10-digit Phone Dialing Mandatory in Alabama’s 256 and 938 Area Codes

The Alabama Public Service Commission is reminding residents in the 256 & 938 area codes in north and east Alabama that the 10-digit phone number (area code + seven-digit phone number) must be dialed starting June 5.  The mandatory 10-digit dialing is because the 256 numbers are being exhausted and a second area code (938) will be introduced in the same area starting July 10.

The PSC says that customers who dial the traditional seven digits will get a recorded message telling them to hang up and try again with all 10 digits.