It's a bit of an inconvenience, but by next week it should be second nature. Starting Saturday, all local calls will require an area code. That means there are two days left to reprogram cell phones, cordless phones, fax machines and security systems with the added prefix.

Starting Saturday, all local calls will require an area code. That means there are two days left to reprogram cell phones, cordless phones, fax machines and security systems with the added prefix. Most companies involved in switching to 10-digit dialing on behalf of consumers say they've already addressed the issue, while regulators believe the changeover should be nothing more than a mild adjustment for the typical caller.

Most companies involved in switching to 10-digit dialing on behalf of consumers say they've already addressed the issue, while regulators believe the changeover should be nothing more than a mild adjustment for the typical caller. "We're hoping people will very quickly gravitate toward dialing the extra three digits on the local calls," said Anthony Palermino, a commissioner of the state Department of Public Utility Control. "That'll be the big change. I think it will become habit. I've started using it in the office in the last couple of days and I'm getting the hang of it."

"We're hoping people will very quickly gravitate toward dialing the extra three digits on the local calls," said Anthony Palermino, a commissioner of the state Department of Public Utility Control. "That'll be the big change. I think it will become habit. I've started using it in the office in the last couple of days and I'm getting the hang of it."It's a step toward a new area code - 959 - for new customers that will take effect in the current 860 area sometime next year. New customers in the 203 area code, which covers New Haven and Fairfield counties, will get a 475 area code after Dec. 12.

It's a step toward a new area code - 959 - for new customers that will take effect in the current 860 area sometime next year. New customers in the 203 area code, which covers New Haven and Fairfield counties, will get a 475 area code after Dec. 12. Starting Saturday, when a caller dials without the area code, messages inserted by the wireless or landline provider will redirect the user to dial 10 digits. The digit "1" is still required only for long-distance calls. The emergency 911 number and other three-digit dialing is not affected. And there are no new charges for the new routine.

Starting Saturday, when a caller dials without the area code, messages inserted by the wireless or landline provider will redirect the user to dial 10 digits. The digit "1" is still required only for long-distance calls. The emergency 911 number and other three-digit dialing is not affected. And there are no new charges for the new routine."It is now necessary to dial the area code, then the number to complete this call" is what AT&T customers will hear, according to spokesman Adam Cormier. The message will also be delivered in Spanish: "Ahora se requiere marcar la clave y luego el numero para hacer esta llamada local," he said via e-mail.

"It is now necessary to dial the area code, then the number to complete this call" is what AT&T customers will hear, according to spokesman Adam Cormier. The message will also be delivered in Spanish: "Ahora se requiere marcar la clave y luego el numero para hacer esta llamada local," he said via e-mail."I would not expect this to be a major upheaval for people," said Eric Rabe, vice president of media relations for Verizon. "In most states, it's already the case. And for wireless, typically people dial 10 digits anyway."

"I would not expect this to be a major upheaval for people," said Eric Rabe, vice president of media relations for Verizon. "In most states, it's already the case. And for wireless, typically people dial 10 digits anyway."Phone providers have also inserted notices in consumers' bills alerting them to the change and have posted information online, Rabe and Cormier said.

Phone providers have also inserted notices in consumers' bills alerting them to the change and have posted information online, Rabe and Cormier said."There will obviously be a little bit of a learning curve for people, but after it happens the second or third time, people are going to switch," said Philip Dukes, a spokesman for the DPUC.

"There will obviously be a little bit of a learning curve for people, but after it happens the second or third time, people are going to switch," said Philip Dukes, a spokesman for the DPUC. In 1995, more than half the population in Connecticut had to adjust to using the 860 area code instead of 203, and that took some getting used to, Dukes said.

In 1995, more than half the population in Connecticut had to adjust to using the 860 area code instead of 203, and that took some getting used to, Dukes said.The good news, according to Rabe: broadband, Internet TV and computer routers won't be affected.

The good news, according to Rabe: broadband, Internet TV and computer routers won't be affected. "We're all set up for the new dialing procedure for phone service and our customers just need to follow the procedure set up by the state," said Metrocast Marketing Manager Kathy Diaz.

"We're all set up for the new dialing procedure for phone service and our customers just need to follow the procedure set up by the state," said Metrocast Marketing Manager Kathy Diaz.The biggest adjustments that need to be made are to devices that use local phone numbers, said Rabe. That includes cell phones, security alarms and "any device where you have numbers stored."

The biggest adjustments that need to be made are to devices that use local phone numbers, said Rabe. That includes cell phones, security alarms and "any device where you have numbers stored."The William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich has been adjusting its systems since the summer and believes all the necessary changes are in place, said spokesman Shawn Mawhiney. Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London is likewise prepared, said spokesman Kelly Anthony.

The William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich has been adjusting its systems since the summer and believes all the necessary changes are in place, said spokesman Shawn Mawhiney. Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London is likewise prepared, said spokesman Kelly Anthony.ADT, one of the largest commercial and residential security alarm systems, made the switch to 10-digit dialing, toll free, for most customers several years ago, said Ann Lindstrom, a spokeswoman with the Boca Raton-based Florida company.

ADT, one of the largest commercial and residential security alarm systems, made the switch to 10-digit dialing, toll free, for most customers several years ago, said Ann Lindstrom, a spokeswoman with the Boca Raton-based Florida company.The company would not disclose the number of customers it has in Connecticut but noted it has "reached out" to the few customers who may not be prepared because their systems are older.

The company would not disclose the number of customers it has in Connecticut but noted it has "reached out" to the few customers who may not be prepared because their systems are older."Sometimes it's just a matter of getting time scheduled," she said. "Usually it can be done over the phone. If it requires a service visit, we'll do that free of charge. But it never hurts to remind people to test their security system because you want to make sure your alarm company is getting that signal through the phone system."

"Sometimes it's just a matter of getting time scheduled," she said. "Usually it can be done over the phone. If it requires a service visit, we'll do that free of charge. But it never hurts to remind people to test their security system because you want to make sure your alarm company is getting that signal through the phone system."Palermino said DPUC would be available to customers having trouble of any sort, including with security systems, but that customers should deal with the companies directly first.

Palermino said DPUC would be available to customers having trouble of any sort, including with security systems, but that customers should deal with the companies directly first."I would recommend they get to it as soon as possible," he said.

"I would recommend they get to it as soon as possible," he said.p.daddona@theday.com

p.daddona@theday.com

TIPS TO ADJUST TO 10-DIGIT DIALING

• Dial the existing area code and number for all local calls

• Make the switch beginning at 12:01 a.m. Saturday

• Continue to dial "1" plus the full number for long distance

• No added fees for 10-digit dialing

• Reprogram devices that automate dialing

10-DIGIT DIALING CONTACTS

Besides telephone and security system providers, consumers can contact the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control's Consumer Assistance and Information Unit by calling:

• (860) 827-1553

• (800) 382-4586, toll free.

SOURCE: Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control