FCC Mandating 10-Digit Dialing For Some New York Area Codes

NEW YORK STATE — Due to the upcoming creation of a three-digit phone number for people to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, residents of some Long Island and Hudson Valley area codes will have to use 10 digits when making local calls starting in October.

The Federal Communications Commission is making 988 the three-digit number for people to call to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, just like how people dial 911 for emergency services or 311 for local government services. The new number will go into service in July 2022.

But before that can happen, there are some area codes in the country that use 988 as part of their phone numbers. To stop people from accidentally calling the suicide prevention line when they mean to dial a friend or family member, residents in those area codes will have to dial the area code and the phone number to make local calls starting Oct. 24.

In New York, the area codes 516, 914 and 845 will all have to make the switch to 10-digit dialing, along with two other area codes from the western part of the state.

In all, there are 82 area codes in 35 states that are being affected and forced to change to 10-digit dialing.

The FCC says that businesses that use PBX or VoIP phone systems may have to reprogram them for 10-digit dialing. That can be done at any time.

Additionally, you’ll also have to reprogram automatic dialing equipment — for example, life safety systems or medical monitoring devices; fire, burglary and security alarm systems; speed dialers; cell phone contact lists; call forwarding services; voicemail services; and other similar functions.

You’ll also have to change your email signature or stationery if they don’t include the area code. You should literally think of everything that has your address on it, including your pet ID tags, and include the area code in the contact number.