Nationwide 10-digit dialing begins Oct. 24 As part of the 988 implementation process, the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) has identified 84 area codes across the U.S. that must transition to 10-digit dialing before the deadline for the number to be operational, including Vermont’s 802 area code (i.e., the difference between calling “875-XXXX” and “802-875-XXXX”). The FCC’s July 2020 order requires all telecommunications carriers to ensure that users can dial 988 to reach the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by July 16, 2022.
Under NANPA’s implementation schedule, permissive 10-digit dialing was implemented by April 24, 2021, with mandatory 10-digit dialing required by Oct. 24, 2021.
After Oct. 24, the Vermont area code will be required to dial local and long distance Vermont phone numbers, with the exception of 611 (VTel) or 911 (emergency services), which will still be accessible without an area code.
Some pieces of equipment you own may need to be reprogrammed to complete calls going forward. Seven-digit local numbers will need to be reprogrammed to complete calls to 10-digit numbers or 1+10-digit numbers. Some examples are life safety systems or medical monitoring devices, PBXs, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, fire or burglar alarm(s), security systems, gates, speed dialers, mobile or other contact lists, call forwarding settings, voicemail services as well as places you have listed your phone number, such as checks, advertisements or pet IDs. The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the dialing change.
