Alaska moves to 10-digit local call dialing

Oct. 14, 2021

Telephone dialing is changing in Alaska. By Oct. 24, all local, in-state calls will require the three-digit area code plus the usual seven-digit phone number, for a total of 10 digits. This applies to landlines and cell phones. After Oct. 24, all calls dialed using seven digits only will be rejected. This change affects all phone dialing in Alaska.

On the UAF phone system, you will need to dial differently! The following changes are now in effect. If you haven’t started, now is the time to do the following::

  • Dial 8 instead of 9 to get an outside line for external, off-campus calls.
  • Include 907 for all in-state telephone calls
  • For on-campus, internal calls, use the full seven-digit telephone number for on-campus calling instead of the four-digit campus extension.

Does this sound confusing? You may simply dial all phone numbers from the UAF phones system as long distance and the phone system will adjust accordingly.

Example 8+1+907-555-1212 will be dialed correctly by the UAF telephone system.

Other considerations: In addition to dialing differently, please think about what services your department manages that depend on telephone dialing. For example, review and change:

  • All published contact info to include the seven-digit phone number instead of the four-digit campus extension.
  • Phone contact lists
  • Call-forwarding settings
  • Fax machines
  • Preprogrammed speed dials
  • Automatic dialers (e.g., fax machine)
  • Voicemail services and other similar functions
  • Fire or burglar alarm and security systems or gates
  • Life safety systems or medical monitoring devices

Why is this change happening?
In 2020 the Federal Communications Commission approved 988 as the three-digit direct dial code to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The new 988 hotline number overlaps with Alaska’s current seven-digit dialing plan, as the 988 prefix is also in use in many Alaska phone numbers. Nationwide telephone line customers are modifying their local dialing so that callers can more easily reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline using the 988 prefix. Be advised that until then, dialing 800-273-TALK (8255) is the number to reach the Lifeline.

For questions about the dialing procedure change, visit the Regulatory Commission of Alaska website. 

As always, your local IT service desk is here to help answer any questions. For more information, check the 10-digit dialing transition FAQ, visit the OIT service desk, or submit a telephone support request.

This version was modified Oct. 14 after its original posting on Sept. 24.