10-Digit dialing requirement beginning to take effect for some in 910 area

ROCKINGHAM — Some Richmond County residents have noticed that they are being required to enter the 910 area code to make a phone call, prompting concern that an impending change to the local area code has already taken effect.

But this is not the case — yet.

There are two converging issues with our region’s phone numbers which will require phone customers to adjust: the 910 area code is projected to run out of available phone numbers by the second quarter of 2023, and the Federal Communications Commission has ordered the national implementation of 988 as the three-digit abbreviated dialing code (similar to dialing 9-1-1 for emergencies) for the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis lifeline.

Local phone customers being required to enter 10 digits to make a phone call is “100%” related to the implementation of 988 as the national mental health crisis lifeline, according to Bridget Paschal, deputy director of NC Utilities Commission Water, Sewer, and Transportation.

Those in the 910 area code will be required to dial 10 digits each time they make a phone call beginning July 15, 2022. For example, if you want to call someone locally at 555-1234, you will be required to dial 910-555-1234.

The change to the area code itself will begin on Oct. 7, 2022. Those in the 910 area code region — which includes the cities of Fayetteville, Wilmington and Jacksonville — may be assigned a phone number with a 472 area code when they request a new service or additional line.

Customers will receive more detailed information from notices from their local telecommunications providers, according to a press release from the North Carolina Utilities Commission.

Gavin Stone contributed to this report.