Is Dialing 1 Necessary?

The "1" before the area code is most often required only for actual long-distance calls. ... However, most areas not within an overlay plan can still use 7-digit dialing for local calls, although long-distance calls within the area code may have required ten or eleven digits.

Do I need to dial 1 on a cell phone?

In essence, all cell phone calls are considered "local" by all cell phone services, and the cell phone system is capable of identifying a telephone number with only the area code—no "1" is required. However, the use of the "1" is actually optional on cell phones.

Why do I have to dial 1?

You must dial “1” before making a local toll call, even if the area code is the same as yours. These calls can be carried by your local exchange telephone company or your long distance company. Some local telephone companies offer an optional bundle of local exchange and local toll service for a single monthly fee.