Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing Starts Saturday for Phone Customers

Telephone customers are reminded that ten digit local dialing will be required to complete a call beginning Saturday, February 28.
Because the existing supply of 615 area code numbers is running out, the Tennessee Regulatory Authority last year announced plans to implement the new (629) area code. Known as an ‘Area Code Overlay,’ this change ensures availability of an ongoing supply of telephone numbers.
According to rules of the Federal Communications Commission, when two area codes serve the same region, callers are required to change the way they dial local calls. While customers do not have to change their existing area code or phone number, they will be required to ten-digit dial all local calls (area code and seven-digit telephone number).
In addition to landlines, ten digit dialing will also apply to cell phones, fax machines, and other communication systems .
Beginning February 28, 2015, everyone in the 615 area code will be required to dial ten digits (area code + telephone number) and starting March 28, 2015, new telephone lines or services may be issued numbers using the 629 area code, if 615 numbers are no longer available. Currently, DTC Communications still has an ample supply of 615 area code numbers.
Craig Gates, Chief Executive Officer of DTC Communications urges DTC customers to be prepared for ten digit dialing. “It will be a change. It’s going to take some education, especially once that mandatory time hits because people are not going to be ready for it. A lot of people are going to continue to dial seven digits and not think about it. When that day comes, I imagine we’re going to start getting some calls from those people who haven’t heard or forgotten about it,” he said.