Starting October 24, 2021, WI residents will need to dial all 10 digits (this includes the area code) when making phone calls. The Federal Communications Commission says the area codes 262, 414, 608, and 920 will be affected by this change; WI residents with 543 and 715 area codes in the northern part of the state will not be affected as they already utilize 10-digit dialing.

After October 24, seven-digit local calls may no longer work. 7-digit local calls may not connect and callers will hear a recording that states the number can’t be completed as dialed. If this happens, you will have to hang up and dial the phone number including the area code.

The 10-digit dialing requirement will not impact the following:

• A customer’s telephone number, including current area code
• The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services
• A local call will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed
• Customers will continue to dial 1+ the area code + telephone number for all long-distance calls
• Customers 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
• Customers can still dial three digits to reach 711 (relay services) and 911 (emergency services)
• If 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, or 811 are currently available in a community, customers can 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