10 Digit Dialing is Coming for 540/826 Area Codes

This change will affect all of Highland Telephone Cooperative's (HTC's) coverage area including the 468, 474, and 499 exchanges. What do you need to do? Very little. Starting on November 14,2021, just start practicing dialing phone numbers using 10 digits because, beginning May 14,2022, local calls made in the 540/826 area code won't be connected if just 7 digits are dialed. You must use 10 digits (3-digit area code + the 7-digit telephone number) as of next May 14. One thing people can do to prepare for the switch is to update their cell phone contacts now, so that phone numbers they call regularly already will have the area code. You may also want to update your personal and business stationery, checks, advertising materials, websites, contact information, and personal or pet ID tags to ensure the area code is included in the telephone number. What will remain the same with 540/826 area code is your telephone number, including the current area code, will not change. The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay. What is a local call now will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed. You can still dial just three digits to reach 911, if 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711, or 811 are available in your community, you will still dial these codes with just three digits.

The construction of HTC's fiber optic to the premises project in the entire Mill Gap (499) exchange and the Vanderpool area have been completed. Other areas include Meadowdale Rd and the southern end of Dug Bank Rd. HTC personnel will contact you, or you may contact the HTC Business Office at (540) 468-2131 to schedule for HTC to complete the connection to the inside of the home by appointment.

The purpose of HTC's fiber optic to the premises project is to replace the existing HTC service in the home with a new fiber optic broadband network, therefore, allowing HTC to provide the customer with faster and more reliable broadband speeds.

The construction of HTC's fiber optic to the premises project for 2022, will include the Hightown and Allegheny Mountain area.

Highland Telephone Cooperative has opened our business office to public walk-in. We encourage our customers to social distance and wear face coverings when entering our business office. HTC encourages members to make their payments either online (click on ‘Pay Bill Online’), by phone at (833) 890-6261, or by dropping your payment in the outside payment box located at our driveway entrance. Thank you for your understanding.

Your cooperation and understanding for your safety as well as our own are of upmost importance during this pandemic. We value all of our members and appreciate your business.

Since 1905, HTC has remained member owned, customer focused and service driven. We work everyday to improve the quality of life for our members and our region. We aim to accomplish this by providing a premier broadband service. You will hear more about our progress as we move forward in the upcoming year. For more information, contact our office at (540) 468-2131 or email HTC.