Introduction of local 10-digit dialing and a new area code in New Brunswick deferred

Recent numbering forecast indicates that area code 506 will not reach capacity this year

FREDERICTON, May 20, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - On April 24, 2020, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) issued Telecom Decision CRTC 2020-135 recommending that the introduction of the new area code 428 in New Brunswick, initially planned for November 21, 2020, be deferred. Based on the most recent numbering forecast, there is no requirement to add a new area code this year, as was announced in May 2019.

Various factors such as population and economic growth, plans for new services and changes in market share impact the actual and projected needs for additional telephone numbers.

"The postponement of the introduction of the new area code means there is no immediate need for customers to prepare equipment to accommodate 10-digit dialing," said Kelly Walsh, Director of the Canadian Numbering Administrator. "However, telecommunications companies in New Brunswick are already prepared and can support local 10-digit dialing for those who have started to reprogram their equipment."

The Telecommunications Alliance
Major telecommunications service providers have joined forces to develop communications campaigns to inform Canadians about the introduction of new area codes throughout Canada. For more information, please visit dial10.ca.

SOURCE Telecommunications Alliance

For further information: Fanny Laurin, [email protected], 514 809-5103