VANCOUVER – Ten-digit dialling is coming in June to British Columbia and Alberta, and businesses and residents in those provinces need to prepare now, says the Telecommunications Alliance.
To meet growing demand for phone numbers, two new area codes are being introduced in Canada’s most-western provinces. In B.C., area code 778 (already in use in B.C.’s Lower Mainland) is being added to the province’s current 250 area code region, and area code 587 is being added across Alberta. A second area code means people making local calls must dial 10 digits, including the area code.
To ensure a smooth transition, businesses and consumers will need to reprogram their communications systems and equipment, including telephones, wireless equipment, computers and fax machines. They should also contact their security system operators to ensure equipment is set up for 10-digit dialling, the Telecommunications Alliance advises.
From June 23 to Sept. 12, a “permissive dialling” period will help callers adjust to dialling 10 digits for all local calls. During this period, callers who dial seven digits will be reminded to dial 10 digits in future. As of Sept. 12, all calls in B.C. and Alberta must be made with the area code included or they will not be connected.
Existing customers will not need to change their current telephone numbers, nor will the geographic boundaries governing long-distance calls be affected. All three-digit numbers (211, 311, 411, 611 and 911, where applicable) will remain the same and will not require the inclusion of an area code.
