By Alex Davidson
“What we call ‘Progress’ is the exchange of one nuisance for another nuisance.” – Havelock Ellis
Beginning Feb. 1, all people in Queens and the rest of the city will have to dial 11 instead of seven digits to make a telephone call — even if the person is right next door.
The change is due to new rules by the Federal Communications Commission that have made it necessary to dial 1 plus any area code to complete all telephone calls regardless of geographic location. The FCC implemented 11-digit dialing to ensure fair competition among local phone companies.
Daniel Diaz Zapata, spokesman for Verizon, said his company conducted an extensive education campaign and set up toll-free numbers in English and Spanish to assist its customers during the transition to 11-digit dialing.
“People are already dialing 1 plus an area code when they’re using their mobile phones,” he said. “The key here is to remember to do it now with home telephones.”
The area codes covering Queens are 718, 347 and 917.
Zapata emphasized that the federal government was responsible for the change, not the private telephone companies. He said there would be no change in the rates as a result of the dialing change, meaning the price for local and toll calls will remain the same.
“Dialing for 911 and 411 will not change either,” he said.
New York City is served by five area codes, 917, 212, 646, 718 and 347. Calls placed after Feb. 1 using only seven digits will not go through and instead will be directed to a recorded message reminding callers to dial an area code before the seven-digit number.
Zapata advised all telephone users to update anything that uses automatic dialing, such as fax machines and dial-up Internet connections. He also said people should check their security and alarm systems.
The New York State Public Service Commission has set up a number to help assist New Yorkers with the change. Those with any problems can call 1-888-Ask-PSC1.
Verizon set up the following numbers for anyone with questions: 1-800-322-3558 for English and 1-800-882-7818 for Spanish. Those with hearing problems can call 1-800-299-2630.
Reach reporter Alex Davidson by e-mail at TimesLedger@aol.com or by phone at 1-718-229-0300, Ext. 156
