EFFECTIVE Sunday, all mobile phone calls made through IT&E are required to include the area code.
The mandatory 10-digit dialing is due to a new measure by the Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, in which “988” has been designated as the new phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, similar to how “911” is used for emergency calls.
In order to put this new measure into effect, all IT&E mobile phone calls in the CNMI must include the “670” area code.
Landlines can still make calls without using the “670” area code.
This ensures that calls to “988” reach the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Crisis Center for urgent mental health needs.
Docomo Pacific said it may implement the measure in the CNMI at a later date.
All IT&E mobile phone subscribers are encouraged to go through their respective contact list and add “670” in the beginning of all local phone numbers.
They are also encouraged to reprogram all numbers on Life Safety Systems, medical monitoring devices, P.O. boxes, fax machines, internet dial-up numbers, fire alarms, burglar alarms, security systems, and security gates.
Business customers are encouraged to update their websites, personal and business stationery, advertising materials, personal checks, and business checks for contact information and other such items to ensure that the area code is included.
