| (Oct. 22, 2021, 6:10 a.m.) -- Starting Sunday Oct. 24, all phone calls made within the 562 area code will require inserting the area code "562" (for mobile calls) and "1-562" from landlines/wirelines preceding the familiar seven digit local number. If you don't do this, you'll reach an annoying recording that your cannot be completed as dialed.
A City of Long Beach Oct. 21 press release (the first time we've heard of the change) acknowledges it may require reprogramming one's local contact lists, automatic dialing setting and faxes, alarm systems and medical monitoring devices. And you may or may not want to reprint advertising materials, personal and business checks, contact information and personal and pet ID tags to ensure the area code is included (which in many cases it already is.) And an FCC web page adds this: "If your company uses a PBX or VoIP phone system, you may need to update or reprogram it for ten-digit dialing. Because ten-digit dialing became available in April 2021 in the areas where seven-digit dialing will be phased out in October 2021, reprogramming of PBX or VoIP systems can begin at any time. You should plan to complete any needed reprogramming and test your system before October 24, 2021." Who did this and why is this happening? The FCC plans to start using the three digits "988" as a shortcut/quick way to reach the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline and some phone numbers within the 562 area code already use the 988 prefix. So do some numbers within CA area codes 209, 530, 626, 650, 707, 925, 949 and 951 area codes (which are affected just like 562.) 82 area codes in 35 states are affected by the new dialing rule. Although the 988 shortcut won't take effect until July 16, 2022, the FCC has ordered the local change effective Oct. 24, 2021. (Until July 16, 2022, one will have to dial 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK) to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.) |      |
