Voice Calls: 10-digit dialing requirement for local numbers

November 2021

Introduction

Phone numbers in the United States consist of a 3-digit area code and 7-digit telephone number. When TopView customers make alarm notification phone calls to local phone numbers, it is a common that the area code is not part of the dialed number.

Upcoming FCC changes will soon require 10-digit dialing for many local numbers. TopView customers may need to change the phone numbers for local numbers to include the local area code.

Why is this changing?

The first 3 digits of a 7-digit telephone number (without area code) are called the “local exchange” or “central office code”. In order to support 3-digit dialing such as 911 for emergency services, there must be no local exchanges equal to “911”.

Starting in July 2022, The FCC (US) will allow “988” as a new 3-digit nationwide number to reach the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline.

There are currently 82 area codes in the US that use “988” as a local exchange. In order to support “988” for Suicide Prevention, these area codes will require 10-digit dialing for local numbers. Once fully implemented local numbers dialed as 7-digits may not be completed.

Which area codes are affected?

There are 82 US area codes which will require 10-digit calling for local numbers. If you are in an affected area code you should dial 10 digits starting October 24, 2021.

View the full list of affected area codes

How does this change affect TopView?

For TopView customers making alarm voice calls to local numbers with 7 digits, these calls may fail after the 10 digit dialing requirement is implemented.

Users in affected area codes who are currently dialing 7 digits for local numbers should make test calls from TopView using 10 digits to see if 10-digit dialing is implemented. If 10-digit dialing is supported, all TopView contacts and direct dial numbers should be changed to 10 digits.