According to a press release from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, beginning April 24, 2021, the Federal Communications Commission mandated that local callers use the 719 area code along with the other five digits when making local calls.The mandate officially started Oct. 24.The reason for the mandate: The 719 area code is one of the area codes that has a 988 prefix, which is also the same three-digit number assigned to the National Suicide Hotline. Therefore, to ensure everyone could reach the NSH, the FCC set up the mandate.Heidi Wayman is the manager of data management for the North American Numbering Plan Administrator, which is the organization responsible for the numbering plan for public telephone systems in Canada, the United States and some Caribbean countries. Wayman said there are four area codes in Colorado; most of Colorado is covered by area codes 719 and 970. Those two area codes cover 58 of Colorado’s 64 counties and both have a 988 exchange. Telephone users in both 719 and 970 area codes are making the switch.The other two Colorado area codes, 303 and 720, which include the areas around Denver and Boulder, were already required to dial 10 digits for local calls.According to a press release by PRNewswire, this change will affect customers in 36 states and 82 area codes that have a 988 prefix. The press release states that beginning July 16, 2022, people dialing 988 will be connected to the NSPH. Before that date, they will have to dial 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) to reach the NSPH.Wayman said important safety and security equipment such as medical alert devices and alarm systems might have to be reprogrammed to dial a 10-digit number. She suggested contacting the providers of such services for guidance. She also advised changing the telephone number on personal websites, personal and business stationery, advertising materials, personal and business checks and other like items.
