The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the use of 811 as the national call-before-you-dig telephone number on March 20, 2005. Although implementation is expected to be completed by April 2007, states and organizations have made progress on a local, regional and national level. 
 
During the implementation phase, all service providers must assign 811 as the national abbreviated dialing code for access to One Call Centers, and discontinue use of other existing dialing arrangements for 811.   In addition, One Call Centers must provide their toll-free numbers to carriers to ensure that callers who dial 811 do not incur toll charges.

The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) has begun developing an educational campaign to accompany the national roll-out of 811, and plans to launch a campaign logo during its annual meeting in March 2006.  In addition, its One Call Systems International committee has created a team to review implementation status within each state.