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, effective immediately.  Customers must continue to dial 1-800-273-TALK to reach the Lifeline until July 16, 2022.

In order for 988 to work in your area code, you will need to change the way you dial all local calls.

What will be the new dialing procedure?

To complete all local calls, you will now need to dial area code + telephone number. This applies to all calls within your area code that are currently dialed with seven digits.

Who will be affected?

Anyone with a telephone number from your area code will need to make this change from 7-digit local dialing to 10-digit local dialing.

When will this change begin?

Beginning October 24, 2021, you must dial 10 digits (area code + telephone number) for all local calls. On and after this date, local calls dialed with only 7 digits may 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 Line.

What will you need to do?

In addition to changing the way you dial local calls, all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment that are programmed to complete calls to 7-digit local numbers will need to be reprogrammed 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 forward settings, voicemail services, and other similar functions.  Be sure to check your website, personal and business stationery, advertising materials, personal and business checks, contact information, your personal or pet ID tags, and other such items to ensure the area code is included.

What will remain the same?

• Your telephone number, including the 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.
• What is a local call now will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed.
• 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 (relay services) and 911 (emergency services).
• Any 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, or 811 services available in your community can still be reached by dialing those three-digit codes.
• The National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline can still be reached by dialing 1-800-273-TALK.

Who may you contact with questions?

If you have any questions regarding the information provided in this notice, please call Co-Mo Connect at 1-844-99-FIBER (34237) or access www.co-mo.net for more information.  You can also visit the FCC website at https://www.fcc.gov/suicide-prevention-hotline.

Lifeline: Missouri and Federal Program

Lifeline helps make communication services more affordable for low-income households. Lifeline provides qualified Co-Mo Connect subscribers a discount on monthly telephone or internet service. The discounts will help ensure that low-income families and individuals can afford 21st-century broadband and the access it provides to jobs, education, and other opportunities.

Currently, a discount of $5.25 to a maximum of $24 per month per household is available depending on services and if located in an eligible area.  One discount on phone or internet, but not both. One benefit per household. A minimum standard speed of 100 mbps upload and 100 mbps download internet plan is available to be provided by Co-Mo Connect within the service territory.  Co-Mo Connect also offers an unlimited local and long-distance calling plan that includes standard calling features, such as three-way calling, caller number ID, call waiting, and voicemail.  Access to 911 emergency services.  Additional features can be added to the phone plan.

On December 1, the discount for phone plans will go down to zero for the Federal Lifeline Program.  Subscribers may change to an internet plan to continue receiving a discount through the Lifeline program.

Requirements include participation in at least one of these programs: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), MO HealthNet (Medicaid), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Association (FPHA), Veteran’s or Survivor’s Pension, or at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

To apply, go to nationalverifier.servicenowservices.com/lifeline. For more info, go to www.co-mo.net/lifeline. You can also call us at 844-99-FIBER (34237) or stop by our office!