Mitel Minute Update: How the FCC 988 Dialing May Impact You and 10-Digit Dialing

Mitel is not waiting around to react and has made some deadlines of their own which will require action on your part if you are impacted.

Mitel issued the full customer advisory notice here, however, we are providing a summary of how this impacts Mitel administrators and their users for you below. 

How to Implement 10-Digit Dialing

If your organization has been affected by the recent change from 7 digit to 10 digit dialing for local calls, you can try making the following changes to your pbx.  If local dialing is not restored after making the change suggested below, you may need to contact our Tech Support team at techsupport@voipswami.com to investigate further.

For ShoreTel 14.2 Systems:

• Log into ShoreWare Director
• Select Administration > Trunks > Trunk Groups
• Select the specific trunk group that has affected local calling problems
• Uncheck the “Dial 7 Digits for Local Area Code Box”
• Save
• Test outbound local calls

For Mitel Connect Systems:

• Log into Mitel Director
• Select Administration > Trunks > Trunk Groups > Trunk Groups
• Select the specific trunk group that has affected local calling problems
• Uncheck the “Dial 7 Digits for Local Area Code Box”
• Save
• Test outbound local calls

Who Does This Impact? 

At this time the FCC order applies to 36 states.  Those outside of the 36 states are not impacted at this time and no action needs to be taken.  

However, if you are located in one of the 36 states Mitel has issued an advisory that in order for the 988 dialing to work, 10-digit local dialing must be implemented in the corresponding area codes.    Users need to understand that even if prior to this change they did not need to perform 10 digit dialing (area code + phone number) that they will need to start doing so, even if they are located within that same area code.  

Here is the chart provided by Mitel for the impacted states and area codes.  

What are the Deadlines for Implementing These Changes? 

April 24, 2021 – this is the date when your business should start using 10 digit dialing for all local calls.    

October 24, 2021 -  this is the date when your business must be using 10 digit dialing for all local calls. Any calls not made using 10 digit dialing will not be completed and a recording will be played stating to hang up and try again.  

If your 10 digit dialing is not implemented after April 24th, 2021, calls will still complete until the final deadline of October 24th, 2021.  

Other Considerations 

Local dialing for phones are not the only devices impacted.  You must also consider any important safety and security equipment, such as medical alert devices, alarm systems, security systems, etc., that must also be programmed to require 10 digit dialing.  

This may require reprogramming of that equipment to ensure compatibility so please check with your supplier if any configuration updates or firmware downloads are required.  

Here are some other devices that may need reprogramming.  This is not all-inclusive, but a place to start for you.  Again, contact your supplier or support partner if you are unsure if updates are available or required.  

• PBXs,  

• Fax machines 

• Internet dial-up numbers 

• Fire or burglar alarms 

• Security systems and gates 

• Speed dialers 

• Mobile or other wireless phone contact lists 

• Call forwarding settings 

• Voicemail services 

Will individual phone numbers change?   

No 

Will service charges change for dialing?   

No 

Is what’s considered a local now, still considered a local call when 10 digit dialing is used? 

Yes 

Do you still have to dial 1+area code for long-distance dialing? 

Yes 

Do you still have to dial prefixes (eg “9”) when dialing from a multi-line telephone system (hotels, office buildings, etc,)? 

Yes 

What about 711 and 911? 

 No prefix is needed, you can still dial those numbers like before. 

What about 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 or 811? 

If these are currently available in a given community, customers can dial these codes with just three digits 

What about National Suicide Prevention Lifeline?

They still only require 3 digit dialing for 988, but can also be dialed with their standard 1-800-273-TALK (8255)  number. 

Additional Links: 

https://www.fcc.gov/suicide-prevention-hotline 

FCC Changes Dialing Procedures in 36 States