10-digit dialing to take effect

Starting Saturday, residents and businesses throughout central and northern New Jersey must dial 10-digit telephone numbers when making calls within the 732, 973 and 201 area codes.

The new dialing method was announced by Verizon earlier this month as a result of three new area codes being added within the same geographic boundaries of the 732, 973 and 201 area codes.

These "overlay" area codes — 848, 862 and 551 — will eliminate the need to split the existing codes into smaller areas and will allow customers to keep their current phone numbers, according to a press release from Verizon.

As a result, callers will now have to dial the area code in addition to the seven-digit phone number for all phone calls. Dialing a "1" before the 10-digit number is not required for local calls, as the call will go through regardless of whether the "1" is dialed.

Verizon has encouraged its customers to begin using the 10-digit numbers prior to Saturday in preparation of the change.

"It’s very important that customers get familiar with the new dialing method and reprogram any equipment now," said Mike Kaine, Verizon’s manager for area code customer education. "A few minutes of preparation today will ensure that their calls go through once the dialing change occurs."

Beginning Dec. 29, local telephone companies can assign phone numbers with the new area codes. Customers in the 732 region who request new phone service or additional lines will be issued numbers with the 848 area code.

Verizon indicated that the demand for new phone numbers has been "exploding" as residents and businesses have more choices about which company will provide their local phone service, and the competing companies require phone numbers for their customers.