It was inevitable. Alberta’s booming population has resulted in a new area code. That means two big changes are coming for Albertans when they make a phone call, and it’s going to make things a little more complicated every time you pick up the phone.
The new area code will be 587, and will be spread over the entire province for anyone getting a new listing. That means you could call someone in Lethbridge, or your next door neighbour, and the prefix would be 587.
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To make that work, Albertans will have to start using area codes all the time. Whether the call is long distance or local, you will dial the area code first in order for the call to be completed.
Shawn Hall of TELUS says, “With new competition in the industry and more and more people using wireless devices, it’s not uncommon for people to have three, four, or even five phone numbers. And there’s just more demand for phone numbers than the 403 and 780 area codes can supply.
There will be some time to get used to the new rule. It takes affect September 12, 2008. Starting in June 2008, callers who dial seven digits will be given a reminder that 10 digits will soon be required to complete a call. Existing Alberta customers will not be required to change their area code.
© June 14, 2007: Global News Edmonton
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