By SALINA POST
Don't forget: On Sunday, you'll have to dial the area code when making a local call.
As Salina Post first reported in April, Kansans who live in area codes 785 or 620 will be required to use 10-digit dialing when making local calls beginning Sunday. If, on Sunday, you attempt to make a local call without dialing the area code, your call will not go through and a recording will inform you that your call "cannot be completed as dialed."
The dialing change is being implemented to make it easier for persons in crisis to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
In July 2020 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved 988 as the new abbreviated number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. As a result, any area code that uses the 988 prefix in telephone numbers is mandated to adopt 10-digit dialing. That includes Kansas area codes 785 and 620, which cover the majority of the state. Because of the mandate, 82 area codes in 36 states will make the change to 10-digit local dialing.
The FCC initiated a practice period in April allowing both seven-digit and 10-digit dialing to help callers adjust to the change, but that grace period ends on Sunday, with the exception of any three digit abbreviated numbers available in the community, such as 911, according to information provided by the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC).
Callers will still dial 1 plus the area code and telephone number for all long distance calls.
With the switch to 10-digit dialing about to take effect, residents are encouraged to make sure any services with automatic dialing equipment, such as life safety systems, medical monitoring devices, security systems and fire alarms, mobile phone contact lists and call forwarding settings are reprogrammed if needed.
Beginning July 16, 2022, callers can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 988. Until then, callers will continue to dial 1-800-273-8255 (TALK), the KCC noted.
