Some of our customers currently use “988” as their local exchange and today are able to make phone calls with seven-digit dialing. Operationally, we need to implement 10-digit dialing to minimize disruption for all of our customers and ensure that when you call a number with a 988 prefix, your call is not routed to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
What Changes Will Businesses Need to Make?
If your company uses a PBX or VoIP phone system, you may need to update or reprogram it for 10-digit dialing.