OTTAWA – Ten-digit dialing will be introduced on Monday in parts of British Columbia and Alberta to meet a growing demand for phone numbers.
The 778 area code currently in use in B.C.’s Lower Mainland will be extended to all of B.C. and a second area code – 587 – will be added in Alberta.
All three-digit numbers, including 211, 311, 411, 611 and 911 emergency service will not require the inclusion of an area code.
A “permissive dialing” period will begin on June 23 to help callers adjust to dialing 10 digits for all local calls. During this period, callers who dial seven digits will hear a recorded reminder to dial 10 digits next time they place a call.
From September 8, all calls must be made with the area code included or they will not be connected.
