Let Your Fingers Do The Talking

From the Shawano Leader.

"Ten-digit dialing begins Saturday ahead of new area code
By Nathan Falk, Leader Reporter

Get ready for your fingers to do a workout.

Beginning Saturday, customers within the 715 area code in the state of Wisconsin should start dialing 10 digits (area code + 7-digit phone number) when making local calls. In July 2010, everyone in the 715 area will be required to dial ten digits (area code + telephone number).

Why, you ask? The extra dialing will be required for the upcoming Area Code Overlay — the addition of another area code (534) — to the same geographic region as an existing area code 715.

An overlay does not require customers to change their existing area code or phone number. However, when two area codes serve the same region, rules of the Federal Communications Commission require callers to change the way they dial local calls. The new procedure requires callers to dial the area code and the seven-digit telephone number. This includes all calls that are currently dialed with just seven digits.

“Consumers within the 715 area code will retain their current telephone numbers and area code, although beginning in August of 2010, consumers ordering new or additional telecommunications services may be given telephone numbers with the new 534 area code,” said Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairperson Eric Callisto. “When two area codes exist in the same area, then ten-digit dialing is a requirement. A permissive dialing period is a useful means to get consumers accustomed to the change.”

In November 2008, to ensure an adequate supply of telephone numbers in the 715 area code, the PSC approved an area code overlay and the addition of the 534 area code to the same geographic region as the existing 715 area code.

There were pros and cons to both overlay and area code split options, but this option puts less financial burden on those who would have to change their area code with the split option.

“People that have businesses in those areas with a new area code would have to change business cards and letterhead. With this option, existing customers can keep their phone number — new companies or residences will get the new area code,” said Rhonda Lutzke, area general manager for Frontier Communications.

Area telecommunications providers have sent out letters to customers explaining the overlay dialing procedures.

The introduction of the 534 area code will provide additional numbering resources to the region and will allow Wisconsin’s telecommunications providers to meet the continuing demand for telephone numbers. The 715 area code covers portions of northern and central Wisconsin, including Shawano, Clintonville, Wausau, Antigo, Rhinelander, Marinette, Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point and Superior.

“Although existing phone numbers in the 715 region will not change, all telephone users in the affected area will be required to use the 10-digit number — even for local calls,” said Bubb Lidke, director of Cellcom’s network operating center.

In addition to changing their dialing procedure, customers are encouraged to begin reprogramming their automatic dialing equipment and all other types of equipment that are currently programmed with only seven-digits, such as contact numbers stored in mobile telephones. All such devices will need to be reprogrammed with 10-digits (area code + telephone number) prior to July 17, 2010.

Examples of programmed equipment and features include: PBX systems, electronic telephone sets, auto-dial systems, multi-line key systems, life safety systems, fax machines, internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems, gates, speed dialers, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, and similar functions. Customers also are being urged to check with their security or alarm companies and the suppliers of their business phone systems as soon as possible to make sure their systems are programmed to handle the new dialing pattern.

For more information, visit http://psc.wi.gov/utilityinfo/tele/areaCodes/home-AreaCodeRelief.htm or contact your telephone service provider."