Information on new area codes in Canada

No. Your current phone number will not change.

10 digit local dialing means that the caller must dial the area code (three digits) followed by the phone number (seven digits) for all local communications (calls and texts).

Telephone service providers are currently able to support 10 digit local dialing. Business and residential customers will need to adopt 10 digit local dialing before launch date.

Yes, introducing a new area code and 10-digit local dialing does not affect local calling areas in any way.

No. Long-distance calling will continue to be dialed in the same manner. Simply enter “1” followed by the 10 digit number.

No. Numbers will continue to be assigned with existing area code until there are none left.

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.

Numbers with new area code will only become available for reservation to customers after they have been assigned to a telecommunications carrier.

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.

The overlay method simply involves adding a new code to the geographic region served by existing area codes. The two area codes will co-exist, providing for a substantial increase in available telephone numbers in the region without affecting existing 10 digits numbers.

Yes. Most regions in Canada require multiple area codes to accommodate demand for telephone numbers. Just as New Brunswick has one area code today, adding a second area code will provide a substantial increase in available telephone numbers.

Depending on the CPE used, programming may be required to accommodate incoming and outgoing calls accordingly prior to rollout date. This will ensure that you are able to make and receive calls without any interruption.

If you would like to open a billable MAC order to get TELUS to perform the programming changes for you, please contact us at 1-877-710-0404. If your CPE system is fully managed by TELUS, we will work on this programming change, per your request, and there is no additional charge.