Newfoundland and Labrador join 10-digit club ahead of new telephone area code
ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — One of Canada’s last bastions of local seven-digit dialing will soon be no more.
People in Newfoundland and Labrador were told Tuesday that local 10-digit dialing — including the area code and the phone number — will begin on Aug. 17, 2018.
The Telecommunications Alliance, a group of major Canadian telecommunications companies, says the change is to prepare for the new 879 area code approved in February, which will serve the same area as the province’s long-time 709 area code.
“Most regions in Canada have already successfully transitioned to local 10-digit dialing and we are confident these changes will be seamless for residents and businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Glen Brown, the Canadian numbering administrator.