Ten-digit dialing for local calls starts October 24

BY C. A. RAY, Editor

Better get your phone dialing figure in shape. It is about to get a workout. In July 2020, the Federal Com-munications Commission adopted an order approving the designation of 988 as the th across the country where the 988 prefix is a working prefix and which now use seven-digit local dialing must transition to 10-digit local dialing. This includes the 218 and 320 area codes in the Runestone Telecom service area.

Starting October 24, 2021, you’ll need to dial the 218 or 320 area code, plus the seven-digit phone num-ber to make local calls. Russree-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Pre-vention Lifeline. To facilitate implementation, area codes Froemming, Network Operations Manager for Runestone Telecom, said since there is a 988 prefix in northern Minnesota, within the 218 area code, the change is necessary. Runesone added 320 to the change as well, to make the entire system compatible.

“You will still need to dial 1 for long-distance calling,” he said.Froemming said since most people are used to cell phones where ten-digit dialing is used, the change shouldn’t be that difficult. In addition to changing your dialing routine, you’ll also have to reprogram sev-en-digit local numbers to 10-digit numbers if you use speed dial, burglar alarms, auto dialing, or any other system that automatically makes calls for you.
For more details, call them at 320-986-2013.