LAKE COUNTY, Ohio – Be prepared to change the way you dial if you have a 440 area code.
With the introduction of the new, three-digit National Suicide Prevention Hotline, the 440 area code has been identified as one of the two area codes in Ohio that need to change the way they make local calls. The other area code is 513 in the Cincinnati area.
The new rules apply to all telecommunications providers, as well as all interconnected and one-way Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers. It offers a two-year transition, reflecting the real challenges of this nationwide effort, including the need for widespread network changes and to give time to the national suicide prevention lifeline to prepare for the expected increase in the number of calls.Under these rules, calls to 988 will be directed to 1-800-273-TALK, which during the 988 transition and after it is completed, ”the FCC said in a statement.
From 24 April, you must use your area code in front of the telephone number to complete the call if you have a 440 area code.
According to the FCC, seven-digit calls have yet to be completed, but after October 24, they will no longer work.
If you dial ‘988’, from 16 July 2022, you will be sent to the national suicide crisis for the national suicide prevention and mental health.
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