Additional area code 579 soon to be assigned to new telephone numbers in the
450 region

MONTREAL, Aug. 23 /CNW Telbec/ - As of Saturday, August 21, the new 579 area code is officially available for new telephone numbers in the geographical territory served by the 450 code in Québec. Increasing demand for telephone numbers, particularly for wireless devices, has created a need for additional numbers to serve customers in the 450 region.

The 579 area code will coexist with the 450 code and will come into effect as new telephone numbers are introduced. It is important to note that 450 numbers will continue to be assigned for the next few months until the area code has officially reached capacity.

The new 579 area code will provide additional telephone numbers in the 450 area with no impact on existing telephone numbers and customers.

"It is important to remind everyone that the new 579 area code is now operational and that the first blocks of telephone numbers will be allocated to the telecommunications service providers over the coming months for assignment to their customers," said Glenn Pilley, Director of the Canadian Numbering Administration.

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. Local calls, including local calls from a 450 number to a 579 number, will be made via 10-digit dialling.

The 450 area code covers a broad territory including Laval and the North Shore, the South Shore, Lanaudière, Montérégie, parts of Estrie and Laurentians, and the Richelieu Valley. The 450 region surrounds Montreal area codes 514 and 438.

Other new area codes in Canada

The introduction of new area codes is an increasingly common occurrence throughout North America. As such, it is not surprising that this is taking place in several regions in Canada.

The new 343 area code was added in May 2010 to the geographic territory served by the 613 code in Eastern Ontario. The new 249 area code will be introduced in the 705 region of Ontario starting March 2011. In 2013, the new 873 code will be introduced in the 819 region of Québec and a third area code - 365 - will be introduced in the region served by the 289 and 905 area codes in Ontario.

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.region450.com.

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