OLYMPIA — Required 10-digit dialing arrived in western Washington state on Saturday.
That means residents have to punch in the area code along with the telephone number to make a local call.
The change is needed because a new area code — 564 — is being added throughout the region starting Aug. 28.
The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission said Saturday was the mandatory start of 10-digit dialing for all western Washington area codes.
New telephone numbers in the 206, 253 and 425 territories will be assigned a 564 area code, starting with the 360 area code territory.