Residents of Wisconsin will need 10 digits to make local calls

MILWAUKEE – Residents of Wisconsin will need to dial 10 digits to make local calls starting this fall.

Currently, residents of Wisconsin can call a number in the same area code without dialing the area code. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that starting October 23, people will need to include the area code in all calls.

The change will affect both landlines and cell phones in Wisconsin’s six area codes, including 262, 414, 534, 608, 715 and 920. Two dozen more states that have not switched to dialing at 10 digits will also be affected.

The change is because the Federal Communications Commission is establishing 988 as the new national telephone number for suicide prevention and mental health assistance.

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