What you need to know about the new dialing procedure

Starting October 24, 2021, there will be a new dialing procedure. All Guam and CNMI mobile subscribers must include the area code in all outgoing calls. Guam subscribers must dial 671, then the number. CNMI subscribers must dial 670, then the number. If the area code is not dialed, the call will not go through.
CNMI landline subscribers will not be affected. 

CNMI

670-123-4567

Guam

671-123-4567

10-digit dialing pattern

Frequently Asked Questions

What will be the new dialing procedure?

To make any landline and mobile calls on Guam subscribers will now need to dial 671 + telephone number.  Ex: 671-123-4567

To make any calls from mobile lines, CNMI subscirbers will now need to dial 670 + telephone number. Ex: 670-123-4567.
In the CNMI, the new dialing procedure does not apply to calls made from landlines. 
Who will be affected?

All Guam mobile and landline numbers from all providers will be affected.

When will the change begin?

Beginning April 24, 2021, you should begin dialing 10 digits for all calls in Guam and outgoing calls from mobile lines in the CNMI to start getting into the habit. If you forget and dial just 7 digits, your call will still be completed.

Beginning October 24, 2021, you must dial 10-digits for all calls in Guam and outgoing calls from mobile lines in the CNMI. On and after this date, local calls dialed with only 7-digits will not be completed, and a recording will inform you that your call cannot be completed as dialed.  You must hang up and dial again using the area code and the 7-digit number.

Beginning July 16, 2022, dialing 988 will route your call to the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline and connect you to the certified lifeline center operated from the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center.

Why is it now mandatory to dial the area code?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted 988 as a new three-digit number to be used nationwide to reach the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline, starting July 16, 2022.

Since 988 is the prefix (first three numbers) of many mobile numbers in Guam, dialing the area code is required to prevent calls from accidently being transferred to the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline.

The FCC is requiring all affected states and territories that use the 988 prefix to start requiring the use of 10-digit dialing starting October 24, 2021.

What else will you need to do?

In addition to changing the way you dial local calls, you should reprogram all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment that are programmed to complete calls to 7-digit local numbers to complete calls to 10-digit numbers.

Some examples are life safety systems or medical monitoring devices, PBXs, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, fire or burglar alarm and security systems or gates, speed dialers, mobile or other wireless phone contact lists, call forwarding settings, voicemail services and other similar functions.

Be sure to check your personal and business stationery, personal and business checks, contact information, your personal or pet ID tags, and other such items to ensure your area code is included.

What will remain the same?
• Your telephone number, including current area code, will not change.
• The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the dialing change.
• You will continue to dial 1+ area code + telephone number for all long-distance calls.
• You can still dial just three digits to reach 711 (TTY-based telecommunications relay service) 611 (trouble ticket service) and 911 (emergency services).
• 411 directory service and 611 trouble ticket service can still be reached by dialing the three-digit codes.
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can still be reached by dialing 1-800-273-TALK (8255) until July 16, 2022.
Who can you contact with questions?

If you have any questions regarding information provided in this notice, you can CHAT with us or call us at (671) 922 -4483 for more information.