Pasadena Among Southland Cities Switching to ’10-Digit Dialing’ Beginning Sunday

Beginning Sunday, residents in the 626, 562 and 949 area codes will need to dial the area code first when making phone calls, even if they’re calling someone in the same area code.

The transition to so-called “10-digit dialing” is happening in 82 area codes in 35 states and one U.S. territory, according to the Federal Communications Commission.

The cause of the change is that those areas allow phone numbers with “988” as the first three digits. However, 988 is also the number officials are planning to use for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline beginning on July 16, 2022. The transition to 10-digit dialing is necessary to facilitate easy use of that system, according to the FCC.

“To prepare for implementation of a quick way to dial the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — using only ‘988’ to connect callers to the Lifeline — these area codes must transition to 10-digit dialing for all calls, including local calls,” the statement said.

“Beginning on October 24, 2021, you must dial ten digits — area code + telephone number — for all local calls,” the FCC statement said. “On and after this date, local calls dialed with only seven digits may not connect, and a recording will inform you that your call cannot be completed as dialed. You must hang up and dial again using the area code and the seven-digit number.”

The transition will not affect anyone’s current telephone number. Callers in California may be required to dial the number “1” before the area code and seven-digit phone number for local calls.

Even after the changes are in place, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline will also remain accessible by calling (800)-273-8255, officials said.

More information from the FCC is available online at fcc.gov/consumers/guides/ten-digit-dialing.