FCC 
                          CONSUMER ALERT
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Federal Communications Commission, 1919 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20554
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                                                                                                     DA-98-1736

                                                August 31, 1998
                                                               
                  Don't Hang Up on Dial-Around
                                
                                
As of September 1, 1998, the transition to expanded access codes will be complete.  Consumers
are reminded that, to make a "dial around" call, they must dial an additional "10" before the access
code (i.e. 10-xxx is now 10-10-xxx).  Access codes enable callers to use a long distance company
other than the company the phone is programmed to use automatically for placing long distance
and local toll calls. 

Beginning July 1, 1998, long distance companies were required to add an additional "10" to their
access codes to allow for the creation of more codes.  In many cases, however, calls were
completed even when consumers did not dial the expanded code.  As of September 1, however,
almost all calls made using old access codes will be blocked.  Callers attempting to use an old
code will receive a message instructing them to redial using the new, expanded code.

Access codes are being expanded to meet the demand for new "carrier identification codes,"
numbers that are used by the telephone industry to identify long distance, wireless, and other
telecommunications providers for purposes of billing and routing phone calls, and which form part
of each access code.  

As telecommunications offerings flourish, there is generally an increased demand for numbers. 
The expansion from five to seven digit access codes will increase the amount of potential access
codes from 1,000 to 10,000.  As a result of this expansion, more companies may compete to
provide "dial around" service, which should result in more choices and lower prices for
consumers.

For more information on telephone-related issues, contact the FCC Call Center toll free at 
1-888-CALL-FCC or visit the FCC's web site at http:/www.fcc.gov/ccb/consumer_news/. 
TTY: 1-888-835-5322.