10-digit dialing in CT to come soon

New Britain (AP) - Making local phone calls in Connecticut will soon take more work.

The state Department of Public Utility Control says that starting next Saturday the area code must be included for all numbers dialed, even if they are local calls.

The price of local calls won't increase, though.

The change is being made because two new area codes, 475 and 959, eventually will be added as Connecticut anticipates running out of combinations for the existing 203 and 860 area codes.

Utility regulators say people will need to reprogram their fax machines, Internet dial-up programs, security systems, cell phone contact lists and other equipment to include the area code.

The change won't affect 911 emergency lines or the 211 information line.