Ten-Digit Dialing In Northeast Oklahoma Mandatory Starting Saturday

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Ten-digit dialing begins Saturday, March 5, 2011, for everyone in the 918 area code. 

Every call you make will need the area code, even if it's local. You won't need to dial a "one" first unless you are making a long distance call because long distance call boundaries are not changing. 

There will be no long distance charge, even if you accidentally dial the "one."

Look at a 918 Area Code map.

The new 539 area code will be added on April 1, 2011. 

Calls to 911, 211 and 411 will not be affected by the change.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission has released a list of most-frequently asked questions  regarding the addition ("overlay") of the new area code (539) to the area served by 918:

When does 10-digit dialing start for local calls, and will my number change?

No existing number will change. 10-digit dialing for local calls begins 12:01 a.m., Saturday March 5.

Do I need to dial a "1" before the area code when making local calls?

No. Dialing a "1" before an area code is only necessary for long distance calls.

If I'm dialing a call with the new 539 area code, is it a long distance call?

Local calling boundaries do not change. If the area you are calling was a local call before the addition of 539, it is still a local call, regardless of whether the number has an area code of 539 or 918.

Will I be charged for long distance if I accidentally dial a "1" before the area code when making a local call?

No. The call will not go through, and you will get a message telling you that it is not necessary to dial a "1".

When will we start seeing telephone numbers with the 539 area code?

539 area code numbers will be assigned starting April 1, 2011.

Can I still get a 918 area code number after April 1?

Yes, IF there are still numbers available in your area. You must request a 918 number.

What happens if I dial a local call with just 7 digits after the change?

You will get a recording telling you to redial using the area code.

How will I know whether a local number is 918 or 539?

All directory listings will include the area code.

What prefixes will the new area code cover?

The new 539 area code will cover the entire 918 area, so all prefixes within 918 are included.

Who should I call if I have a problem?

Contact your telephone service provider. If you have special equipment (such as a business or other entity with a PBX system, customers with auto-dialing equipment, etc), contact the equipment vendor.

If you have a general question, you can contact the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC):

• OCC Consumer Services Division: 918-581-2869 (Tulsa area), or
• 1-800-522-8154 (statewide)
• Main Commission number: 405-521-2211
• Matt Skinner, Public Information: 405-521-4180
• Bennett Abbott, Senior Attorney-Telecommunications: 405-521-3570

2/27/2011 Related Story: Ten-Digit Dialing Mandatory In NE Oklahoma Starting Next Week