FAQ
Who is responsible for the introduction of new area codes in Canada ?
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- These measures are the result of decisions by the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). Local telecommunications companies are responsible for implementing the changes.
What is the new area code in the 905/289 area?
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- The 365 code will be introduced in the region now served by 905/289 in Ontario.
When will the new area code be introduced?
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- Gradually, starting on March 25, 2013, depending on demand.
Will all new numbers after this date have the new area code?
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- No. Numbers will continue to be assigned with the current area codes until there are none left.
When will it be possible for companies to reserve new numbers in area code 365?
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- The Canadian Numbering Administrator (CNA) will assign blocks of new numbers to telecommunications carriers only when all numbers in the existing area code have run out. For more details, companies should contact their telecommunications provider.
What should a company do if it wishes to add new phone lines?
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- Companies should contact their telecommunications provider.
What is the “overlay method”?
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- The overlay method simply involves adding a new code to the geographic region served by existing area codes. The three codes will co-exist, providing for a substantial increase in available telephone numbers in the region without affecting existing numbers.
Are we the first to overlay an area code to deal with a shortage of phone numbers?
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- No. In 2000, Toronto became the first city in Canada to adopt the overlay method, followed by Vancouver in 2001. More recently, this method was also chosen for several other regions in Québec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British-Columbia.
Will there soon be a shortage of numbers in other area codes?
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- Yes. Other area codes will reach capacity in the next several years. This will be the case for the regions served by area codes 819 in Québec, 204 in Manitoba, 416/647 in Toronto, 306 in Saskatchewan and 902 in Nova Scotia.
Will local calling areas remain the same?
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- Yes. Introducing a new area code does not affect local calling areas in any way.
Will current phone numbers change?
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- No. Your current phone number will not change.
What should a company do if it wishes to add new phone lines?
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- Companies should contact their telecommunications carrier.
What is the “overlay method”?
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- The overlay method simply involves adding a new code to the geographic region served by an existing area code. The two codes then co-exist, providing for a substantial increase in available telephone numbers in the region without affecting existing numbers.
Why was the decision made to use the overlay method instead of the geographic split, as was done previously in some regions?
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- Because the target regions are densely populated, telecommunications industry members and government agencies judged the overlay method to be more practical and appropriate. Accordingly, in 2010 area code 343 will be added to the 613 region, and area code 579 to the 450 region. In 2011,area code 249 will be added to the 705 region.
Isn’t it more complicated to have two area codes covering the same region?
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- Think of it this way: your phone number now has 10 digits instead of 7: the area code + 123-4567. This approach has the advantage of having no impact on existing phone numbers.
Are we the first to overlay area codes to deal with a shortage of phone numbers?
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- No. In 2000, Toronto became the first city in Canada to adopt the overlay method, followed by Vancouver in 2001. A number of American cities, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Miami and Philadelphia, have also successfully adopted this approach. More recently, this method was also chosen for Montréal and for the 418 area in Québec.
Will there soon be a shortage of numbers in other area codes?
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- Yes. Many area codes will reach capacity in the coming years. This will be the case for the regions served by area code 819 in Québec.
Will local calling areas remain the same?
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- Yes. Introducing new area codes does not affect local calling areas in any way.
How should a telephone number be written?
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- You are advised to write 10-digit telephone numbers as follows: 613 123-4567. The area code should not appear in parentheses since this may lead the caller to believe the area code is optional.
Can people continue to dial 9-1-1 in case of emergency?
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- Yes. The 9-1-1 emergency number will not change in any way and will still involve entering only three digits.
If someone accidentally dials “1” before the 10-digit phone number when making a local call, will long-distance charges apply?
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- No. The call will be recognized as a local call, and the caller will hear a network announcement to that effect.
Will long-distance calls be affected?
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- Long-distance calls will continue to be made in the same manner. Simply enter “1” followed by the 10-digit number.
Will current phone numbers change?
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- No. Your current phone number will not change.
