Mandatory 10-digit dialing for local calls in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky will be implemented in October, the Federal Communications Commission announced Friday.
The move is necessary to allow a new three-digit number, 988, to be used nationwide to reach the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline, according to the FCC.
Customers must continue to dial 1-800-273-TALK to reach the Lifeline until July 16, 2022.
Local phone numbers, including the area code, will not change.
But starting Oct. 24, callers will be required to dial the area code plus the seven-digit phone number for calls within Cincinnati's 513 area code and Northern Kentucky's 859 area code.
In addition, all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment that are programmed to complete calls to seven-digit local numbers will need to be reprogrammed to complete calls to 10-digit numbers.
That includes security systems, medical monitoring devices, fax machines and the contact lists, call forwarding settings, voicemail services and other similar functions for mobile phones and other wireless devices.
The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the dialing change, the FCC said.
Callers must continue to dial the number 1, plus the area code and telephone number, for long distance calls.
And callers can still dial just three digits to reach 711 relay services or 911 emergency services.
Any 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, or 811 services can also still be reached by dialing their three-digit codes.
Questions? Go to www.cincinnatibell.com/10digitdialing.
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