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Starting now, the public must dial 10 digits for local calls in regions served by area codes 450, 514 and 819 in Québec and 519 and 613 in Onta30 March 2006
Starting now, the public must dial 10 digits for local calls in the regions served by area codes 450, 514 and 819 in Québec and 519 and 613 in Ontario. The new dialing method will also apply to local calls from the 418 region to the 819 region and to local calls from the 705 region to the 519, 613 and 819 regions. As of this June 17, people who do not dial the 10 digits will hear a recorded message prompting them to dial the area code followed by the seven-digit local number on all subsequent calls. Their call will then proceed, but this message could disrupt certain communications such as data transmission (faxes, Internet, etc.).
"Ten-digit dialing is an important issue in that it affects more than six million residents in the regions served by area codes 450, 514, 819 and 418 in Québec and over 2.5 million residents in the 519, 613 and 705 regions in Ontario, in addition to the people working and the companies operating in those areas," stated Johanne Lemay, consultant and spokesperson for the Telecommunications Alliance for its 10-digit local dialing communications campaign. "It is imperative that consumers and businesses understand the urgency of reprogramming their systems and communications equipment prior to June 17, in order to avoid any inconveniences caused by the changes," she added.
Reprogramming for consumers and businesses
All consumers and businesses in the affected regions must add the appropriate area code to all telephone numbers programmed in their various communications systems and equipment, including telephones, wireless equipment, computers and fax machines. They must also contact their alarm company to ensure that their alarms and security systems are already reprogrammed for 10-digit dialing. Consumers and businesses can also find useful information on the www.dial10.ca website.
The situation in the 450, 819 and 613 regions (Québec)
The 450 region will bring its dialing system into line with that of its neighbouring regions. The 450 population already uses 10-digit dialing for local communications with the 514 region.
In the 819 and 613 regions, adopting 10-digit dialing will mean that the same telephone numbers can be used - for example, (819) 123-4567 or (613) 123-4567 - in adjacent sectors such as Gatineau and Ottawa, where the population currently uses seven digits for local communications. This will create thousands of new numbers.
New area codes: 438 (Québec) and 226 (Ontario)
Ten-digit dialing paves the way for the adoption of new area codes in the 514 region of Montréal and the 519 region of southwestern Ontario. Starting in October 2006, new area codes 438 and 226 will be added to the 514 and 519 regions, respectively. The new codes will be assigned only to new numbers once the 514 and 519 area code numbers are exhausted.
Increasing demand for new numbers
Local 10-digit dialing is necessary due to the high demand for new telephone numbers and to provide a uniform local dialing method between adjacent regions. This will free up thousands of telephone numbers and lead to new area codes being added when necessary.
This measure is the result of a decision by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). Ten-digit dialing has already been introduced in other Canadian regions and will soon become the norm across North America.
The Telecommunications Alliance
The Telecommunications Alliance, whose members include Bell, Rogers, TELUS, Fido, Télébec, Allstream and Vidéotron, as well as telephone companies represented by the Ontario Telecommunications Association and the Association des Compagnies de Téléphone du Québec, was formed to spearhead this communications initiative.
From now until the introduction of 10-digit dialing on June 17, 2006, the Telecommunications Alliance will continue its information campaign, which includes elements such as a website, www.dial10.ca, where businesses and consumers can find a wealth of information.
CHECKLIST - 10-DIGIT DIALING
RESIDENTIAL
You can already begin reprogramming your telephone equipment and adding the area code to all programmed numbers in your telecommunications equipment. Following is a partial list of functions and equipment to consider:
- Speed-dialing lists - Equipment for the - Telephone options
hearing impaired and functions
- Cellular phones and (such as call
other wireless devices - Alarm and security forwarding,
systems(*) call blocking,
- Modems and Internet call display, etc.)
dial-up systems - Fax machines
Include your 10-digit phone numbers on your personal cheques, stationery and insurance policies. Remember to always specify your area code whenever you give out your telephone, cellular phone or pager numbers.
BUSINESS
You can already begin reprogramming your functions and equipment and adding the area code to all your numbers. Here is a partial list of functions and equipment to consider:
- Speed-dialing lists - Modems and Internet dial-up systems
- Telephone options and - Equipment for the hearing impaired
functions (such as call
forwarding, call blocking, - Cellular phones and other wireless
call display, etc.) devices
- Fax machines - Alarm and security systems(*)
- Auto-dialing systems - Private branch exchanges and
voice messaging
- Databases (employees,
partners, suppliers,
customers, etc.)
Communicate your 10-digit telephone numbers to employees, clients, suppliers, local affiliate companies and to people who use a foreign exchange line to call you toll-free.
Update your work documents and other communications tools: stationery, business cards, invoices and cheques, advertisements, brochures, catalogues, business directories, local telephone directories, vehicles, signage and websites and intranet.
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IMPORTANT
All adjustments should be made before the recorded announcement is introduced, i.e. before June 17, 2006, since the announcement may disrupt data transmissions.
NEED HELP?
Contact your service provider for details on how to reprogram your telecommunications devices and systems. Some charges may apply in certain cases, depending on your service agreement.
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(*)When 10-digit dialing is introduced, some systems may not forward emergency calls to the security company. It is crucial that you update the numbers to ensure they function properly.
For further information: Annie Jolicoeur, Optimum Public Relations, (514) 985-8256, quebecmedia@dial10.ca, ontariomedia@dial10.ca; Cristine Tessier, Optimum Public Relations, (514) 985-8204, quebecmedia@dial10.ca, ontariomedia@dial10.ca
Source: newswire
All trademarks and copyrighted information contained herein are the property of their respective owners.
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