By Associated Press
Tulsa, OK – Officials dial up new rules for NE Okla residents
TULSA, Okla. (AP) Northeastern Oklahoma residents' fingers will have to walk a little farther to call someone in the future.
Those living in the region covered by the 918 area code will be required to dial 918 plus the local number to complete calls starting March 5.
A "permissive" calling period in which local calls can be completed by dialing either seven or 10 digits begins Saturday, but officials hope residents will begin using the extended number dialing now.
On April 1, area code 539 will be available to new customers in the 918 area code.
Corporation Commission spokesman Matt Skinner says the changes are needed because officials are running out of numbers in the 918 area code.
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Information from: Tulsa World, http://www.tulsaworld.com