Wilkes Telephone and Electric Company and the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) are reminding telephone customers in the 706 area code that mandatory 10digit dialing will begin on April 3, 2006. This is due to the implementation of "762" as the new overlay area code to provide area code relief in the 706 service area.

Current phone numbers will not change area codes but all telephone users in the 706 area code will have to dial ten digits to complete a telephone call, whether local or long distance. All new telephone numbers will be assigned the new area code once the new code is placed into service.

Since September 1, 2005, a "permissive" dialing period has been in effect, allowing customers to dial either the seven or 10-digit telephone number. During this period customers have been encouraged to begin dialing 10 digits on all calls to become accustomed to the new dialing plan.

The PSC on June 23, 2005, issued its order calling for the all services distributed overlay as the preferred method of relief for 706, as recommended by the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) NeuStar, Incorporated on behalf of the Georgia telecommunications industry. NANPA issued 762 as the new area code assignment.

In addition to Washington, Lincolnton, and all of Wilkes and Lincoln counties, the 706 area code includes the major Georgia cities of Athens, Augusta, Columbus, Cornelia, Dalton, LaGrange, Rome, Thomson, and Toccoa.

Based on planning projections, NANPA estimates this new area code will last at least 13 years before another area code is needed in this service area.

For more information, go to the PSC website, www.psc.state .ga.us and enter Docket Number 12736 in the Docket Search section.