10-Digit Local Dialing

Coming June 17th, 2006

On June 17, 2006, 10-digit local dialing – the area code followed by the telephone number – will be introduced in regions served by area codes 519 and 613 in Ontario, and 450, 514 and 819 in Quebec.  As of this date, callers will be required to dial the area code followed by the 7-digit telephone number for all local communications.

The Telecommunications Alliance is providing this reminder of the key steps you need to take to ensure a seamless transition to 10-digit dialing. All that is required is a little preparation and a simple change in habits. This new dialing mode will have no impact on existing phone numbers, local calling areas or long-distance charges.   

Growing demand for phone numbers

Why is this new dialing method being adopted? The answer is simple: 10-digit local dialing makes it possible to meet the growing demand for new telephone numbers, which has increased dramatically in recent years. In short, 10-digit local dialing paves the way for the addition of a new area code to a given region, thus doubling the number of phone numbers available in that region. To all appearances, this dialing method will soon be the standard across North America.

New area codes added to the 519 and 514 regions

To meet growing demand new area code 226 will be added to the region served by the 519 area code in south-western Ontario while area code 438 will be added to the 514 region serving the Island of Montreal. These new area codes will be introduced in October 2006 and will coexist, or cohabitate, with the current codes within the same geographic area.  The two regions are following in the footsteps of the greater Toronto and Vancouver areas, which have both successfully undergone similar changes in recent years.

The overlay method: the preferred solution

This method of adding new area codes is known as “overlay”.  Contrary to a geographical split, the overlay method has no impact on existing phone numbers – a great advantage.  The new area code added in each region will be assigned only to new telephone numbers. Once the new area codes are introduced, telecommunications companies will allocate new phone numbers using either the new or existing area code, depending on availability, until all numbers in the existing area codes have been exhausted.

Get ready now

Consumers as well as businesses need to prepare for 10-digit dialing. Some communications equipment and telephone functions (auto-dialing, speed dialing, call forwarding, etc.) must be reprogrammed to include the area code in order to accommodate 10-digit dialing and ensure that all local calls are connected.  All necessary adjustments must be made before 10-digit dialing is introduced on June 17, 2006.  In some cases, telephone-activated databases (members, employees, clients, etc.) will also need to be reprogrammed.

Between June and October 2006, there will be a four-month transition period during which communications using only seven digits will be connected, but only after a network announcement prompts callers to dial all 10 digits the next time. Consumers and businesses should be aware that this message may disrupt data transmission (faxes, Internet, etc.). To avoid any inconveniences, we recommend that you program your communications equipment and adopt 10-digit dialing right away. 

Through this information campaign, the Telecommunications Alliance – whose members include Bell, Rogers, TELUS, Fido, Télébec, Allstream and Vidéotron, as well as the telephone companies represented by the Ontario Telecommunications Association (WTC Communications) and the Association des Compagnies de Téléphone du Québec – aims to encourage businesses and consumers to take all the necessary steps to prepare for 10-digit dialing as quickly and seamlessly as possible.