10-Digit Dialing in 814 Area Code Starts April 3

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Windstream local telephone customers in the 814 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 April 3. The move to 10-digit dialing is due to the new 582 area code that will cover the same geographic area as the 814 area code.

The change, which was ordered by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, became necessary to ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers for the area.

The telephone numbers of existing customers, including current area code, will not change.

Beginning April 3, 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 582 area code for new telephone lines or services beginning May 1. Ten-digit dialing also will be required for calls using the 582 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 814 or 582 area code.

For additional information, please visit the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission website at http://www.puc.pa.gov.

About Windstream

Windstream Holdings is a privately held communications and software company. Windstream offers managed communications services, including SD-WAN and UCaaS, and high-capacity bandwidth and transport services to businesses across the U.S. The company also provides premium broadband, entertainment and security services through an enhanced fiber network and 5G fixed wireless service to consumers and small and midsize businesses primarily in rural areas in 18 states. Additional information is available at windstream.com or windstreamenterprise.com. Follow us on Twitter at @Windstream.