TEN DIGIT DIALING

Ten digit dialing (area code + seven digit number) is necessary when two or more area codes cover the same geographic area. This is called an area code overlay. In this situation two or more different homes in the same geographic area can have the same seven digit phone number but each would have a different area code. Ten digit dialing within area code overlays permits the phone companies to route your call to the correct subscriber.

Most area code overlays involve two area codes covering the same geographic area, however, three or more area codes are used in some highly populated areas. An example is in the state of New York where area codes (212, 332, 646 and 917) and (718, 347, 917 and 929) are utilized as overlays.

With seven digit dialing a caller is permitted to dial only the local seven digit number, without the area code, if the call is to another subscriber within the same area code and no overlays exist. Simply being permitted to dial a seven digit number within the same area code does not mean that long distance charges are not incurred.

Important Update: The FCC has approved the 3-digit dialing code 988 for use by the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Hotline. Effective October 24, 2021 eighty-two (82) additional area codes will start to require ten digit dialing in order for the new 988 dialing code to be put into service. Read more details about dialing code 988 and other important dates.