As of April 1, 2002, New York City customers should have begun dialing calls within the same area code using 1 + the area code + the 7-digit telephone number (for example, when making a call from one 212 number to another 212 number). This will help customers become accustomed to the new dialing pattern for calls in New York City.

Beginning February 1, 2003, New York City customers (212, 718, 917, 646 and 347) must dial 1 + the area code + the 7-digit telephone number to complete local calls within the same area code (for example, a call placed from a 212 area code to another 212 area code will require that you dial 1 + the 212 area code + the 7-digit telephone number).

Calls between different area codes in New York City (212 to 718, 212 to 917, 646 to 718, or 347 to 718) will still require that you dial 1 + the area code + the 7-digit telephone number. Also, calls from area codes in New York City to other area codes will still require that you dial 1 + the area code + the 7-digit telephone number.

Calls within the same area code or between area codes in New York City using 1 + the area code + the 7-digit telephone number are still local calls (212, 718, 917, 646 and 347). When making calls to the same area code or between area codes in New York City, dialing 1 + the area code + the 7-digit telephone number is the best way to ensure your call will be connected correctly. Calling rates are not affected as a result of this change. A local call is still a local call.

When giving your phone number to family, friends, business associates and colleagues, always provide 1 + ten digits -- 1 + your area code + your 7-digit telephone number.

PBXs, dial-up modems and networks, Call Forwarding, data lines, fax machines, alarm systems and other customer premise equipment must be reprogrammed to include 1 + the area code to ensure completion of local calls within New York City.