10-digit dialing coming to 509 area code

RITZVILLE – A change to 10-digit dialing is coming to the 509 area code in October.

Mandatory dialing of the area code starts Oct. 24, according to the FCC (Federal Communications Commission). On that date calls made without dialing the area code with the seven-digit phone number will not go through.

No phone numbers will change because of the directive.

In addition, safety and security equipment such as alarms and medical alert devices will need to be programmed for 10-digit calling.

People in Western Washington switched to 10-digit dialing in 2017.

The change helps insure anyone may reach th...