New area code for eastern Québec

QUÉBEC, May 23, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Starting in November 2018, the new area code 367 will be introduced in the region currently served by area codes 418 and 581 in the eastern part of Québec. The introduction of this new area code 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 growth in use of communications services is driving the increased demand for phone numbers in the region.

"The introduction of a new area code creates millions of additional telephone numbers without affecting the existing numbers," said Glen Brown, Director of the Canadian Numbering Administrator. "The new area code 367 will be added to the current 418 and 581 area codes already in use in Québec."

The new area code will be available starting on November 24, 2018. After this date, consumers and businesses requesting a new phone number may receive one with the new area code. Numbers with the new 367 area code will only be assigned to customers once the existing inventory of 418 and 581 numbers is depleted.

The introduction of a new area code in a region does not affect the local calling areas or the way long distance calls are dialed. Special numbers like 9-1-1 will still be dialed using only three digits.

Currently, the 418 and 581 area codes are serving the eastern region of Québec, which includes the major communities of Alma, Chicoutimi, La Malbaie, Lévis, Montmagny, Québec, Rimouski, Rivière-du-Loup, Sainte-Marie-de-Beauce, St-Georges-de-Beauce, St-Félicien and Thetford Mines.

Other new area codes in Canada
Starting on November 24, 2018, a new area code – 879 – will be introduced in Newfoundland and Labrador currently served by area code 709.  Other new area codes will also be introduced in the upcoming months in New Brunswick and British Columbia.

Background information
The area code 418 was introduced in 1947. Over the years, increasing demand for telephone numbers, particularly for wireless devices, has created a need for additional numbers to serve customers in this region. In response to this increasing demand, the 581 area code was added in September 2008 along with the introduction of 10-digit dialing for local calls. When a new area code is added in a region, the same phone number can exist in both area codes. Consequently, 10-digit local dialing is necessary in order for local calls to be connected and reach their appropriate destinations.

The Telecommunications Alliance
The Telecommunications Alliance was formed to create awareness about the introduction of new area codes. The members of the Alliance are Bell, Rogers ,TELUS and Vidéotron.  For more information about new area codes in Canada, please visit newareacodes.ca.

SOURCE Telecommunications Alliance

Marc-André Tremblay, Citoyen Optimum, [email protected], [phone]