New Telephone Dialing Procedures Starting September 19

South Carolina has approved a new area code overlay to meet the growing demand of telephone numbers. As a result, on September 19th, 2015 you will need to change the way you dial your local calls.

What is an area code overlay?

An overlay is the addition of another area code (854) to the same geographic region as an existing area code (843). You will not be required to change your area code.

What will be the new dialing procedure?

To complete local calls, you will need to dial the area code + phone number. So, if you call the Helpdesk from off campus, you will need to dial (843) 953-3375. This same dialing procedure will also apply to 854 area codes.

What will you need to do?

In addition to changing your dialing procedure, you will need to re-program your 7 digit telephone number to the 10 digit number (including area code).

Examples include:

  • Fax machines
  • Speed dialers
  • Mobile phone contact lists
  • Call forwarding services
  • Voicemail services

What do I need to know when dialing calls on and off campus?

Off Campus:

  • Dial 1 + area code + telephone number for long distance calls
  • Dial area code + telephone number for all local calls

On Campus:

  • Dial 3 + extension for all on-campus College of Charleston calls
  • Dial 9 + 1 + area code + phone number for all long distance calls

Who may you contact with questions?

You can contact Telephone Services at (843) 953-3375 press 2 if you have any questions about dialing procedures related to the College. If you have specific questions regarding the new dialing procedures you can contact Spirit Communications at CustomerCare@Spiritcom.com.