Nov 8, 2009 10:47 am US/Central
11-Digit Dialing Takes Effect In Chicago
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
Many of us forgot the new 872 area code went into effect Saturday. The change means you have to dial '1' plus the area code and phone number. CBS 2's Suzanne Le Mignot reports.
"I start to dial the number and the message comes up, like, 312, you have to dial 1 first, so it's definitely gotten me a few times," said Renee Vickers.
Vickers is slowly getting used to the extra steps it takes to do her job. She is the reservations manager at Le Colonial Restaurant in Chicago. Vickers said she made 350 confirmation calls Saturday.
"It's one of those things that, it's gonna take a while definitely to get used to. It's like when the year changes and you have to remember to write the correct new year in, it just takes time to get used to it," Vickers said.
Eleven digit dialing will be required for all local calls now. The 773 area code has reached its limit.
That's why 872 was put into effect. That also means you'll have to re-program all of those numbers you have on auto-dial.
"Something programmed in my speed dial, I got the error message, so I'm hoping I don't have to reprogram the cell phones to much, but I probably will," said cell phone user Laura Kessler.
"I didn't even think about that. All of my friends are 773 area code. And I have a lot of friends, so it's a lot of numbers," said cell phone user Monica Palermo.
You have to dial 1 and the area code, even if you're calling right next door.
Wei Chenh forgot about the change, while confirming nail appointments at Essential Nail Spa in Chicago.
"That was a little complicated just because I kept constantly calling the number, and wondering if maybe it was my mistake, or I misdialed it, or it was the wrong number," Chenh said. "That was a hassle."
It's a hassle we all have to get used to. The 773 area code was created back in 1995, when 312 was split. But dialing that extra '1' won't cost you more. A local call is still a local call.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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