Hurlburt Field to change over to 7-digit dialing Oct. 30 Published Oct. 6, 2009 By 2nd Lt. Mark Lazane 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- In support of the ongoing centralization of telephone maintenance and operations, all Air Force installations will formally adopt the 7-digit telephone dialing plan effective Oct. 30. Currently, to call another extension on the installation, a telephone user would only dial a 1 or a 4 and then the phone digit extension. After Oct. 30, however, the user will be required to dial the full seven digits in the number. The processes for calling commercial numbers, long distance and calls to DSN numbers will remain the same. In addition, all previously programmed speed dialing features will need to be updated to reflect the change, according to Richard Jones, 1st Special Operations Communications Squadron chief of infrastructure. The change, mandated by the Department of Defense, will allow telephone communications to more efficiently manage services such as the 911 emergency line as well as simplify the billing process. "The switch to 7-digit dialing will provide more robust telephone services," Mr. Jones said. "It will also prevent unique outages or expensive maintenance calls. Though it may be frustrating at first, ultimately the change will be better for all involved." For additional information, please call the Base Dial Central Office at 884-5555.