LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Several areas of Michigan will be seeing a change in how they make telephone calls.
It affects four area codes, where residents will have soon have to use 10-digit dialing to make local calls. It’s related to the rollout of a new way to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
“The schedule laid out by the FCC gives customers in the four affected area codes several months to adjust to the new requirement of dialing 10 digits,” said Ryan McAnany, acting director of the MPSC’s Telecommunications Division. “A smooth transition will help ensure customers stay connected while getting ready for the ultimate enactment of 988 as an easy number for people struggling or contemplating suicide to connect to resources and help in a crisis.”
Callers in Michigan’s 616, 810, 906, and 989 area codes are encouraged to start dialing with 10 digits, including their area code, before the change kicks in on April 24th. Callers who forget and dial only 7 digits will still be connected during a transition period. Beginning October 24, 2021, all consumers with numbers in the affected Michigan area codes above must dial 10 digits for all local calls.
The 269 area code, which covers most areas of southwest Michigan, is not included in this.
