To accommodate the demand for new numbers for telephones, fax machines, modems, cellular phones, and pagers, area code 980 will overlay the area currently served by area code 704.

The introduction of area code 980 brings changes in local and expanded local dialing for customers in the current 704 area code region. Because the new area code 980 overlays the existing 704 area code region, ten-digit dialing -the area code plus the seven-digit telephone number is necessary for local and expanded local calls to complete properly.

Ten-digit dialing affects all customers in the 704 area code region. With ten-digit dialing, every time you make a local or expanded local call, even within your area code, you  need to dial all ten digits (the area code plus the seven-digit number). On March 15, 2001, ten-digit dialing will be required to complete your local and expanded local calls. Please do not dial a "1" or a "0" before dialing your local and expanded local calls.

If you live in the South Carolina 803, 864 or North Carolina 828 area codes, and currently dial seven digits for local calls into the 704 area code region,  you need to dial the appropriate area code (980 or 704, depending upon the number of the party you are trying to reach) for those calls to complete properly.  Likewise, local calls made from the 980/704 area code to these areas will also require ten-digit dialing. Local calling rates will not change.

Ten-digit dialing is necessary so that calls can complete in the 704 area code and the new 980 overlay area code.  The 980 overlay area code does not replace the existing 704 area code and will be assigned only to new telephone numbers within the 704 area code region after April 1, 2001. Therefore, you will not have to change your present telephone number. 

Local calling rates will not be affected by this change. Special services that use three-digit numbers (911, 411) remain unchanged

Ten-digit dialing is a unique solution to the demand for new phone numbers because it enables business and residential customers to keep their present phone numbers.  Only new phone numbers will be assigned the 980 area code. This saves on the cost of reprinting business cards, stationery, advertising materials, etc., every few years, as geographical areas run out of numbers.

Since your area code remains the same, there is no need to change checks, stationery, other printed materials or signs as long as they already contain your area code (which will be needed for ten-digit dialing).