How will this new overlay impact home telephone service?
• Local calls need to be made by dialing ten-digit phone numbers. • Numbers will have to be reentered on equipment that uses automatic dial, speed dial or call forwarding to place local calls. In these cases, existing numbers should be reentered as ten-digit numbers. • Preprinted items such as stationery and checks should be updated to include ten-digit numbers if they have not already been. • Advise callers to include the area code when they place calls to the 214 and 972 area. Q. How are businesses affected? A. In an effort to be prepared for the mandatory ten-digit dialing periods that begin on December 5 in Dallas and January 16 in Houston, businesses that currently reside in either the 214/972 or the 713/281 area codes should: • Start thinking of their phone number as ten digits instead of seven. • Remind their customers of the possible need to make changes to equipment. • Begin the practice of dialing all local calls by using the ten-digit numbers. • Inform employees and customer
