10-digit dialing coming to state near you

Idaho won’t add its second area code – 986 – until late 2017.

But beginning Saturday, Idaho residents can start practicing using an area code for in-state calls, which will become mandatory in August.

The second area code is necessary to keep up with the state’s growth in phone numbers, resulting from the increased use of cell phones and technologies such as the Voice over Internet Protocol.

The 986 area code will be assigned to new phone numbers starting in the fall of 2017. Existing numbers will keep the 208 area code.

The phase-in to 10-digit dialing will include an educational campaign/SR. More here.