Press Release Details

As a global leader in business communications, Mitel makes it our priority to ensure customers have visibility into the latest regulatory guidelines to assure both compliance with local government requirements and a high-quality communications experience. This advisory coversMitel’s implementation of new, mandatoryFCC 10-digit dialing procedures that carriers are permitted to implementfor customers in specific area codes across the United States between October 24, 2021, and July 16, 2022. 

On July 16, 2020, the FCC adopted an Order (FCC 20-100) approving 988 as the three-digit abbreviated dialing code to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline starting July 16, 2022. The Order requires all telecommunications carriers, interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers, and one-way VoIP providers (covered providers) to make any network changes necessary to ensure that users can dial 988 to reach the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by July 16, 2022. Mitel has implemented 998. 

In addition to the FCC order, Mitel has implemented the 933 emergency testing service which is used during the onboarding process. This courtesy text-to-speech service provides confirmation of the telephone number and location provisioned with the emergency service provider. This means that the mandatory 10-digit dialing directive above applies to NPAs that use both 7-digit dialing, 933, and 988 as a prefix.

For 988 and 933 to work properly,10-digit local dialing must be implemented, meaning that Customers must dial area code + telephone number for all calls, even those within their same area code.

Mitel is not disabling 7-digit dialingon October 24, 2021, but westronglyrecommend any customer currently using 7-digit dialing to upgrade to 10-digit dialing as soon as possible, as calls using the 988 or 933 prefix will immediately be routed to Suicide Hotline or Emergency Testing System(and will not be completed).Mitel will provide sufficient notice to partners and customers beforeenforcing10-digits dialing (area code + telephone number, or 1+10-digits) for all local calls(“theMitel enforcement date”).On and after the Mitel Enforcement Date,local calls dialed with only 7-digits willnot be completed.

Equipment that customers and partners need to consider

As of the Mitel Enforcement Date,important safety and security equipment such as medical alert devices, and alarm and security systemsmust be programmed to use 10-digit dialing. While many of these systems may operate on 10-digit dialing by default,some older equipment using 7-digit dialing may need to be reprogrammed. Mitel recommends updating all safety and security equipment programmed to use 7-digitdialing to use 10-digit dialing immediately. Customers should contact theirmedical alert or security provider if they are uncertain as to whether equipment needs to be reprogrammed to accommodate the upcoming change to 10-digit local dialing.  

Customers should also be aware that theyneed toreprogram other devicessuch asPBXs, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, fire or burglar alarm and security systems or gates, speed dialers, mobile or other wireless phone contact lists, call forwarding settings, voicemail services and other similar functions using 7 digit-dialing to use 10 digital dialing before the Mitel Enforcement Date.For optimalaccessibility, customers and consumers should also validate thatany websites, personal and business stationery, advertising materials, personal and business checks, contact information, personal or pet ID tags, and other such items are listed with the appropriate area code.

Mitel customers with questions regarding this information or Mitel’s services can contact Mitel Customer Support at 1-888-322-3822 for MiCloud Business, MiCloud Connect, or Sky, Customers with MiCloud Flex, MiCloud Office, or Network Services can contact Mitel Customer Support at 1-800-722-1301. Additional information is also available onthe FCC website at https://www.fcc.gov/suicide-prevention-hotline.