EDMONTON - Beginning April 9, 2016, the new 825 area code will be assigned to Alberta homes and businesses where existing area codes aren't available. The new area code will also be applied if a current customer chooses to change their phone number. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission<a href="http://globalnews.ca/news/935376/alberta-to-get-a-new-area-code-in-2016/"> (CRTC) announced in October 2013</a> that it would introduce the new Alberta area code. <strong><a href="http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2013/2013-574.htm">Click here to read the CRTC decision.</a></strong> Existing numbers will not change, and people will keep their current area codes and phone numbers. The area codes currently used in Alberta are 780, 403, and 587. 403 was the original area code for all of Alberta. Then, in January 1999, the province was split into two sections, and the northern half received the new 780 area code.  The area code 587 was introduced province-wide in September 2008 and mandatory 10-digit local dialing came into effect. <strong>READ MORE: <a href="http://globalnews.ca/news/935376/alberta-to-get-a-new-area-code-in-2016/">Alberta to get a new area code in 2016 </a></strong> The Canadian Numbering Administrator estimates options for phone numbers associated with the current three area codes will run out by July 2016. "The introduction of a new area code in a region enables millions of additional telephone numbers to be provided without affecting the existing numbers," said Glen Brown, spokesperson for the Canadian Numbering Administration. "It is part of today's reality throughout North America. This measure demonstrates the flexibility and growth potential of the Canadian telecommunications network." The area code of 368 has also been set aside for the future.