New area code for southwestern Ontario

OTTAWA, Oct. 29, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ -Starting in June 2016, the new 548 area code will be introduced in the region currently served by area codes 226 and 519 in southwestern Ontario, which includes the communities of Brantford, Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo, London, Owen Sound, Sarnia, Stratford, Windsor and Woodstock. The increased demand for communications services and technologies has led to a huge increase in the requirement for telephone numbers in this region.

The introduction of a third area code will provide millions of additional telephone numbers with no impact on existing numbers. The new 548 area code will coexist with the current area codes and will be introduced as new telephone numbers are issued.

"Telecommunications service providers will be able to accommodate the growing demand for new telephone numbers with no impact on consumers and businesses," said Glen Brown, spokesperson for the Canadian Numbering Administrator. "It is part of today's reality throughout North America and demonstrates the flexibility and growth potential of Canadian communications networks." 

The new area code will be available starting June 4, 2016. After this date, residents and businesses requesting a new phone number may get a number with the 548 area code. Numbers with the new area code will only be assigned to customers when the existing supply of 226 and 519 numbers is depleted.

Important information

• Existing numbers keep the same area code and are not changed in any way
• Local calling areas remain the same
• The 9-1-1 emergency number remains a three-digit number
• For your local calls, you will always enter 10 digits (area code + local number)
• Business customers using communications systems that restrict long distance calling will need to add 548 as a local area code.

The Telecommunications Alliance

The Telecommunications Alliance was formed to create awareness about the introduction of new area codes. For more information about new area codes in Canada, please visit the website at: www.newareacodes.ca

SOURCE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ALLIANCE

Serge Vallières, [email protected], T 514-282-4834, C 514-589-7214