Mandatory 10-digit Dialing Coming for Windstream Customers in Multiple Area Codes

The Federal Communications Commission has adopted a new three-digit number to be used nationwide by the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline, a change that will necessitate 10-digit dialing in some area codes served by Windstream.

Starting July 16, 2022, the Lifeline number will be 988. Until then, callers must continue to dial 1-800-273-TALK to reach the Lifeline.

In order for 988 to work in some area codes, 10-digit local dialing (or 1+10-digit in California and parts of Illinois) must first be implemented. To complete all local calls in these areas, callers will need to dial the area code + telephone number.

Beginning April 24, 2021, callers in these areas should dial 10 digits (1+ 10 digits in California and parts of Illinois) for all local calls. Calls made with seven digits will still be completed.

Beginning October 24, 2021, callers in these areas must dial 10 digits (1+ 10 digits in California and parts of Illinois) for all local calls. After this date, local calls dialed with only 7 digits may not be completed, and a recording will instruct callers to hang up and dial again.

Windstream customers in the following area codes are impacted:

In addition to changing dialing patterns, customers in impacted areas will need to reprogram all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment that are programmed to complete calls to use 10-digit dialing (1+ 10 digits in California and parts of Illinois). Examples include 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.

Customers should check their websites, personal and business stationery, advertising materials, personal and business checks, contact information, personal or pet ID tags, and other such items to ensure the area code is included.

Customers’ telephone numbers, including current area codes, will not change.

The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the dialing change. What is a local call today will remain a local call.

Customers will continue to dial 1+ area code + telephone number for all long distance calls. Customers can still dial three digits to reach 711 (relay services) and 911 (emergency services). Any 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, or 811 services that are available in impacted areas may still be reached by dialing three digits.

Windstream customers with questions about this change may call Windstream Residential at 1-800-347-1991 or Windstream Business at 1-800-600-5050 or access the following website for more information: www.windstream.com . They may also visit the FCC website at https://www.fcc.gov/suicide-prevention-hotline.

About Windstream

Windstream Holdings is a privately held communications and software company. Windstream offers managed communications services, including SD-WAN and UCaaS, and high-capacity bandwidth and transport services to businesses across the U.S. The company also provides premium broadband, entertainment and security services through an enhanced fiber network and 5G fixed wireless service to consumers and small and midsize businesses primarily in rural areas in 18 states. Additional information is available at windstream.com or windstreamenterprise.com. Follow us on Twitter at @Windstream.

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