Beginning today, Saturday, August 18, New Jersey residents living in the 856 and 609 area codes will need to change the way they dial phone numbers on their landlines and cellular devices due to new dialing procedures.

The change was prompted by the increasing number of new telephone lines or services in the 609 area. As a result, any new lines or services may be given phone numbers from the new 640 area code. This action is being taken to ensure a continuing supply of new phone numbers.

Phone numbers with the new 640 area code will start being issued on September 17.

When the new procedures go into effect, callers will have to dial the full, ten-digit phone number for all calls. This is the case even if a caller is dialing within the same area code. Callers dialing out to the 609 or 640 area codes from within those areas will not have to dial a “1” before the area code. However, callers will have to dial a “1” for all other calls. The specific dialing procedures are as follows:

“It is important that all consumers take a moment to understand and implement the new dialing procedures,” said New Jersey Board of Public Utilities President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “Once they get used to the changes the new dialing procedures should become second nature.”

In addition, it is recommended that consumers make all appropriate changes for services, automatic dialing equipment or other types of equipment that are programmed to dial only a seven-digit number from the 609 area code. For these services and equipment it is recommended that consumers program in a one plus the area code. It is also recommended that consumers review their personal and business stationery, checks, advertising materials, websites, contact information and personal or pet ID tags to ensure they have the corrected phone number.

Rates and services will remain the same when all the changes take place.

New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) The NJBPU is a state agency and regulatory authority mandated to ensure safe, adequate and proper utility services at reasonable rates for New Jersey customers. Critical services regulated by the NJBPU include natural gas, electricity, water, wastewater, telecommunications and cable television. The Board has general oversight and responsibility for monitoring utility service, responding to consumer complaints, and investigating utility accidents. To find out more about the NJBPU, visit our web site at www.nj.gov/bpu.