New Mexicans need to start dialing 10 digits [View all]

New Mexicans begin adjusting to a new phone dialing system that requires the inclusion of an area code. Though howls of complaints are almost assured, at least early on, there’s a good reason behind the move, said Mike Ripperger, telecom bureau chief for the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission.

In July 2020, the FCC established 988 as a nationwide, three-digit phone number for people in mental crises to connect to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Starting in July 2022, dialing 988 will route calls to the suicide hotline.
So, for states with communities that have a 988 prefix — which includes New Mexico and 36 others — dialing that number without the area code will connect you to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which could cause a disruption, Ripperger said.

“Obviously, if they didn’t make this conversation, when trying to dial 988 and reach a friend across town, you will get the suicide hotline,” he said. “That’s what has prompted the FCC to say, ‘OK, that won’t work.’ So we are going to 10-digit dialing for everybody.”

https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/new-mexicans-need-to-start-dialing-10-digits/article_37de7e34-3014-11ec-b31c-afe7e48e0846.html