Maricopans will have to add more digits on local calls

Maricopans will have to dial a few more digits later this year to get their local call to go through.

Residents in the 520, 480 and 928 area codes will have to dial the area code plus the phone number for the call to go through, the Arizona Corporation Commission announced. Maricopa is in the 520 area code.

Saturday begins a “permissive dialing period” that runs until Oct. 24 during which the call will go through even if the area code is not included, according to a news release.

Beginning Oct. 24, the area code will be required. If the area code is not dialed in October callers may hear a recording saying the call cannot be completed as dialed.

The change is necessary after the FCC last year approved 988 as the three-digit abbreviated dialing code to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline starting July 16, 2022.

All telecommunications carriers, interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers and one-way VoIP providers (covered providers) have to make necessary network changes to ensure that all who dial 988 reach the existing Lifeline.

Safety and security equipment, such as medical alert devices and alarm and security systems, must be programmed to use 10-digit dialing.

Many systems already operate on 10-digit dialing by default, according to the release, but some older devices may use seven digits.

A local call will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed and a 1 is still needed before the phone number for long-distance phone calls.

People can continue to dial 711 for relay services and 911 for emergency services.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can still be reached by dialing 1-800-273-TALK (8255) even after the 988 code is in effect.