Recent releases
Oct. 14, 2009
TDS Telecom® informs Wisconsin residents and businesses in the 715 area code to prepare for area code overlay
For more information contact:
Cindy Tomlinson, Associate Manager – PR
TDS Telecommunications Corp.
608-664-4471 / cindy.tomlinson@tdstelecom.com
Beginning October 17, 2009, Wisconsin residents and businesses in the 715 area code should start dialing ten digits — area code + telephone number — when making local calls. In July 2010, everyone in the 715 area will be required to dial ten digits (area code + telephone number).
The change in dialing for residents in northern Wisconsin is based on approval from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) for the addition of the 534 area code. This change, known as an “Area Code Overlay” affects Wisconsin residents served by the 715 area code; it ensures availability of an ongoing supply of telephone numbers in northern Wisconsin.
When two area codes serve the same region, rules of the Federal Communications Commission require callers to change the way they dial local calls. While customers do not have to change their existing area code or phone number, they will be required to ten-digit dial all local calls (area code and seven-digit telephone number).
What consumers and businesses need to know about the area code overlay:
• Existing phone numbers in the 715 area code will not change.
• The price for calls, local and long-distance calling areas, and other rates and services provided by TDS Telecom® will not change due to the new Area Code Overlay. What’s a local call now will remain a local call, regardless of the number of digits dialed.
• The dialing procedure for long distance or operator assisted calls will not change.
• 911 remains a three-digit dial. If 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 and 811 are available currently, they will remain a three-digit dial.
Dates to keep in mind
• Oct. 17, 2009: “permissive” ten-digit dialing period begins; callers should begin using the new dialing procedure. If callers forget to use the area code and dial only the seven-digit number, calls will be completed during this permissive phase.
• July 17, 2010: “mandatory” ten-digit local dialing begins. Customers in the 715 area code must use ten-digit dialing for all local calls, otherwise, calls will not be completed and a recording will instruct callers to hang up and dial again.
• Aug. 14, 2010: Phone numbers with the new 534 area code can begin being assigned.
In addition to changing dialing procedures, customers are encouraged to begin reprogramming automatic dialing equipment and other devices programmed with seven digits. This includes PBX systems, electronic telephone sets, auto-dial systems, multi-line key systems, life safety systems, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems, gates, speed dialers, call forwarding settings, and voicemail services. All such devices will need to be reprogrammed with ten-digits (area code + telephone number) by July 17, 2010.
Customers should also check with security or alarm companies to make sure their systems are programmed to handle the new dialing pattern.
For more information, please visit http://psc.wi.gov/utilityinfo/tele/areaCodes/home-AreaCodeRelief.htm or contact TDS at 888-CALL-TDS (888-225-5837).
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TDS Telecommunications Corp. markets communication services to business and residential customers in 30 states through its brands TDS Telecom® and TDS Metrocom®. With 1.1 million access line equivalents in service, TDS Telecommunications Corp. connects customers to phone, broadband, and digital television service in hundreds of rural, suburban, and metropolitan communities. TDS Telecommunications Corp. is the eighth-largest wire line company in the nation; employing approximately 2,730 people. The company is headquartered in Madison, Wis. Visit www.tdstelecom.com and www.tdsbusiness.com for more information.
TDS Telecommunications Corp. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. Telephone and Data Systems™ is a Fortune 500® company that provides wireless, local and long-distance telephone, and broadband services to 7.3 million customers in 36 states, through TDS Telecommunications Corp. and U.S. Cellular®, its 81-percent owned wireless subsidiary. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Chicago, Telephone and Data Systems employed 12,440 people as of June 30, 2009. For more information, visit www.teldta.com.
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