Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing & FCC 988 Crisis Line Impacts

On July 16, 2022, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will adopt 988 nationwide as a new 3-digit number to reach the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline.

• Wireless customers may dial either 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach the Lifeline.
• Landline customers must continue to dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach the Lifeline until July 16, 2022.

For 988 to work from an Optimum Mobile number with one of the following area codes, you must enter a 10-digit phone number when making all local calls beginning November 4, 2021.

* 1 + 10-digit dialing is required for landline customers.    

How do I dial a number on or after November 4, 2021?

To complete all local calls, you need to dial the area code + telephone number, or 1 + area code + telephone number. This applies to all calls within your area code presently dialed with 7 digits.

Who is affected?

Anyone with a telephone number from any of the above area codes needs to make the change from 7-digit local dialing to 10-digit local dialing (or 1+10-digit local dialing as noted above).

What is the reason for the dial change?

The above area codes have a 988 working prefix. Mandatory 10-digit dialing for all local calls in these area codes must be implemented so that 988 can be used as the new 3-digit number to reach the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline.

What do you need to do?

Before November 4, 2021, all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment currently programmed to make calls to 7-digit local numbers will need to be reprogrammed to include the area code to make calls to 10-digit (or 1+10-digit) numbers. Examples include call forwarding, fax machines, fire or burglar alarm systems, Internet dial-up numbers, life-saving systems and medical monitoring devices, mobile or other wireless phone contact lists, other security systems or gates, speed dialers and voicemail. You should also update your contact information, website, advertising, business checks and other personal effects with your area code.

What isn’t changing?

• Your current area code and telephone number.
• The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services.
• Local calls regardless of the number of digits dialed.
• The way you make long-distance calls: continue to dial 1 + area code + telephone number.
• 911 (emergency services) and 711 (relay services), as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, or 811 where those services are available in your community.
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can still be reached by dialing 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Will you be able to dial 988 without a prefix from a multi-line telephone system?

No, you’ll still need to dial a prefix first when dialing 988 from a multi-line telephone system, where a prefix is required (for example, dial 9 first from a hotel or office building multi-line telephone system).

Can you still dial 1-800-273-TALK to reach the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline?

Yes, dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach the Lifeline now (wireless customers can also dial 988 now). Beginning July 16, 2022, everyone can dial either 988 or 1-800-273-TALK to reach the Lifeline.

Is 988 a new area code?

No, 988 is a new 3-digit code you can use to reach the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline on or after July 16, 2022.

Where can I go for more information?

Visit the FCC website at fcc.gov/suicide-prevention-hotline. You can also Chat with us to chat with an Optimum Mobile expert.