Get Ready for Dialing Drama! Southern Minnesota Forced into 10-Digit Calls Starting July 30!
Get ready to push some more buttons! Southern Minnesota braces for chaos as 10-digit dialing takes over, ending the era of simple calls! 📞 #News #Minnesota #AreaCodes
Say Goodbye to Seven-Digit Dialing!
MANKATO, MN – Southern Minnesota is gearing up for a major telecommunications shake-up. Starting July 30, dialing seven digits for local calls will be a thing of the past. All residents will need to dial 10 digits, thanks to the introduction of a new area code: 924.
The Countdown Begins
Though the official debut of the 924 area code is set for August 30, the mandatory shift to 10-digit dialing kicks off a month earlier.
This means phone users in the current 507 area code need to update their contact lists and any systems reliant on phone numbers, especially older ones.
The End of an Era
For seven decades, dialing seven digits was enough for local calls in southern Minnesota. But with the 507 area code running out of numbers by early 2025, a new code was essential. Once 924 joins the mix, dialing just seven digits won’t cut it anymore.
Update Everything!
Consolidated Communications is urging customers to reprogram any equipment or services that dial using only seven digits.
This includes life-safety systems, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, security alarms, speed dialers, and more. They recommend checking all business materials, personal checks, and even pet ID tags to ensure the area code is included.
Health and Safety Concerns
For medical alert and home security systems, contacting the provider to ensure they support 10-digit dialing is crucial. Missing this step could lead to critical delays in emergencies.
Your Number Stays the Same
No need to worry about your current phone number changing. If you have a 507 number, it remains the same. The main change is dialing the area code for every call.
Long Distance and Emergency Calls
Long distance calls will still require dialing 1 + area code + number. Local call boundaries and rates stay the same. Emergency numbers like 911 and 988 will work without needing an area code, and special three-digit numbers like 211, 311, 411, and others will still function as usual.
A Nationwide Trend
Southern Minnesota isn’t alone in this transition. States like Virginia, Arkansas, Florida, Ohio, Missouri, and South Carolina have also added new area codes recently. California is set to get its 39th area code in November, with two more following soon after.
Minnesota’s Growing List
The new 924 area code will be Minnesota’s eighth. The last new codes, 952 and 763, were introduced in the west metro area back in 2000.
Prepare for the change, southern Minnesota. Update your contacts, reprogram your devices, and get ready for the new era of 10-digit dialing!
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