HomeMy WebLinkAbout20170731press release.pdf
Contact: Matt Evans
(208) 334-0339 or 520-4763
www.puc.idaho.gov
Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing Begins This Week
BOISE (July 31, 2017) – Beginning Saturday, August 5, Idahoans will need to dial the area code
along with the seven-digit telephone number in order to make a local call.
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission approved a new area code for the state in December 2015 to
address the need for additional phone numbers. To implement the new area code, the Commission
also approved mandatory 10-digit dialing for all of Idaho.
The new area code, 986, will cover the entire state. As numbers are needed, assignments may be
made out of the new 986 area code beginning on Sept. 5. Some areas in the state are expected to
exhaust their supply of numbers with the 208 area code before other areas.
On August 5, all calls made within Idaho must be placed using the 10 digit telephone number. If
consumers dial only seven digits, the call will not complete and the caller will hear an
announcement instructing them to redial with the area code included.
Important facts for consumers:
Current telephone number, including current area code, will not change.
Consumers will continue to dial 1 + area code + telephone number to complete long
distance calls.
A local call will remain a local call.
The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change.
Calling 911 will not change.
Consumers will continue to dial three digits to reach 211 and 811, as well as 311 and 511,
where available.
It is important that consumers confirm that all services, automatic dialing equipment, applications,
software or other types of equipment recognize the new 986 area code. This may include life-safety
systems, fax machines, internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems, gates, ankle monitors,
speed dialers, mobile phone contact lists, call forwarding settings, voicemail services and similar
functions.
Consumers should also check business stationery, advertising materials, personal checks and
personal or pet ID tags to ensure the area code is included in the telephone number.
For more information, please visit the PUC website at www.puc.idaho.gov or contact your
telephone service provider.