MANDATORY 10-DIGIT DIALING IS ALMOST HERE

Beginning September 8th, callers will no longer hear a reminder message when forgetting to dial the area code before all phone numbers. Thankfully, it looks like Albertan's wont have a problem with the adjustment. At the end of August, 96% of all local phone calls placed in Alberta were made using 10-digits. It's possible the remaining 4% of calls are being made on auto-dialers, computers, fax machines and speed dials that have not yet been re-programmed. 10-digit dialing is to be fully implemented between September 8th and 12th.

To help make the transition easier, remember to re-program various communications systems and equipment including:

– Speed dial lists

– Modems and Internet Connections

– Telephones, including call options and functions (e.g. call forwarding)

– Computers and fax machines

– Databases

– Auto-dial systems

– Cellular phones and other wireless devices

It's also a good idea to contact your alarm company to ensure that your security systems are set up for 10-digit dialing.

To meet growing demand for new phone numbers, the "587" area code will be introduced across the province. If you sign up for a new phone number, you may receive this new area code if no current area code telephone numbers are available in your area. This means, residents of both the "780" and "403" regions may receive a "587" area code. No one will be required to change their current in-use phone numbers.

All three-digit numbers, including 211, 311, 411, 611, and 911 emergency service (where applicable) will remain the same and will not require the inclusion of an area code. Additionally, the geographic boundaries that govern long distance will not change.

The Telecommunications Alliance, a grouping of Canada’s major telecommunications companies, is working to inform all consumers and businesses about the upcoming change to 10-digit dialing.

For more information on the changeover to 10-digit dialing, please visit www.dial10.ca.