It is because the new suicide hotline number "looks" like an area code

Posted by mhardy6647 (A) on April 4, 2021 at 14:25:39

In Reply to: Phone calls, starting 24 April posted by free.ranger on April 4, 2021 at 14:17:11:

I believe it is ~~211~~988.

Way, way, way back when -- the electromechanical (relay-based) switching system used by The Phone Company Reserved certain digits for the area codes.
988 looks like an area code. A 7 digit dialing system could be misled and not complete a 988 call, with potentially disastrous results.

This is happening here in NH, e.g., which has only one area code (603) and has, until now, never required the 10 digit number to be dialed (at least from residential phones), anywhere in state (including cell phones with 603 area codes).

all the best,
mrh

explanation of why 10 digit dialing is coming to some areas (Open in New Window)

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - Phone calls, starting 24 April - free.ranger 14:17:11 04/04/21 (17)

RE: My Area Code ain't included..NYAAH! - B. Scarpia 12:48:02 04/05/21 (0)

Nothing new in area code 541 - Mike B. 10:54:16 04/05/21 (4)

Ah, Eugene in the spring, a pitcher of IPA at Northbank plus some usually - tinear 11:16:36 04/05/21 (3)

RE: Ah, Eugene in the spring, a pitcher of IPA at Northbank plus some usually - Mike B. 12:06:28 04/05/21 (2)

I have an architect friend there who shared detailed plans and it was taking shape - tinear 14:24:45 04/05/21 (1)

RE: I have an architect friend there who shared detailed plans and it was taking shape - Mike B. 14:39:23 04/05/21 (0)

Weird thing in my area? You CAN'T use the full number for local calls... - David S. 07:44:05 04/05/21 (0)

When I was younger... - grantv 20:27:30 04/04/21 (0)

RE: Phone calls, starting 24 April - AbeCollins 17:53:34 04/04/21 (4)

To differentiate area code from exchange number - Batman 06:00:09 04/05/21 (0)

AFAIK, only AT&T requires the +1 prefix.... - Rod M 18:27:23 04/04/21 (2)

RE: AFAIK, only AT&T requires the +1 prefix.... - AbeCollins 07:43:35 04/05/21 (1)

RE: AFAIK, only AT&T requires the +1 prefix.... - Inmate51 11:30:37 04/05/21 (0)

We've had required 10 digit dialing for years.... - Rod M 17:10:23 04/04/21 (1)

The Atlanta area has been doing that for about twenty years - E-Stat 06:43:11 04/05/21 (0)

RE: Phone calls, starting 24 April - pictureguy 17:09:00 04/04/21 (0)

It is because the new suicide hotline number "looks" like an area code - mhardy6647 14:25:39 04/04/21 (0)

Follow Ups

It is because the new suicide hotline number "looks" like an area code - mhardy6647 14:25:39 04/04/21 (0)

It is because the new suicide hotline number "looks" like an area code

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