Soon all local calling will require dialing the “406” area code in order to make the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline effective.

Spectrum announced the implementation of a new 10-digit dialing procedure for Spectrum Voice customers and Spectrum Business Voice clients in Montana, allowing users to easily reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline via the new 988 dialing code when it launches in July, 2022.

While seven-digit dialing will remain enabled for several months, beginning October 24, all local calls will require customers dial the area code followed by the seven-digit phone number in order for a call to be completed. Additionally, important safety and security equipment, such as medical alert devices and alarm systems should be programmed to use 10-digit dialing. Beginning July 16, 2022, dialing 988 will automatically route calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Prior to next year’s launch, customers must continue to dial 1-800-273-8255 to reach the hotline.

The new dialing procedure is the result of an FCC order approving 988 as the three-digit abbreviated dialing code to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. In order for 988 to operate correctly for Spectrum customers in the 56 area codes listed below, every customer in those area codes must be transitioned to 10-digit dialing for local calls.