Bandwidth now supports dialing 988 for suicide prevention

Note: For updated information on 988 in Canada, check out our latest Announcement or visit www.988.ca.

What's happening? 

Effective June 27, 2022, Bandwidth will support 988 as the number for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can also still be reached by dialing 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress as well as prevention and crisis resources. We are proud to support this new three-digit dialing code.

What do I need to know?

In 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted rules to establish 988 as the nationwide, easy-to-remember 3-digit dialing code for Americans in crisis to connect with suicide prevention and mental health crisis counselors by July 16, 2022. 

In 2022, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) adopted similar rules to launch 988 across Canada by November 30, 2023.

Bandwidth supports receiving 988 calls for termination from customers originating calls from the U.S. (including Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and Canada. This will not require any changes to customer rate decks. 

What do I need to do?

If needed, adjust your dial plan to ensure that the 988 short code is supported by July 16, 2022. Bandwidth will support 988 effective June 27. 

Questions?

Learn more about the FCC requirements regarding the 988 short code at the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline You can also open a ticket with your Bandwidth Support Team or hit us up at (855) 864-7776!