10 digit dialing change

[pbxNewb]

Hi,

This should be an easy one for you gurus. The state of OR is making an area code change in a few months that will require 10 digit dialing on all local calls. I've read a few topics on here that suggest using an SPN code or creating a new DRG/DMI entry and pointing it at the local RLI. I'm a little bit confused as to the difference in methods though. Assuming i want to "force" callers to make 10 digit local calling what is the quickest way to implement this?

Alternatively, if I don't want the change to impact the users (let them continue 7 digit dialing for local calls) what is the best way in this situation? I think forcing them to dial 10 digits would be best in the long run as they have to dial that way from home and it would be less confusing. However, this being a hospital it might get political and they may throw a fit and want it not to change. Let me know, thanks!

 

[telebub]

In my opinion, create either NPA's or SPN's of the new area codes. If you use SPN's, set the FLEN to 10. Leave all of your NXX's in place for 7 digit dialing. Then the users can dial either way as long as the CO will allow it either way.

War Eagle!
Lions Baseball '09!

 

[pbxNewb]

The CO will no longer allow 7 digit dialing after a transitional period. All of my NPAs are 1XXX numbers. So for local since I only need 10 digits rather than the 11 required for long distance, I would just use a 3 digit NPA (i.e. 541 rather than 1541)? How is this different than an SPN? I guess I'm not quite sure what an SPN does in relation to NPAs.

 

[telebub]

Yes, you would just use a 3 digit NPA. The only difference I know of is that NPA's know how many digits to send out. SPN's don't. That is why I mentioned to make the FLEN of the SPN be 10 so it knows how many digits. Otherwise, it waits for you to stop dialing for a period of time defined in the route before it lets the call go.

War Eagle!
Lions Baseball '09!

 

[pbxNewb]

So as soon as I add a 541 NPA (there currently is a 1541 NPA already for long distance) then it will require 10 digits from then on? i.e. if I add this NPA today, from here on out the pbx will require 10 digit dialing? What happens if they just dial 7 digits?

 

[telebub]

Just add NPA 541 and send it out the desired RLI. Leave all other routing as is. As long as the CO supports 7 and 10 digit dialing, your PBX will do both. Once the CO stops allowing 7 digit dialing, it will just stop working and the users would then have to dial 9-541-xxx-yyyy. Long distance shouldn't change: 9-1-zzz-xxx-yyyy.

War Eagle!
Lions Baseball '09!

 

[pbxNewb]

AWEsome, thanks telebub you have saved me a confusing call to our lousy support vendor.

 

[sandyml]

I'm with telebub on this. When we went to 10-digit dialing here in Central Florida (long time ago), that's the way we did it. But you will want to publicize the change during the permissive dialing phase, so users aren't caught by surprise when the permissive dialing ends.

You will not be doing users any favors by making the PBX add the NPA on if they 7-digit dial. For one thing, they will need to start 10-digit dialing from their homes, cell phones, and everywhere else. This would only lead to confusion and eventually to a mess in your PBX that you will have to clean up. If you get pressure to do that, I'd really resist -- it's a short-sighted solution that just leads to more problems than anything else.

I'm not a fan of the SPN method, either. Use the NPA (541).

 

[johnpoole]

the post are correct.. force the 10 digit.. remove the npa's. users will complain but after a week, it's just another habit.. good thing is you can blame it on the telco.

IF your not gettng great vendor support.. fire the vendor. that's the only way they (we) get better

john poole
bellsouth business
columbia,sc

 

[DarinR]

Once again, the search function finds a solution for me! I've already added the 1458 NPA (458 being the new OR area code), and was curious if simply adding 541 and 458 as NPAs would allow for both 7- and 10-digit dialing.

You guys rock! I know there is no new information or a question here, but I wanted to let you know that the information was useful.

Cheers!
Darin