Beginning on Sunday, October 24, 2021, you must dial 10 digits (area code + telephone number) for all calls dialed from a 620 or 785 phone number. On and after this date, local calls dialed with only seven digits will not connect, and a recording will inform you that your call cannot be completed as dialed. You must hang up and dial again using the area code and seven-digit number. 

Transitioning to 10-digit dialing will not affect your current telephone number. Your phone number, including your 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. 

Please note that all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment that are programmed to complete calls to seven-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, internet dial-up numbers, 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. 

The reason for this change is that in July 2022, the FCC will establish “988” as the new, nationwide three-digit phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This new three-digit dialing code will provide an easy-to-remember and easy-to-dial three-digit number to reach suicide prevention and mental health counselors, similar to “911” for emergencies and “311” for local government services. Any area code that has 988 numbers (example 620-988-1234) have to implement 10-digit dialing for the three-digit mental health line to work. Customers must continue to dial 1-800-273-TALK to reach the Lifeline until July 16, 2022.

If you have any questions regarding information provided in this notice, please contact SKT Customer Service at 888.758.8976.  You can also visit the FCC website.