New Dialing Format FAQs

No. Both the 876 and 658 area codes will now be unique to Jamaica

• As of May 31, 2018, simply remember to dial all 10 digits of a phone number (658-123-4567 or 876-123-3457) when calling locally.

• Customers will now dial 658-123-4567 or 876-123-4567, instead of 123-4567. For local toll-free calls, customers will now dial 888-XXX-XXXX, instead of 1-888-XXX-XXXX – they no longer need to dial the “1” before the next 10 digits.

• This also means you must save all 10 digits of a local number to your contact list.

• Yes, this will affect both

• The change affects calls from mobile or fixed lines on all telephone networks in Jamaica

• Calls to every local number must carry the 876 or 658 area code.

The new dialling format will not change the way you are billed for calls. All calls beginning with the 658 or 876 area code will be billed at your existing rate for local calls.

The changes are necessary in order to differentiate between the last 7 digits of 876-prefixed numbers and 658-prefixed numbers.

• Between May 31 and October 31, 2018, all local networks will allow a permissive period of 7-digit dialling and 11-digit dialling for 1-888-XXX-XXX local toll-free numbers.

• However, every time you dial using the wrong format, you will hear a reminder to dial the correct way next time before your call is connected.

• After October 31, 2018, all local calls dialled with only 7 digits or a 1 before a local 888 toll-free number will not be connected and customers will hear a recording advising them to try again using the new format.

No. Billing will only commence when your call is connected to the recipient.

• From now on, you must include the 876 or 658 area code in front of the remaining 7 digits of your contact’s phone number

• This helps to differentiate between identical 7-digit numbers that can only be separated by the 876 or 658 prefix.