10-Digit Dialing Enforced In Two Minnesota Area Codes

(KNSI) – Spectrum is now enforcing 10-digit dialing for customers in two Minnesota area codes. The move has been mandated by the Federal Communications Commission after it created a new emergency three-digit code to reach the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.

The 9-8-8 code also happens to be the start of several seven-digit phone numbers. In area codes where the conflict exists, even local calls may accidentally be redirected to the crisis line.

The issue affects the 218 area code, which covers the northern part of the state, and the 952 area code, south of the Twin Cities, including some newer suburbs.

9-8-8 officially becomes a connector to the hotline on July 16th. The mandate was first approved in 2020.

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