Coming Spring: Local 10-digit dialing and New 639 Area Code for SK

As of May 11, 2013, Saskatchewan residents will now have to dial the area code plus the 7-digit number when calling locally. The move to 10-digit local dialing is part of a decision by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to introduce a second area code in Saskatchewan, (639) and will impact all service providers operating in the province.

SaskTel has already enabled its network to accommodate 10-digit local dialing. Between February 25th and May 11th, when placing a local call, you can expect to receive a message instructing you to add the area code for future calls. SaskTel will then automatically complete the call up until May 11th, at which time the call must be re-dialed to include the area code.

SaskTel is hoping to make this transition as smooth as possible for their customers by pro-actively reminding us of this change.

This means you'll need to update the area code on your contact list, cell phones, fax machines, modems, home security, equipment for the hearing impaired, speed dial, call forwarding and call blocking. You should also begin providing your 10-digit phone number on all of your personal contact information such as: personal cheques, medical forms, stationary, business cards, insurance forms, etc.

Don't forget about your advertising! Businesses should also make necessary changes to their advertising materials, signage, websites, and any other places where business phone numbers are listed.

Don't worry, your current phone numbers will not change, and long distance calling (1 + area code + phone number) will remain the same. Special 3-digit numbers such as 911, 611 and 411 will continue to be 3-digit phone numbers. Once the area code 639 is introduced, the 306 and 639 area codes will be assigned to new phone number interchangeable throughout the province.

For more information, see sasktel.com at http://www.sasktel.com/dial10/