NEW YORK -- Seven-digit dialing becomes passe in 2003. Starting Feb. 1, New Yorkers will need to dial "1" plus 10-digits for all local phone calls, even calls within the same area code. The new dialing pattern must be used to complete all calls within New York City. New Yorkers should use the new dialing pattern now to complete their local calls so they will remember to use 1 plus 10-digit dialing when it is required. "New Year's is the perfect day for New Yorkers to become familiar with the new dialing method," said Verizon New York and Connecticut Group President Paul Crotty. "Dialing 1 plus 10-digits now on local calls to family and friends will ensure that all calls go through once the change goes into effect." Verizon is urging its customers to reprogram their telephones, computers that use dial-up service for Internet access, fax machines, speed-dialing lists and call forwarding services and any other equipment that automatically dials telephone numbers so they'll be ready for the dialing change Feb. 1. Customers also are urged to check with their security or alarm companies and the suppliers of their business phone systems as soon as possible to make sure their systems are programmed to handle the new dialing patterns. The new dialing pattern is needed because the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that area codes must be dialed for all calls wherever an "overlay" area code serves the same area as the existing area code. The regulations were established to promote local competition and fairness in the communications industry, allowing customers of any telecommunications company to dial calls in a similar manner. Verizon Communications Inc.