10-digit dialing coming Nov. 14

The Department of Public Utility Control is implementing mandatory 10-digit dialing within the state for local calls on November 14, 2009, with the addition of a
third area code to Connecticut.

The new area code of 475 will be added into the calling area of the current 203 area code as 203 numbers run out. Eventually when numbers run out in the 860 area code, new numbers will have the 959 area code.

Adding new area codes to an already small state would be burdensome, and also place heavy associated costs on businesses in the state by forcing them to change their phone numbers. An “overlay” was implemented instead which would allow new area codes within the existing territory, but this requires the mandatory 10-digit dialing for local calls to be implemented.

Approximately 40% of the state’s telephone lines currently require 10-digit dialing for local calls between the 203 and 860 area codes, but with more area codes about to be implemented, the need for 10-digit dialing for all local calls is necessary.

TEN-DIGIT DIALING FOR LOCAL CALLS REQUIRES THE USE OF THE AREA CODE BEFORE THE TELEPHONE NUMBER.
Callers will continue to dial 1 for toll calls only. No calling areas, rates or charges are affected by this change.