Ten-digit dialing goes into effect Oct. 24

Posted on October 21, 2021
Transitioning to ten-digit dialing will not affect your current telephone number. Your phone number, including your area code, will not change. (WJBC file photo)

By WJBC Staff

BLOOMINGTON – Starting on Sunday, those making a local phone call in the Illinois area codes of 309, 618, and 708 will have to dial the ten digits to make the call.

The change aims to help clear the way for a 3-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

If you have one of these area codes, beginning on October 24, 2021, you must dial ten digits (area code + telephone number) for all local calls. On and after this date, local calls dialed with only seven digits may not connect.

Transitioning to ten-digit dialing will not affect your current telephone number. Your phone number, including your area code, will not change. In Illinois area code 708, you may be required to dial the number “1” before the area code and seven-digit phone number for local calls.

More information is available here.

WJBC News can be reached at [email protected]

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