What is ten-digit dialing and who will need to dial 10 digits?
For all callers within the 503/971 area codes, placing of local calls will need to include the area code. That is, callers must dial 10-digit phone numbers. It makes no difference whether your call is to the same area code. The exception is the Northwest coastal area which will keep the 503 area code but will not be assigned the new 971 code. The coastal communities within the exchanges of Warrenton, Astoria, Knappa, Seaside, Jewell, Cannon Beach, Nehalem, Rockaway, Garibaldi, Bay City, Tillamook, Pacific City, and Cloverdale will not be assigned the new 971 area code at this time and will retain seven-digit dialing for local calls. These areas have not experienced enough growth to warrant new prefixes. Why did the PUC choose the overlay method? There was no perfect solution to the prefix shortage problem. In the judgement of the Commission, the overlay method will cause the least inconvenience and disruption, now and in the future. Customers will not have to bear the cost and inconven
