Voip Blog
How We Dial Phone Numbers In The U.S.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Surprisingly, after all these years, we still do not have a consistent method for dialing telephone numbers in every U.S. location. In some areas, you need 7 digits, in others, you need 10 or 11 digits. Why can't we be the same?
Remember that in the last article, I talked about area code splits and overlays. In areas where overlay codes exist, 10 digit dialing is mandatory. In areas where there isn't overlay codes, 7 digit dialing is usually ok. 10 digit dialing may be allowed in these areas--particularly if the areas are preparing for overlay codes.
And then, of course, there's 11 digit dialing--dialing a 1 plus the area code and number. The 1 historically signified dialing long distance, which is why the first digit of either an area code or a prefix cannot be a zero or a one. In some areas--San Francisco Bay Area comes to mind--you have to dial 11 digits if you're calling a different area code even if the call ends up being a local call.
Back when I was a kid in the San Francisco Bay Area, I would occasionally call numbers that were long distance, but within the same area code. I had to dial a 1 first so that I knew--and the system knew--I was dialing long distance. Now the 1 is dropped from calls within the same area code--even if the call is long distance, and yes, I've unknowingly been billed for these calls!
Of course with voip.com, you don't have to worry about where a call is long distance or not--calls anywhere in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico are included! Also, voip.com allows you to dial your numbers however you want: 7 digit, 10 digit, or 11 digit. Just dial as normal, and your call will connect.
