New area code 873 for the 819 region in Québec

GATINEAU, QC, Oct. 12, 2011 /CNW Telbec/ - Starting September 15, 2012, a new area code - 873 - will be introduced in the area now served by the 819 code. The new area code is the result of a decision by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and is intended to meet the continuously growing demand for new telephone numbers.

"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 Glenn Pilley, Director of 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 873 code will come into use gradually after September 2012, throughout the entire area served by the 819 code. Until then, new numbers with the current area code will continue to be available and existing numbers will not affected by the introduction of the new area code.

The 819 area code serves western, northern and central Québec, including the following regions: the Outaouais, Abitibi, the Higher Laurentians, central Québec (Trois-Rivièves, Grand-Mère, Drummondville, Victoriaville) and part of the Eastern Townships (Sherbrooke, Magog).

Other area codes in Canada

Starting March 25, 2013, two new area codes will be introduced in the Greater Toronto Area. In Toronto , the 437 area code will be added to the 416/647 area codes and the 365 area code will be introduced in the area served by the 905/289 area codes. New area codes will also be introduced in the upcoming months in several other regions throughout Canada including Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

The Telecommunications Alliance

The Telecommunications Alliance was formed to create awareness about the introduction of new area codes. The Alliance is comprised of Bell, Rogers, TELUS and Vidéotron. For more information about new area codes in Canada, please consult the website at: www.newareacodes.ca

For further information:

Kristin Gable
OPTIMUM Public Relations
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