Published: July 29, 2008 09:27 pm      

New 681 area code for W. Va. beginning its trial run Saturday

PRINCETON — West Virginia telephone users are being encouraged to practice adding their area code to local calls, but it won’t be necessary to use it when dialing 911.

Starting July 26, the state Public Service Commission has asked callers to start getting ready for the introduction of the new 681 area code by dialing 10 digits for local calls–area code plus the 7-digit telephone number. Calls are still being completed if the area code is not used, but the new dialing procedure must be used starting Feb. 28, 2009, according to Sarah Robertson of the state PSC.

“Your area code is going to become part of your phone number,” Robertson said.

People who already have a 304 area code won’t be required to change their telephone numbers. Telephone customers subscribing for new service in West Virginia may receive the new 681 area code, Robertson said.

It’s important to remember that both the 304 and 681 codes can be found in the same community. After the new code is assigned, it will be possible for next door neighbors to have different area codes. When dialing a local number, callers will dial the area code and the 7-digit number.

The procedure for dialing long distance calls won’t change, PSC officials said. When dialing a long distance call, users will dial 1 before the area code. Local calls will not require dialing a 1 before the telephone number.

New area codes will not change the way special service numbers are dialed. Telephone callers using numbers such as 911, 211, 411, 711 and 811 will not have do dial an area code first.

“The way you dial 911 does not change,” Robertson said.

In addition to dialing procedures, telephone customers are being encouraged to start reprograming their automatic dialing systems, life safety systems, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems, gates, speed dialers, call forwarding systems, voicemail services and similar systems. Customers are also being urged to check with their security and alarm companies to ensure that their systems are correctly programmed for the new dialing pattern.

The 681 area code is being added in West Virginia because of the possible exhaustion of available phone numbers with 304 codes.