Area code 762 brings changes in local dialing for customers in the 706 area code region of Georgia. Because area code 762 overlays the existing 706 area code region, ten-digit dialing – the appropriate area code (762 or 706) plus the seven-digit telephone number – is necessary for local calls to complete properly.

Ten-digit dialing affects all customers in the 706 area code region. With ten-digit dialing, every time you make a local call, even within your area code, you must dial all ten digits (the area code plus the seven-digit number). Beginning April 3, 2006, ten-digit dialing is required to complete all local calls. It is not necessary to dial a “1” or a “0” when dialing your local calls.

Ten-digit dialing is necessary so that calls can be completed in the 706 area code and the 762 overlay area code. The 762 overlay area code does not replace the existing 706 area code and will be assigned only to new telephone numbers within the 706 area code region. Therefore, you do not have to change your present telephone number. Local calling areas and rates will not be affected by this change. Special services that use three-digit numbers (911, 411) as well as 1 + ten-digit long distance remain unchanged.

• Since your area code remains the same, there is no need to reprint checks, stationery, other printed materials or signs as long as they already contain your area code.

• Customers should reprogram all stored local telephone numbers to include the area code for services like Call Forwarding, Speed Calling, Call Selector and Call Block.

• Customers should also reprogram equipment like fax machines, modems, Internet connections, PBX systems (consult your PBX vendor), wireless phones or any equipment with automatic dialing features.

• Customers who have security systems need to contact their vendor to determine reprogramming needs for ten-digit dialing.

• Businesses can test their equipment by using one of the following test call numbers: 762.222.7777 inside the Watkinsville calling area or 1.762.222.7777 if outside the Watkinsville calling area.

All calls to your BellSouth® MemoryCall® or BellSouth® Voice Mail service access number, as well as your voice mailbox number, must now include the area code. Customers with voice mail from companies other than BellSouth should contact their vendor for reprogramming needs.

Call us at 1.800.964.7941 if you have questions regarding this information. If you are hearing- or speech-impaired and use a TTY, please call 1.888.341.2355 (within BellSouth territory) or 1.800.251.5325 (outside BellSouth territory).

...here’s what you need to know.

You may need to reprogram certain telecommunications equipment and services such as PBX systems (consult your PBX vendor) to reach numbers within the 706/762 area code region. Contact your communications vendor for more information.