10 Digit Dialing

February 27, 2009

Due to the introduction of a new area code in the state, the Public Service Commission of West Virginia is mandating 10 digit dialing on February 28, 2009.

On Friday morning, February 27, 2009 at 12:01 am,  Fairmont State IT will be implementing 10 digit dialing in accordance with the mandate.

Local calls will require 10 digits (11 digits including the 8 to access an outside line)

• Ex: 8-304-363-1212
• Byrd Center and Lewis County do not require the 8.

In state and out of state long distance calls will remain unchanged and function as currently configured

• Ex: 8-1-XXX-XXX-XXXX

In-house 4 digit dialing will remain unchanged and function as currently configured

• Ex: 4810

Fairmont State phone users who have speed dials set for local numbers will need to modify these speed dials for the 10-digit requirement.  Information on changing speed dials is available on the Solutions Center Wiki (items 5.2.7 and 5.2.8):

http://it.fairmontstate.edu/fsuwiki/index.php?title=IT_FAQ   Please do not change your speed dials until after IT implements the changes on February 27, 2009.

Additional information regarding mandatory 10-digit dialing, and the new 681 area code can be found at:

http://www.psc.state.wv.us/10_DigitDialing/default.htm

We received a few questions about the changes:

• How do I know if a phone number is long distance or local? According to the West Virginia Public Service Commission, the local calling area is not changing. If it is a local now, it will be a local call after the change.
  • If you try the call without dialing the 1 (e.g. 8-304-367-1212) and you get a fast busy, then the phone number is probably long distance. You will need to hang up and dial the call 8-1-304-367-1212. If you need to dial a 1, the call is long distance.
• How will the campuses be effected? If you currently dial an 8 to access an outside line, you will continue to dial the 8. If you can use the 4 digit dialing now, you can continue to use 4 digit dialing.

If you have any questions or if you need any more information, please contact the IT Teaching and Learning Commons at 4810 option 3.