Please be reminded that ten digit dialing (area code + telephone number) will be required to make all local calls beginning on February 11, 2017. After that date, local calls (except 9-1-1 calls) placed using just seven digits will not be completed and a recording will instruct the caller to hang up and dial again. Calls to 9-1-1 will be unaffected and may still be dialed with just three digits regardless of the phone’s area code assignment.
The 10-digit dialing requirement is due to a second area code (680) that has been authorized by the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) to overlay the same area currently served by the 315 area code, including all of Onondaga County and the city of Syracuse. The overlay will not require existing customers to change their area code or telephone number.
Onondaga County Department of Emergency Communications (E911) is asking agencies to help spread the word and encourage citizens calling for Police, Fire, or EMS service to simply use 9-1-1 instead of previously used agency specific ten digit phone numbers.
Dialing 9-1-1 allows for a more expedient processing of calls for service by providing more accurate caller and location information.
« Return to news listing
