Whats New
The telecommunications industry changes daily. To keep up to date on changes that may affect you, view our posted updates below, or e-mail us with specific questions.
Service Updates
Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing Coming to Multiple Area Codes
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted 988 as a new three-digit number to be used nationwide to reach the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline, starting July 16, 2022. Customers must continue to dial 1-800-273-TALK to reach the Lifeline until July 16, 2022.
In order for 988 to work in the 319 & 515 area codes, 10-digit local dialing must first be implemented, and you will need to change the way you dial local calls.
What will be the new dialing procedure?
To complete all local calls, you will now need to dial 319 + telephone number. This applies to all calls within the 319 area code that are currently dialed with seven digits.
Who will be affected?
Anyone with a telephone number from the 319 or 515 area codes in Iowa will need to make this change from 7-digit local dialing to 10-digit local dialing. This does not affect the 563 area code.
When will the change begin?
Beginning April 24, 2021, you should begin dialing 10 digits (319 + telephone number) for all local calls. If you forget and dial just 7 digits, your call will still be completed.
Beginning October 24, 2021, you must dial 10-digits (319 + telephone number) for all local calls. On and after this date, local calls dialed with only 7-digits may not be completed, and a recording will inform you that your call cannot be completed as dialed. You must hang up and dial again using the 319 area code and the 7-digit number.
Beginning July 16, 2022, dialing “988” will route your call to National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline.
What will you need to do?
In addition to changing the way you dial local calls, all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment that are programmed to complete calls to 7-digit local numbers will need to be reprogrammed to complete calls to 10-digit numbers. Some examples are life safety systems or medical monitoring devices, PBXs, fax machines, fire or burglar alarm and security systems or gates, speed dialers, mobile or other wireless phone contact lists, call forwarding settings, voicemail services and other similar functions. Be sure to check your website, personal and business stationery, advertising materials, personal and business checks, contact information, your personal or pet ID tags, and other such items to ensure the area code is included.
What will remain the same?
- Your telephone number, including current area code, will not change.
- The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the dialing change.
- What is a local call now will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed.
- You will continue to dial 1+ area code + telephone number for all long distance calls.
- You can still dial just three digits to reach 711 (relay services) and 911 (emergency services).
- Any 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, or 811 services available in your community can still be reached by dialing those three-digit codes.
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can still be reached by dialing 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Final thoughts:
- Like always, cellular customers must continue to dial 10-digits for all calls no matter your location.
Who may you contact with questions?
If you have any questions regarding information provided in this notice, please call Springville Co-operative Telephone Association Inc. at 319-854-6107 for more information. You can also visit the FCC website at https://www.fcc.gov/suicide-prevention-hotline.
Service in Wapello
Soon, Wapello residents will be able to take advantage of the same Mutual Telephone communications services offered to our Morning Sun customers. We’ll keep you posted. We are now accepting applications!
319 Area Code Split
The Iowa Utilities Board has announced the 319 Area Code Relief Plan. The following information is in portable document format (PDF). Adobe Systems, the creator of this file format, offers Adobe Acrobat Reader as a free download so that you can view any PDF file. To view installation instructions and proceed with the download, visit www.adobe.com.