The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted 988 as a new three-digit number to be used nationwide to reach the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline, starting July 16, 2022.  To reach the Lifeline, you must dial 1-800-273-TALK until July 16, 2022.

In order for 988 to work in your area code, mandatory 10-digit local dialing will be implemented.  Starting on January 4, 2022, you will need to dial the area code for all local calls.

What will be the new dialing procedure and who will be affected?

To complete all local calls, you will now need to dial the area code + telephone number. This applies to all calls within area code 605 that are currently dialed with seven digits.  Anyone with a telephone number from area code 605 will need to make this change from 7-digit local dialing to 10-digit local dialing.

When will the change begin?

Beginning January 4, 2022, you must dial 10 digits (area code + telephone number) for all local calls.  On and after this date, local calls dialed with only 7 digits will 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 7-digit number.

What will you need to do?

In addition to changing the way you dial local calls, all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment that are programmed to complete calls to 7-digit local numbers will need to be reprogrammed to complete calls to 10-digit numbers. Some examples are life safety systems or medical monitoring devices, PBXs, fax machines, fire or burglar alarms and security systems or gates, speed dialers, mobile or other wireless phone contact lists, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, and other similar functions.

What will remain the same?

• Your telephone number, including the current area code, will not change.
• The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the dialing change.
• What is a local call now will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed.
• You will continue to dial 1+area code + telephone number for all long distance calls.
• You can still dial just three digits to reach 711 (relay services) and 911 (emergency services).
• Any 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, or 811 services available in your community can still be reached by dialing their three-digit
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can still be reached by dialing 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Who may you contact with questions?

If you have any questions regarding information provided in this notice, please contact Consolidated at 701-483-4000 or 1-888-225-5282, or access https://consolidatednd.com/10digit for the latest information. You can also visit the FCC website at https://www.fcc.gov/suicide-prevention-hotline.