Officials encourage start of 10 digit dialing

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – People in the 317 area code are encouraged to use 10 digits to place phone calls.

Starting Sept. 16, 2016, it will be mandatory for 317 telephone area code users to dial all 10 digits when placing a local 317 phone call.

For instance, if you are calling 555-5555, after Sept. 16, you must dial (317) 555-5555 in order for your call to go through.

According to the release, the 10 digit dialing change is necessary so that the 463  area code can be established. The new code was created because it is projected that the 317 numbers will be used up by the end of the year.

After Sept. 16, if you do not use the 10 digits to call a local 317 number, your call will not be completed and you will hear a recording telling you to hang up and try again.

On Oct. 17, 2016, new phone numbers may have the 463 area code.

Here are some tips to make the transition smooth over the next six months:

• You should start including the 317 area code together with your 7-digit local number when providing it to others.
• Consumers, especially businesses, should ensure that all services, automatic-dialing equipment, applications, software, or other types of equipment recognize 463 as a valid area code.
• You should make sure that all preprogrammed numbers for local calls are set to include the area code. Some examples are life safety systems, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems, gates, speed dialers, mobile phone contact lists, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, and similar functions.
• You should check any business stationery, advertising materials, personal checks, and personal or pet ID tags and microchips to ensure that the phone number includes the 317 area code.

Here’s what’s going to happen during/after the transition:

• Your telephone number, including current area code, will not change.
• You will need to dial area code + telephone number (a total of 10 digits) for all local calls in the 317 area.
• You will continue to dial 1 + area code + telephone number (a total of 11 digits) for all long-distance calls.
• Calls that are local now will remain local.
• The overlay will not change the price of a call, your coverage area, or other rates and services.
• You can still dial three digits to reach 911, along with other universal three-digit numbers (211, 411, 711, and 811).

If you have any questions, you can learn more here.