West Virginian officials are concerned over a recent change in area code dialing. The public will be required to dial a 10-digit number beginning on Feb. 28; however, 40 percent of callers are still dialing only seven digits.
Alarm companies are of particular concern due to the dialers being programmed for only seven numbers. Pre-programmed speed-dial buttons are also likely to be a problem. If the 10-digit number is not dialed, the call will no longer go through.
The state is currently in a “permissive dialing” period, which started July 26. During this period, carriers must provide customers with the option of either seven- or 10-digit dialing.
Virginia has also been assigned an additional area code, 681, since phone number options with the current area code are running out.
Telephone carriers and other providers have either notified customers of the upcoming change or plan to do so in the weeks ahead.
