West Virginians told to practice dialing their phones

BECKLEY, W.Va. -- West Virginia's second area code is seven months away, and the state Public Service Commission wants people to start practicing 10-digit dialing now.

The agency is asking West Virginians to begin using the 304 area code for all calls, even local ones, beginning Saturday. Spokeswoman Sarah Robertson says 10-digit dialing isn't mandatory, but it is good preparation.

Local calls will require 10-digit dialing come Feb. 28. West Virginia's second area code -- 681 -- will be assigned to numbers and phone service that begin after March 28.