Comcast Rolls Out New Dialing Procedure for Voice Customers

Rhea-AI Summary

Comcast Corporation announced that starting July 16, 2022, consumers can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988. To support this transition, 82 area codes across 36 states will shift to 10-digit dialing. Effective October 24, 2021, all local calls in these areas must use 10 digits, or they may not connect. This change may necessitate programming updates for safety and security equipment. Until July 16, 2022, the traditional number 1-800-273-8255 remains active.

Positive

• Transition to 988 could improve access to mental health services.
• Implementation of 10-digit dialing enhances clarity in communication.

Negative

• Consumers with affected area codes must update equipment or risk service interruption.
• Potential confusion during the transition period may lead to missed calls.

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Starting July 16, 2022, consumers will be able to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing the three-digit abbreviated code 988. In order for 988 to work for all callers in every state, certain area codes that still permit seven-digit local dialing must transition to 10-digit dialing (or 1+10-digit in CA and parts of IL). The table below lists the 82 area codes, across 36 states, that must transition to 10-digit local dialing. The transition may also require customer-initiated updates to safety or security equipment, so please read to the end of this communication.

As of October 24, 2021, all consumers with numbers in the area codes below must dial 10-digits (area code + telephone number) or 1+10-digits (1+ area code + telephone number in CA and parts of IL) for all local calls. On and after this date, local calls dialed with only seven-digits may not be completed, and a recording will inform you that your call cannot be completed as dialed. If you get this recording, you must hang up and dial again using the area code with the seven-digit telephone number.

State		Area Codes	State		Area Codes
Alabama		251	Minnesota		218, 952
Alaska		907	Mississippi		662
Arizona		480, 520, 928	Missouri		314, 417, 660, 816
Arkansas		501	Montana		406
California		209, 530, 562, 626, 650, 707, 925, 949, 951	Nevada		775
Colorado		719, 970	New Hampshire		603
Delaware		302	New Jersey		856, 908
Florida		321 (Brevard County only), 352, 561, 941	New Mexico		505, 575
Georgia		478, 912	New York		516, 607, 716, 845, 914
Guam		671	North Carolina		910
Hawaii		808	Ohio		440, 513
Illinois		309, 618, 708	South Dakota		605
Indiana		219, 574	Tennessee		731, 865
Iowa		319, 515	Texas		254, 361, 409, 806, 830, 915, 940
Kansas		620, 785	Vermont		802
Kentucky		859	Virginia		276, 804
Louisiana		337, 504	Washington		509
Michigan		616, 810, 906, 989	Wisconsin		262, 414, 608, 920

What other changes need to be made to my equipment or other services?

Important safety and security equipment, such as medical alert devices, and alarm and security systems that currently rely on 7-digit dialing must be programmed to use 10-digit (or 1+10-digit) dialing. Many systems operate on 10-digit (or 1+10-digit) dialing by default, but some older equipment may still use seven-digits. Any needed reprogramming of alarm and home security equipment must be done during the permissive dialing period that is currently in effect and concludes on October 24, 2021 to avoid interruption of services.

Some other examples of services that may need to be re-programmed are:

• life safety systems or medical monitoring devices
• PBXs
• fax machines
• Internet dial-up numbers
• fire or burglar alarm and security systems or gates
• speed dialers
• mobile or other wireless phone contact lists
• call forwarding settings
• voicemail services and other similar functions

What will remain the same?

• Your telephone number, including current area code, will not change
• The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the dialing change
• What is a local call now will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed
• You will continue to dial 1+ the area code + telephone number for all long-distance calls
• You will continue to dial a prefix (such as “9”) when dialing from a multi-line telephone system (e.g., in a hotel, office building, etc.) as required
• You can still dial just three digits to reach 911 (emergency services) and 711 (relay services)
• If 211, 311, 411, 511, 611 or 811 are currently available in your community, continue to dial these codes with just three digits
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can still be reached by dialing 1-800-273-TALK (8255) even after the 988 code is in effect

Beginning July 16, 2022, dialing “988” will route your call to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Customers must continue to dial 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) to reach the Lifeline until July 16, 2022. If you need more information, please visit the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) website at https://www.nationalnanpa.com/transition_to_10_digit_dialing_for_988/index.html or email NANPA at 988@somos.com, or you may visit the FCC website at https://www.fcc.gov/suicide-prevention-hotline.

About Comcast:

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211018005877/en/

Joel Shadle

Joel_Shadle@Comcast.com

(215) 286-4675

Rachel Zabinski

Rachel_zabinski@comcast.com

(215) 286-1516

Source: Comcast

FAQ

What is the new dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline as of July 2022?

The new dialing code is 988.

When do consumers need to start using 10-digit dialing for local calls?

Consumers must start using 10-digit dialing effective October 24, 2021.

What changes are required for safety and security equipment due to the dialing transition?

Safety and security equipment must be reprogrammed to support 10-digit dialing.

Will the traditional National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number remain active?

Yes, the number 1-800-273-8255 will remain active until July 16, 2022.

How many area codes are affected by the transition to 10-digit dialing?

A total of 82 area codes across 36 states are affected.