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10-digit dialing begins soon for KS area code 785

By Greg Bebermeyer

04/23/2021

(KNZA)--Ten-digit dialing will begin soon in Kansas area code 785, a change that Governor Laura Kelly says will make it easier for people in crisis to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Last July, the Federal Communications Commission approved 988 as the new number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. As a result, any area code that uses the 988 prefix in telephone numbers is mandated by the FCC to adopt 10-digit dialing. That includes Kansas area codes 785 and 620, which cover the majority of the state. In total, 82 area codes in 36 states will make the change.

The governor's office, in a news release, said it will take time to get in the habit of using 10-digit dialing, so a practice period has been established. Callers are encouraged to begin using 10-digit calling on Saturday ( April 24). Any calls dialed with 7-digits will still go through during this practice period.

Beginning October 24, callers in 785 and 620 area codes must use 10-digit dialing or the call will not go through. The only exceptions are any three digit abbreviated numbers available in the community, such as 911.

Callers will still dial 1 + the area code and telephone number for all long distance calls.

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