Solarus would like to remind all of its customers that the 534 area code is being added to the area currently served by the 715 area code. Beginning July 17th, all local calls must be dialed using the correct area code followed by the 7 digit telephone number. Dialup internet customers should remember that this includes the phone number your computer dials to connect to the internet.
Starting last fall, the new dialing procedure was put into effect on a ‘permissive’ basis. All customers should begin using the new dialing procedure (area code + 7-digit telephone number) when placing local calls now, before the July 17, 2010 implementation date. If customers forget and use the old dialing procedure (dialing just 7 digits), calls will still complete.
Beginning July 17, 2010, customers must use the new dialing procedure for all local calls. After this date, if customers do not use the new dialing procedure, calls will not complete and a recording will instruct them to hang up and dial again.
Starting August 14, 2010, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the new 534 area code and it will be necessary to dial the area code + 7-digit telephone number for all local calls from the 715 and 534 area codes.
Customer telephone numbers, which include the area code, will remain the same. The price of a call, local and long-distance calling areas and other rates and services of your telecommunication provider will not change as a result of the Area Code Overlay. What is a local call now will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed. You will still dial just three digits to reach 911. If the 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 and 811 numbers are currently available in your community, or from your provider, you will still dial them with just three digits.
As a result of the overlay, a new local dialing procedure requires callers to dial area code + telephone number.
As a business customer of Solarus, you should be set up to dial ten digits at this time. Please start to
use ten digits when dialing to ensure that you are ready when the cut over happens and to get into
the habit. If there are any issues that arise, please give Solarus a call at 715-421-8145.
It may be necessary for a Solarus Technician to come to your location to correct phone system programming for phones restricted to local calls only. These may be phones in public areas like your break room or lobby for example. Making test calls prior to the deadline will help you to determine if service work is required. You can schedule a time by calling 715-421-8145.
If you are a maintenance customer of Solarus, the service call will be no charge. For customers not
in maintenance, time and material charges will apply if reprogramming is required.
Solarus is the largest independent telephone company in Wisconsin and has delivered innovative telecommunications products to residents and businesses for more than 110 years.