MONTREAL – As if remembering to turn the clock back an hour isn’t enough, many Quebecers also have to remember to dial all 10 digits come Saturday.
This marks the end of the four-month transition period implemented to get users out of the habit of dialing only seven digits (Ed note: We even remember the good ol’ days of only having to dial five). The intercept message and automatic call rerouting will be eliminated as well. The Telecommunications Alliance (www.dial10.ca) is issuing its final notice to anyone who has still not started using 10 digits to dial local numbers.
The latest statistics indicate that more than 98% of calls made in the 514/450 regions now use 10 digits, "thereby confirming the success of the campaign launched last spring by the Alliance. Exceptions appear largely due to the failure to reprogram numbers contained in communications systems and equipment memories, says the release.
"Although the response from consumers and businesses has been very encouraging, we would like to remind everyone of the importance of adding the area code to any numbers programmed into communications systems and equipment, particularly alarm systems, Internet connections and building or elevator intercoms," says Johanne Lemay, a spokesperson for the Alliance. "This will avoid disruptions to service, both before and after the target date."
10-digit dialing has been mandatory since October 14th in the 519 area code (Kitchener to London to Windsor, etc.) and in the 613-819 area code as of October 21st.
Ten-digit dialing has been introduced to respond to the heavy demand for new phone numbers in certain regions-a demand that continues to rise among businesses and consumers alike, due to both population growth and the popularity of communications tools like wireless, Internet and IP telephony services.
For the same reasons, as of winter 2007 the new area code 438 will supplement the 514 code currently in effect in the Montreal region, using the overlay method. Existing numbers will not be affected; only new numbers assigned may be given the new area code.
The Telecommunications Alliance’s members include Bell, Rogers, TELUS, Fido, Télébec, Allstream and Vidéotron, as well as telephone companies represented by the Ontario Telecommunications Association and the Association des Compagnies de Téléphone du Québec.
