North Dakota telephone users will be able to continue using seven-digit dialing for local calls, even after the new national “988” code goes into effect.
“988” is becoming a connection to the National Suicide Hotline.
There were some local exchanges that had “988” prefixes. And the state was told it would soon have to go to ten digit dialing for local exchanges. That would mean dialing a “1” and the area code “701.”
But the Public Service Commission worked with local telephone companies, who then gave up the “988” prefixes.
Commissioner Randy Christmann credited PSC staff with working on the issue.
"We know North Dakotans value the convenience of seven-digit dialing," Christmann said. "We exerted extensive effort to preserve it."
The new “988” number will take effect next year.