Mandatory 10 digit dialing begins April 24

     Beginning April 24th, callers in Missouri area codes must dial all ten digits of a phone number to make local calls.
     On July 16, 2020, the FCC adopted an order approving the designation of 988 as the 3-digit abbreviated dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, requiring all telecommunications carriers, interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers, and one-way VoIP providers (covered providers) to make any network changes necessary to ensure that users can dial 988 to reach the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) starting July 16, 2022.
     What is the impact of making the 988 a 3-digit dialing code?
     In the area codes where the 988 is an assigned, working prefix, local calls will have to be dialed using all 10-digits of the phone number. To complete all local calls, you will need to dial area code + telephone number. This applies to all calls within your area code that are currently dialed with 7-digits.
     What states/area codes are impacted by this Order?
     There are 37 states and 83 area codes that are impacted by this Order where the 988 prefix is a working prefix and has 7-digit local dialing. This includes the entire Missouri 314, 417, 660, and 816 area codes. 
     Will everyone in the 314, 417, 660, and 816 area codes have to dial 10-digits for a local call or just the people with 988 numbers?
     Yes. Every customer in the entire 314, 417, 660, and 816 area codes will change to mandatory 10-digit dialing for local calls. Dialing 7-digits for local calls will be prohibited for all customers in the entire area code.