CRTC to address the projected telephone number shortage in British Columbia

OTTAWA-GATINEAU, Nov. 3 /CNW/ - The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today initiated a process to address the projected telephone number shortage that will affect British Columbia in 2016.

The Canadian Numbering Administrator, which is the authority that administers the distribution of phone numbers in Canada on behalf of the CRTC, has advised the CRTC that the province is expected to run out of telephone numbers by August 2016.

Until 1996, 604 was the only area code in British Columbia. At that time, 250 was introduced to serve the area outside the Greater Vancouver Area. In 2001, area code 778 and 10-digit dialing were introduced in the Greater Vancouver Area, before being extended across the whole province in 2008.

The Commission is establishing a Relief Planning Committee to evaluate various relief options and make recommendations to the CRTC. The CRTC will then determine the most appropriate relief plan, taking into consideration the Committee's recommendations. 

The Commission invites members of the public and the telecommunications industry to participate in this consultation. Those interested in participating can contact the Canadian Numbering Administrator at 613-563-7242 or register with the CRTC by filing out the online form, by writing to the Secretary General CRTC, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0N2, or by fax, at 819-994-0218. Registrations must be received by December 3, 2010.

Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2010-815

The CRTC

The CRTC is an independent public authority that regulates and supervises broadcasting and telecommunications in Canada.

These documents are available in alternative format upon request.

For further information:

Media Relations:
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Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]

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			http://crtc.gc.ca/RapidsCCM/Register.asp?lang=E