CRTC to introduce a new area code in southwestern Ontario in 2015

OTTAWA and GATINEAU, QC, Oct. 30, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced that it will introduce a new area code in southwestern Ontario.

Starting on June 4, 2015, new telephone numbers assigned in the 226 and 519 regions may be given area code 548. Existing customers will keep their current area codes and phone numbers.

The Canadian Numbering Administrator previously informed the CRTC that area codes 226 and 519 serving southwestern Ontario are expected to run out of telephone numbers by September 2015.

Background

Introduced in 1953, the 519 area code covers most of southwestern Ontario, including such cities as London, Sarnia, Kitchener-Waterloo and Brantford. In October 2006, the 226 area code was added to the area served by area code 519, which required the introduction of mandatory 10-digit local dialing. By adding area codes in this manner, subscribers could keep their current telephone numbers.

Telecom Decision CRTC 2013-575

Reference documents:

News release: CRTC addresses telephone number shortage in Ontario and Alberta (November 29, 2012)

Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2012-655

SOURCE: Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

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