For the News Tribune
KEYSER — Beginning Feb. 28, local telephone calls made within the State of West Virginia must include 10 digits (the area code plus the seven-digit number) or they will not go through.
The change is being implemented so that a new area code, 681, can be introduced as the state attempts to provide for additional telephone numbers to support residential growth, additional lines, and more services in the state.
The new area code will only go to new numbers established within the state, and will not be regionalized, as they are in some states. Customers who presently have a 304 area code will not have to change their telephone number.
According to the West Virginia Public Service Commission, the new area code will also not change whether a call is local or long-distance.
“After the new area code is assigned, your next door neighbor might have a different area code than you. However, if it is a local call to you now, it will remain the same after the switch,” said Sarah Robertson in a PSC press release.
The new area code will not go into effect until March 28.
According to the PSC, the procedure for dialing long distance calls will not change. Callers should continue to dial a 1 plus the appropriate area code and the telephone number.
If you use 1+area code+the number for a local call, your call may go through, but you will not be charged long distance rates. However, if you forget to use a 1 before the 10-digit number for a long distance call, you may receive a recording explaining the correct way to dial the number.
Special service numbers, such as 211, for health and human services information; 411, for information; 711, to access Telecommunication Relay Service (TRS) for the hearing or speech impaired; 811,
for information on buried utility lines; and 911, for emergencies, will remain the same.
When the change occurs, customers are advised to make sure that their automated dialing equipment – safety systems, fax machines, internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems, gates, speed dialers, call forwarding, voicemail and similar servicesare re-programmed for the 10-digit dialing.
For futher information, contact the Public Service Commission at 1-800-344-5113 or visit their website at http://www.psc.state.wv.us.
