British Columbia's new area code now available

VANCOUVER, May 31, 2013 /CNW/ - British Columbia's new area code, 236, will be available for use across the province starting tomorrow, June 1. This new area code is being introduced in response to the increasing demand for phone numbers in B.C., which will result in some communities running out of numbers within the existing area codes in the near future. The new code will ensure that there will continue to be enough numbers to meet the demand.

The new area code will initially be introduced slowly across the province, only given to residents or businesses acquiring new phone numbers in areas where there is no longer a sufficient supply of numbers within the existing area codes - 604, 250, and 778. Each geographic area has a different supply of numbers within existing area codes, making it difficult to determine when a specific area will begin to see the 236 area code in use.

There will be no changes to existing phone numbers, but customers may be offered a 236 number when they contact a provider for a new service.

The geographic boundaries for long distance calls and three-digit numbers such as 211, 311, 411, 611 and 911 will not be affected.

The Western Telecommunications Alliance, a group of Canada's major telecommunications companies, is working to inform all customers and businesses about the additional area code. To ensure a seamless transition to adding the new area code, 236, businesses are encouraged to begin making any necessary changes right away by reprogramming communications systems and equipment. For example, businesses that restrict long distance calls will need to reprogram their equipment to accept the 236 area code as local. Residential customers will not need to make any changes to their equipment.

About the Telecommunications Alliance

The Telecommunications Alliance is partnership between the major telecommunications companies and industry associations across Canada. The Alliance's mandate is to educate and inform consumers and businesses about the implementation of new area codes.

SOURCE: TELECOMMUNICATIONS ALLIANCE

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