State Public Service Commission officials are asking West Virginians to start dialing 10 digits starting Saturday when making a local call.

“It’s not required, as of Saturday,” said PSC spokeswoman Sarah Robertson. “It’s a time period for people to bring it to the forefront of their minds and get used to dialing those numbers.”

Voluntary 10-digit dialing begins Saturday and West Virginia residents will have seven months to practice when placing local telephone calls.

Beginning Feb. 28, 10-digit dialing will be mandatory once the state adds a second area code.

“The area code overlay means that 10 digits must be dialed for all calls, even if calling a next-door neighbor or local business,” said Dee Taylor, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in the Mid-Atlantic.

The overlay of the new 681 area code was mandated by the PSC earlier this year. The code will be assigned to new telephone lines and services beginning March 28.

“If you currently have a telephone number in West Virginia with a 304 area code, your number will not change,” Robertson explained. “The only thing that’s going to change for you is the manner in which you dial a local call.”

Robertson says it’s important to remember that a local call will still be a local call regardless of the area code.

“Whatever is a local call to you now will remain the same after the switch,” she said.

Taylor says the change might seem inconvenient to some, but there are a few simple ways to make the transition easier.

“If your telephone allows, set your number up on speed dial,” Taylor said. “Why dial 10 digits when you can hit just one? Many telephones have speed dial functions for one-touch calling. Program frequently called contacts into easy-to-remember speed dial numbers for instant communication.”

Taylor adds that contact information must be updated and address books overhauled.

“Don’t miss a beat by adding area codes to all of the phone numbers in your cell phone address book,” she said. “And make sure to save new contacts with all 10 digits.”

For a community used to one area code, the change may take some getting use to, Taylor says.

“Remember to add area codes to business cards, e-mail signatures and other materials where phone numbers are used,” she advised. “Also, remember at home that phones aren’t the only things dialing out these days. Reset stored telephone numbers for DVRs, home security alarms and Internet connectivity, if needed.”

To ensure an easy transition, make sure that friends or family know about the change, Taylor added.

“Add area codes to all phone numbers in address books before the 10-digit dialing becomes mandatory on Feb. 28, 2009,” she said. “Those needing additional help should contact their local landline or wireless provider or visit their local cellular store for individual help.”

The procedure for dialing long distance calls will not change, Robertson said.

“Also, the way you dial special service numbers will not change,” she added. “You can continue to dial only three digits to call 211, 411, 711, 811 and 911.”

Additional information is available by calling the PSC at 1-800-344-5113 or visiting the online Web site at www.psc.state. wv.us and clicking “10-Digit Dialing.”

— E-mail: fpace@register-herald.com