Company Release - 09/29/2011 11:56
MATTHEWS, N.C., Sept. 29, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Windstream (Nasdaq:WIN) local telephone customers in the 919 area code should begin using the area code in addition to the 7-digit telephone number when placing local calls beginning Oct. 1. The move to 10-digit dialing is due to the recently approved 984 area code that will cover the same geographic area as the 919 area code.
"Windstream encourages customers to start using the area code for local calls starting Oct. 1 to get familiar with the concept of 10-digit dialing before the dialing procedure becomes mandatory next spring," said Stacy Hale, vice president in charge of Windstream operations in North Carolina.
Customers will be required to use the new dialing procedure for all local calls starting March 31, 2012. Windstream can assign numbers with the 984 area code for new telephone lines or services beginning April 30, 2012.
Some automatically dialed calls, such as life-safety systems, alarm and security systems and call forwarding settings, may require reprogramming to include the new dialing procedure.
The switch to 10-digit dialing will not affect the cost of local phone calls.
Long-distance calls are unaffected by the new area code. Callers need to dial 1 plus the area code and 7-digit telephone number whenever placing long-distance calls from the 919 or 984 area code. Emergency calls to 911 also remain the same and do not require the area code.
For more information about the dialing changes, go to http://news.windstream.com or visit the North Carolina Public Utilities Commission website at www.ncuc.net.
About Windstream
Windstream Corp. (Nasdaq:WIN), headquartered in Little Rock, Ark., is an S&P 500 communications and technology solutions provider with operations in 29 states and the District of Columbia and about $4 billion in annual revenues. Windstream provides IP-based voice and data services, MPLS networking, data center and managed hosting services and communication systems to businesses and government agencies. The company also delivers broadband, digital phone and high-definition TV services to residential customers primarily located in rural areas and operates a local and long-haul fiber network spanning approximately 60,000 route miles. For more information about Windstream, visit www.windstream.com.
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