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North Alabama Begins Ten Digit Dialing Today
Posted on November 07, 2009
North Alabama residents can begin practicing dialing ten digit telephone numbers for local calls. The 256 area code will be the first in Alabama to require 10-digit dialing for local calls. Dialing the extra digits will allow a new area code to overlay the 256 area code in north and east Alabama.
The new area code for the region, which takes effect July 10th, will be 938. North and east Alabama residents will be required to use 10-digit dialing as of June 5th. Until then, participation in 10-digit dialing is voluntary.
AT&T officials say there is no long distance fee for using 10-digit dialing. There is no need to dial one for your local number. Just dial the area code and number for your local calls.
The switch to 10-digit dialing was needed because the 256 area code is expected to run out of telephone numbers by 2011.
In the past when an area code began to exhaust its supply of telephone numbers in Alabama, the calling zone was split into two area codes. The overlay will not require anyone to change stationery, business cards and other items with a telephone number printed on them to reflect a new area code.
Rutland said that after the 938 area code goes into effect in July, next-door-neighbors around the Shoals could have different area codes. Ten digit dialing is common in most large cities and is spreading to all areas of the country.
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