10-digit local dialing mandatory starting Oct. 24

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted an Order designating 988 as the new three-digit abbreviated dialing code to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline starting July 16, 2022. The FCC’s Order requires all telecommunications carriers to make any network changes necessary to ensure that users can dial 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by July 16, 2022.

In Montana’s 406 Area Code, and in 81 other area codes around the nation, the necessary changes include transitioning from seven-digit to 10-digit (area code + telephone number) local dialing. These a...