BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho officials have announced workshops throughout the state to help telephone customers transition to a second area code and the resulting need for 10-digit dialing.

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission in a statement Wednesday says voluntary 10-digit dialing begins in November and mandatory 10-digit dialing starts in August 2017.

Idaho has been assigned a 208 code since 1947, and will get a new three-digit code next year.

Officials say the new code of 986 to be issued to new telephone numbers will overlay existing 208 users rather than split the state.

Officials say Idaho will run out of available numbers under its 208 code by mid-2018.

The workshops start in August and go through October. They are set for Lewiston, Coeur d'Alene, Pocatello, Twin Falls and Boise.

 

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