Information Bulletin

10-Digit dialing Begins December 1
in the 201, 732, and 973 Area Codes

Effective Saturday (December 1), all calls within the 201, 732 or 973 area codes will need to be dialed using 10 digits. This is to prepare us for the new area codes that will be introduced later this year.

Beginning December 1, any calls within the 201, 732 or 973 area codes that are dialed with just the seven digit number will get a recorded announcement that the area code needs to be dialed as part of the number.

If you have any equipment with pre-programmed numbers such as fax machines or speed dial numbers pre-programmed, you will need to re-program them to include the area code. Also, make sure your dial-up Internet connection includes your area code.

Ten-digit dialing begins December 1 so that new area codes can be introduced later this year using the overlay method which puts an area code "on top" of an existing area code. The new area codes will be 551 in the 201 area code; 848 in the 732 area code; and 862 in the 973 area code.

Existing customers keep their area codes and phone numbers. Your local calling area does not change. A local call is still a local call; a toll call is still a toll call. Rates wonÕt change as a result of the new area codes. However, beginning December 29, new customers, or any existing customer who requests a new line, could be assigned a number in the new area code.

Some tips to help you in this process:

• Get in the habit of dialing 10 digits for all local calls (for simplicity sake, calls dialed using "1" before the 10-digit number will always go through, whether itÕs a local, toll or long distance call).
• Reprogram computers used for Internet access, fax machines, speed dialing and call forwarding services and other equipment that dials phone numbers before December 1.
• Update phone lists, databases, Web pages, billing records and address books with the new area codes.
• Include the area code when giving out your phone number.

Please be aware that due to Least Cost Routing programming and class of service restrictions, you may need to have your phone system reprogrammed to accommodate the area code changes. If you are experiencing dialing problems, contact our service department immediately.