Additional area code 343 for the 613 region

OTTAWA, April 14 /CNW Telbec/ - Starting May 17, 2010, an additional area code - 343 - will be introduced in eastern Ontario, currently served only by the existing 613 code. This measure is the result of a ruling by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and is intended to meet the continuously growing demand for new telephone numbers.

The two area codes will coexist within the same geographic territory. The new 343 code will provide additional telephone numbers in this area with no impact on existing 613 telephone numbers and customers.

The 343 code will come into use gradually after May, 2010 and will be assigned only to new numbers. Local calls will continue to be dialed using ten digits - the area code followed by the seven-digit number.

"The introduction of a new area code in a region does not affect the local calling areas or the way long distance calls are dialled. Special numbers like 9-1-1 will still be dialled using only three digits," said Glenn Pilley, Director of the Canadian Numbering Administration. "Introducing new area codes is part of today's reality throughout North America. This measure demonstrates the flexibility and growth potential of the Canadian telecommunications network."

The 613 area code covers a broad territory in eastern Ontario, including Ottawa, Kingston, Belleville, Brockville, Cornwall and Bancroft.

Other new area codes in Canada

The new 579 area code will be added to the geographic territory now served by the 450 code surrounding Montréal starting August, 2010. Also, the new 249 area code will be introduced in the 705 region of Ontario starting March, 2011.

The Telecommunications Alliance

The Telecommunications Alliance was formed to create awareness about the introduction of new area codes. The Alliance includes Bell, Vidéotron, Rogers, TELUS and all telecommunications service providers operating in the areas with new area codes. For more information about new area codes, please consult the website at: www.region613.com

For further information: Kristin Gable, Optimum Public Relations, [phone], [email protected]