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Apr 01
0

New Dialing Procedure

By | Service Updates

Introduction of the new 572 area code

All customers served by the 405 area code should prepare for the start of 10-digit dialing and the introduction of the new 572 area code. The 572 area code will be added as an overlay to the 405 region. An overlay is the addition of another area code (572) to the same geographic region served by an existing area code (405).

The OCC ordered an area code overlay for the 405 Area Code on January 8, 2020.  An overlay does not require customers to change their existing area code but does require customers to dial the area code to complete local calls.

Beginning April 24, 2021, all local calls made within the Oklahoma 405 area code must be placed using 10 digits (area code + the 7-digit telephone number).   

Beginning May 24, 2021, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers using the new 572 area code. 

The key facts for consumers to know about the upcoming 405/572 area code overlay are:

  • Your current telephone number, including current area code, will not change.
  • If you seek new phone service on and after May 24, 2021, you may be assigned a phone number with the 572 area code. 
  • You will need to dial area code + telephone number for all local calls, including calls within the same area code.
  • You will continue to dial 1 + area code + telephone number for all long distance calls. 
  • What is a local call now will remain a local call.
  • The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay.
  • You can still dial just three digits to reach 911.  You can also dial three digits to reach 211 and 811, as well as 311 and 511, where available. 

Please remember to identify your telephone number as a 10-digit number and include the area code when giving the number to friends, family, business associates and customers, etc.

Customers should ensure all services, automatic dialing equipment, applications, software, or other types of equipment are reprogrammed to dial 10 digits if they are programmed to dial just 7 digits, and recognize the new 572 area code as a valid area code.  Examples include life-safety systems, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems, gates, ankle monitors, speed dialers, mobile phone contact lists, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, and similar functions.  Be sure to check your business stationery, advertising materials, personal checks, and your personal or pet ID tags to ensure the area code is included in your telephone number.

Important safety and security equipment, such as medical alert devices, and alarm and security systems must be programmed to use 10-digit dialing.  Many systems operate on 10-digit dialing by default but some older equipment may still use 7 digits.  Please contact your medical alert or security provider if you are not sure whether your equipment needs to be reprogrammed to accommodate the upcoming change to 10-digit local dialing.  Any needed reprogramming of alarm and home security equipment must be completed by April 24, 2021. 

Remember that all local calls must be programmed using 10-digits and add ‘1’ for all long distance calls. 

For additional information, please visit the OCC website at http://oklahoma.gov/occ/divisions/public-utility/telephone/405exhaust.html  or contact your local telephone service provider. 

Jan 23
1

National Do Not Call Registry

By | Consumer Alert

What is it?

The National Do-Not-Call (DNC) registry gives you an opportunity to limit the telemarketing calls you receive. Once you register your phone number, telemarketers covered by the National Do Not Call Registry have up to 31 days from the date you register to stop calling you.

Why would I register my phone number with the National Do-Not-Call Registry?

The National DNC registry gives you an opportunity to limit the telemarketing calls you receive.

Can I register online?

Yes. You can register or verify that your number is on the registry online at www.donotcall.gov. The online registration process requires an active email address. If you register online, we will send you an email message with a link in it. You need to click on the link in the email within 72 hours to finalize your registration. If you do not have an email address, you can register by phone (1-888-382-1222 and for TTY access 1-866-290-4236).

How soon after I register will I notice a reduction in calls?

Telemarketers covered by the National DNC registry have up to 31 days from the date you register to stop calling you.

What if I change my mind? Can I take my number off the National Do-Not-Call registry?

You can delete your phone number only by calling toll-free 1-888-382-1222 from the telephone number you want to delete. After you contact the registry to delete it, it will be removed from the DNC registry by the next day. But telemarketers have up to 31 days to access information about your deletion and add your number back to their call lists, if they choose to.

How long does my phone number stay registered?

Telephone numbers on the registry will only be removed when they are disconnected and reassigned, or when the consumer chooses to remove a number from the registry.

Apr 27
0

Consumer Alert: Caller ID and Spoofing

By | Consumer Alert
“Spoofing” occurs when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity. Spoofing is often used as part of an attempt to trick someone into giving away valuable personal information so it can be used in fraudulent activity or sold illegally. U.S. law and FCC rules prohibit most types of spoofing. Our office has been notified by PTC customers of scammers pretending to be PTC employees and asking for their personal information as making offers to sell them products. We work hard to protect your personal information by assigning every account a unique PIN number that only you and our company know. Some customers choose to add additional contacts to their account and share their PIN number with them so they can be authenticated as well. Did you know that you can authenticate the people that call you? If you cannot confirm a caller’s identity, simply hang up the phone and call the person back at a number that you can confirm as the number of the person or company. For example, you can hang up and call us at 800-522-3221 to confirm that you are speaking with a Pottawatomie Telephone Company employee. For more information on spoofing go to: http://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/spoofing-and-caller-id  For more information on Caller ID go to: http://transition.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/callerid.pdf
Mar 30
0

3 Ways to Improve Your WiFI

By | Helpful Tips

Our company knows how much your home Wi-Fi means to you and we want it to perform at its peak capabilities all day and night for you. Here are a few tips to get the most out of your Wi-Fi at home.

 

Look for Interferences

Routers often compete for airwaves with other household devices. Rival devices such as cordless phones, Bluetooth speakers, microwave ovens, and baby monitors can impact your WiFi network.  To help you pinpoint issues, you can create an actual WiFi “heat” map of your area using a free tool like HeatMapper. By the way, Netspot works for Macs. You can also use an app like the free Wifi Analyzer for Android that has a real-time signal strength meter.

 

Reboot Your Modem

Most users have to reboot their modem from time to time. If your network seems sluggish or your device will not connect to the modem. Unplug your modem for at least 30 seconds. Sometimes that’s all it takes.

 

Change Location

Another important factor that affects your Wifi network’s connectivity is its physical location. Try placing your router as close to the center of your home as possible. It’s also a good idea to keep it elevated and free from any physical obstructions like furniture and appliances.

 

You may also avoid reflective surfaces like glass, mirrors, and metal because Wi-Fi signals tend to bounce off these types of materials. Walls, especially those made of concrete, can also severely degrade your Wifi signal.

 

We Are Here to Help

Call us at 800-522-3221 to schedule a $50 installation to relocate your modem outlet or to get free help over the phone rebooting your modem. We have a 24/7/365 technical support help desk ready to take your call and local technicians available M-F 8 AM to 8 PM and on weekends 8 AM to 8 PM.