10-digit dialing in 937 area code starts Feb. 8

COVINGTON, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Windstream local telephone customers in the 937 area code will need to use the area code in addition to the 7-digit telephone number (area code + telephone number) when placing local calls starting Feb. 8. The move to 10-digit dialing is due to the recently approved 326 area code that will cover the same geographic area as the 937 area code.

The change became necessary to ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers for the area.

Beginning Feb. 8, customers who fail to dial all 10 digits for local calls will hear a recording telling them to hang up and re-dial.

Windstream can assign numbers with the 326 area code for new telephone lines or services beginning March 8. Ten-digit dialing also will be required for calls using the 326 area code.

Some automatically dialed calls, such as life-safety systems, alarm and security systems and call forwarding settings, may require reprogramming to include the new dialing procedure. PBX equipment also may need to be reprogrammed.

The switch to 10-digit dialing will not affect the cost of local phone calls. A call that is local today will be a local call after the dialing change.

Long-distance calls are unaffected by the new area code. Callers need to dial 1 plus the area code and 7-digit telephone number whenever placing long-distance calls from the 937 or 326 area code. Emergency calls to 911 also remain the same and do not require the area code.

For more information about the dialing changes, go to http://news.windstream.com or visit the Ohio Public Utilities Commission website at http://www.puco.ohio.gov.

About Windstream

Windstream Holdings, Inc., a FORTUNE 500 company, is a leading provider of advanced network communications and technology solutions. Windstream provides data networking, core transport, security, unified communications and managed services to mid-market, enterprise and wholesale customers across the U.S. The company also offers broadband, entertainment and security services for consumers and small and medium-sized businesses primarily in rural areas in 18 states. Services are delivered over multiple network platforms including a nationwide IP network, our proprietary cloud core architecture and on a local and long-haul fiber network spanning approximately 150,000 miles. Additional information is available at windstream.com or windstreamenterprise.com. Please visit our newsroom at news.windstream.com or follow us on Twitter at @Windstream.