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Pictured above is the area that uses the 405 area code and will be impacted by the upcoming changes. Photo/submitted.
Within the next few months, changes are in store for making local calls.
Last week, local calls within the 405 area code could be made by either dialing the local 7-digit local number or by dialing the area code plus the local number.
On April 24, 2021, it will be mandatory to use the area code and local number when making a phone call.
After April calls won’t go through if the area code is not used, according to Public Information Manager for the Oklahoma Corporation Commission Matt Skinner.
“10-digit dialing will be mandatory,” he said.
Area codes will have to be added in contact lists and address books.
“That’s why we have this six month window,” he said.
“It’s very important, not just for your address book and contact list, but it’s extremely important for businesses to check their systems and make sure their phone systems are set up for 10 digit dialing.”
Skinner said now is the time to get it done within this six month period.
Skinner said this change, to 10-digit dialing, is needed in order to add another area code into an existing area code.
“The reason that we are adding an area code is to free up enough numbers and ensure a number supply,” he said.
Skinner said there is an entity that tracks number supplies in area codes that alrets the state when that state is close to a number exhaust.
“We’ve recieved the notice for 405, so in order to ensure enough numbers for the area that is currently served only by 405, we have to add another area code.” he said. “The only way you can add it is by making everybody go to 10-digit dialing.”
Skinner said that 10-digit dialing is not a long distance call. 11-digit dialing is considered a long distance call.
“Nothing changes when it comes to what constitutes a long distance number,” he said. “if you have an existing number, it will not change in any way.”
Skinner said the only change is that the area code will have to be used when dialing a local call.
On May 24, 2021, the new area code, 572, will be added for new phone numbers.
The additional area code (572) is needed to ensure there will be enough telephone numbers available for the area.