GATINEAU, QC, June 5, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Starting September 15, 2012, a new area code - 873 - will be introduced in the area currently served by the 819 code in Québec. This measure is the result of a decision 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 873 code will come into use gradually after September 2012, throughout the entire area served by the 819 code. Until then, new numbers with the current area code will continue to be available, and existing numbers will not be affected by the introduction of the new area code.
"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 819 area code serves western, northern and central Québec, including the following regions: the Outaouais, Abitibi, Temiscamingue, the Higher Laurentians, central Québec (Trois-Rivières, Grand-Mère, Drummondville, Victoriaville) and part of the Eastern Townships (Sherbrooke, Magog).
Other new area codes in Canada
Starting March 25, 2013, two new area codes will be introduced in the Greater Toronto Area. In Toronto, the 437 area code will be added to the 416/647 area codes, and the 365 area code will be introduced in the area served by the 905/289 area codes. New area codes will also be introduced in the upcoming months in several other regions throughout Canada including Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.
The Telecommunications Alliance
The Telecommunications Alliance was formed to create awareness about the introduction of new area codes. The Alliance is comprised of Bell, Rogers, TELUS and Vidéotron. For more information about new area codes in Canada, please consult the website at: www.newareacodes.ca.
Source: Telecommunications Alliance
Kristin Gable
514-282-4841
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