11-digit dialing starts Saturday in Chicago

On Saturday, Chicago will officially start use of its third area code, 872.

And with that comes  the first day of 11-digit dialing in the city, according to the Illinois Commerce Commission. That means that residents will no longer be able to dial seven digits to reach a local number inside their same area code.

Callers will have to dial 1 plus the area code and the number to complete a call in the city.

The 872 code joins the 312 and 773 area codes within Chicago city limits.

The city Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection advises residents and businesses to prepare for 11-digit dialing by making sure equipment with automatic dialing features is programmed with all 11-digits for each telephone number.

--Associated Press

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