New area code for the 450 region

MONTREAL , Sept. 29 /CNW Telbec/ - Starting August 21, 2010 , a new area code - 579 - will be introduced in the geographical territory served by the 450 code. This measure is the result of a ruling by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and is intended to meet the continuously growing demand for new telephone numbers.

"The introduction of a new area code in a region enables millions of additional telephone numbers to be provided without affecting the existing numbers," said Glenn Pilley , Director of the Canadian Numbering Administration. "It is part of today's reality throughout North America . This measure demonstrates the flexibility and growth potential of the Canadian telecommunications network."

The addition of the 579 code responds to high demand for new telephone numbers resulting from the growing popularity of communications tools such as wireless services, the Internet and IP telephony among consumers and businesses alike. The 579 code will come into use gradually after August 2010 , throughout the entire region served by the 450 code. Until then, numbers with 450 will continue to be issued until they run out.

The 450 area code, introduced in June 1998 , covers a broad territory including Laval and the North Shore, the South Shore, Lanaudière, Montérégie, parts of Estrie and Laurentians, and the Richelieu Valley.

Other area codes in Canada

A new 343 area code will be introduced in May 2010 in the geographical territory served by the 613 code in Ontario. In Québec, other new area codes have been introduced recently -438 in Montréal in November 2006 and 581 in the 418 region in June 2008 .

The Telecommunications Alliance

The Telecommunications Alliance was formed to create awareness about the introduction of new area codes. The Alliance comprises Bell, Vidéotron, Rogers, TELUS and all telecommunications service providers in the 450 and 613 territories. For more information about new area codes in Canada , please consult the website at: www.region450.com.

Geographic map of the region

http://www.region450.com/en-CA/concerned-regions-450.html

For further information: Jacques Tétrault, Optimum Public Relations, [phone], [email protected]; Source: Telecommunications Alliance of Québec