Touble Dialing 2-1-1
Why can’t I dial 2-1-1 from my cell phone?
Currently, the number 2-1-1 is not accessible from all cell phone service providers. Cell phone providers must program access to the 2-1-1 number in order for it to work. If 2-1-1 does not work from your cell phone, contact your cell phone provider and tell them how much you would appreciate being able to access 2-1-1 from your cell phone. In the meanwhile, please use our toll free number – 1-800-926-2588.
2-1-1 is independent from state to state. Be aware that if the town you live in is close to a neighboring state, your cell phone service tower may be in that neighboring state. If your cell phone service tower is in another state, and your call is routed to that state, please use the toll free number – 1-800-926-2588.
Why can’t I dial 2-1-1 from my work phone?
Do you have an in-house office telephone network? You do if you dial a “9” or “8” to get an outside line. If dialing 2-1-1 is not working from your business line, contact your company’s technical service department and request they enter the ”2-1-1” number into your phone system. This allows your telephone system to recognize “2-1-1” as a legitimate dialing code. Similar to cell phones, businesses must program access within their private phone systems in order to access the 2-1-1 number. In the meanwhile, please use our toll free number – 1-800-926-2588.
Isn’t 2-1-1 the number I should use to report a broken pay phone?
No. The 2-1-1 number was previously used by pay phone providers as a way for callers to report a broken pay phone. As of 2001, the 2-1-1 number was designated for use as as an easy-to-remember three-digit telephone number meant to provide information and referrals to health and human related services.
To report a broken pay phone in Idaho, dial 6-1-1 or 1-888-766-6045.