What you need to know regarding the 10-Digit Requirement.

In July 2020, the Federal Communications Commission adopted an order approving the designation of 988 as the 3-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. To facilitate implementation, area codes across the country where the 988 prefix is a working prefix and which now use 7-digit local dialing must transition to 10-digit local dialing. This includes the 660 area code in our service area.

Chariton Valley began implementing 10-digit dialing to make local calls for BOTH 660 and 573 area codes on November 1, 2021. Although we already require 10-digit dialing in ALL areas, including the 573 area code, all providers serving the 573 area will soon be required to implement 10-digit dialing. This is due to the Missouri Public Service Commission’s approval of the new 235 area code overlay being added to the area currently served by the 573. The addition of the 235 area code is to ensure a continued supply of telephone numbers. Those issued this new area code will also have to dial 10 digits.

Starting August 26, 2023, if you live in an area served by 573, you should begin dialing the 573-area code plus the seven-digit phone number to call within these areas. In addition to changing your dialing routine, you’ll also have to reprogram seven-digit local numbers to 10-digit numbers if you use speed dial or any other system that automatically makes calls for you.

FAQ

10-Digit Dialing Requirement

1. Why is 10-digit dialing being implemented for area code 573?
   To ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers, the Missouri Public Service Commission approved the addition of the new 235 area code to the geographic region served by the 573 area code. This process is known as an area code overlay.
2. What is an overlay?
   An overlay is the addition of another area code (235) to the same geographic region as an existing area code (573). An overlay does not require customers to change their existing area code but does require using a new dialing procedure to complete calls.
3. Will Chariton Valley customers be affected?
   Anyone with a 573 area code telephone number will be affected. The 573 area code currently serves most of the eastern half of Missouri and includes the state capital of Jefferson City.  It serves communities including, but not limited to, Columbia, Jefferson City, Cape Girardeau, Rolla, Hannibal, Poplar Bluff, Sikeston, Farmington, Fort Leonard Wood and many other smaller communities. The new 235 area code will serve the same geographic area currently served by the existing 573 NPA. 
4.  What will the process be for dialing local numbers?
   The new dialing procedure will require all calls in the 573 area code currently dialed with seven digits will need to be dialed using area code + telephone number. The same dialing procedure will apply to telephone numbers assigned in the new 235 area code. This 10-digit dialing procedure was previously implemented for our 660 area code customers.
5. When will 10-digit dialing be implemented?
   Customers should begin using 10-digit dialing in the 573 area code effective August 26, 2023, so as to be acclimated to the process when it becomes mandatory. There will be a permissive period in which local calls using seven-digit numbers will still be permitted while customers are transitioning to 10-digit dialing.
6. When will 10-digit dialing be mandatory?
   Starting February 24, 2024, the area code and seven-digit number must be dialed to call a local number within the 573 area code. A local number called not using 10-digits on or after this date will not be completed. An automated message will notify the caller of the incomplete status.
7. Will customers incur long-distance or other additional charges when dialing 10-digit LOCAL numbers?
   No. The implementation of 10-digit dialing will not increase the costs of local calls. Chariton Valley’s service area landline phone service will also not be impacted.
8. Will current local telephone numbers still be considered local?
   Yes. Any telephone number now considered a local number will stay a local number despite dialing 10-digits. As always, a long-distance call will require the customer to dial one then the area code and the seven-digit number.
9. Will customers’ phone numbers change?
   No. All current customers will retain their existing seven-digit number and area code. NEW customers may be assigned the new area code of 235 within the 573 NPA.
10. Will the 10-digit dialing requirement affect preset phone numbers?
    Any seven-digit preset local number will have to be reset to a 10-digit number if any system, such as speed dial, is used to automatically dial. Chariton Valley strongly encourages all landline customers to transition all preset numbers to 10-digit numbers prior to the February 24, 2024 deadline to avoid the inconvenience of incomplete calls and to ensure a smooth transition.
11. Will Chariton Valley be prepared for the 10-digit dialing transition?
    Chariton Valley already has the network technology in place, and this has already been implemented for the 660 area code 10-digit dialing procedure. We are making every effort to actively educate customers via social media, digital newsletters and more.
12. When will the 235 area code be active?
    Beginning March 24, 2024, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the new 235 area code. If you are assigned a 235 area code, you will be required to dial the area code + telephone number or the call will not be completed.
13. Can I still dial just 3 digits to reach some services?
    Yes. You can still dial just three digits to reach 911 and 988, as well as 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 or 811, if currently available in your community.