New area code and 10-digit local dialing in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island

OTTAWA-GATINEAU, Oct. 1, 2012 /CNW/ – Today, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced the addition of a new area code to remedy a shortage of telephone numbers in the provinces of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island currently served by area code 902. The CRTC will also introduce 10-digit dialing in both provinces so that all local calls are routed to the correct area code.

Starting on November 30, 2014, customers requesting a new telephone number could be given a number starting with area code 782. Existing customers will keep area code 902 and their current telephone number.

The move to 10-digit dialing will begin in August 2014, and will be implemented gradually over the following weeks. During the transition, customers who dial seven digits will hear a message reminding them to include the area code for future calls, after which their call will be completed as dialed. Ten-digit dialing will be mandatory as of 16 November 2014.

Source: Release