HELENA, Mont. (NMB) – Montana’s Public Service Commission (PSC) wants to alert the public that beginning on October 24th, all local calls in Montana must be dialed with the 406 area code to connect.
This change is due to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) order designating 988 as the new, nationwide, 3-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Since some seven-digit phone numbers in Montana’s area code begin with 988, this change was made to prevent misdials to the 988 lifeline.
Existing seven-digit phone numbers will not change, but will require the 406 area code to connect. Calls that are currently considered local for billing purposes will continue to be billed as local calls.
Fire alarm systems, security systems, life-saving systems, medical monitoring devices, and call forward settings will also need to be updated.
The 988 number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline will be available starting on July 16th, 2022. Until then, please use 1-800-273-8255 to reach the Lifeline.
