The way you dial a local call will change beginning September 15, 2000.
To prepare for the new area codes, beginning September 15, 2000, all
customers in Eastern Massachusetts should begin dialing all local calls
using 10 digits (area code + seven digit phone number).
We call this a Ten-number Number SM.
From September 15, 2000 until April 2, 2001, all local calls can be
dialed with the 7-digit number or with ten-digit dialing (area code +
seven digit phone number).
Ten-digit dialing is required on April 2, 2001 for all local calls within
Eastern Massachusetts.
Telephone numbers are not changing.
Local calling areas are not changing. A local call is still a local call.
A toll call is still a toll call.
Reaching emergency service providers (911) will not change.
You have a Ten-number Number even if you do not have one of the new area
codes. When giving or getting a telephone number, be sure to include an
area code.
Check any telephone equipment or service that dials or stores telephone
numbers and reprogram it to dial ten digits for local calls.
Starting September 15, 2000, dial ten digits (Area Code + 7-digit
telephone number) when you make any local call in Eastern Massachusetts
(area codes 617, 781, 978 and 508).
If you have questions, you may call the Area Code Information line at
1-877-554-3685, Monday through Friday, 9 am 5 pm EST.
Beginning April 2, 2001, if you do not dial local calls using the
Ten-number Number, you will get a recorded message instructing you how to
correctly dial your calls."
