Anyone work(ed) for a phone company that can answer this?

[white_2kgt]

If you have to dial a 1 then the number is considered long distance and you pay, if you don't dial a 1 then it is considered a 'local' call.

I am in the 301 area code, if I call 410 or 202 I don't dial 1, if I dial 540 or 703 I have to dial a 1 b/c they are long distance.

or you could welcome yourself into the 21st century and get a cell phone, no more 1.