709 area: Newfoundland and Labrador
807 area: Northern Ontario
867 area: Yellowknife, (including Dettah), Behchokǫ̀, and Whatì

FAQ

Who is responsible for the introduction of 10-digit dialing? + -

  • These measures are the result of a decision by the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). Local telecommunications companies are responsible for implementing the changes.

What is 10-digit local dialing? + -

  • 10-digit local dialing means that the caller must dial the area code (three digits) followed by the phone number (seven digits) for all local communications.

What regions are affected by 10-digit local dialing? + -

  • The regions covered by area code 709 in Newfoundland and Labrador, 807 in northern Ontario and Yellowknife, (including Dettah), Behchokò, and Whatì located in the 867 area code. Local 10 digits dialing is already used in all other regions in Canada.

When should residents and businesses start using the area code in local calls? + -

  • Business and residential customers will need to adopt 10-digit dialing starting April 1, 2023.

What will happen if residents and businesses dial a seven-digit number after this date? + -

  • A network announcement will remind them to use 10-digit dialing the next time. Because this message may disrupt data transmission (Internet, faxes etc.), it reinforces the importance of quickly adopting 10-digit dialing.
    Starting May 31, 2023, all local calls will have to be preceded by the area code, otherwise they will not be connected.

Why must 10-digit dialing be used for local calls? + -

  • This dialing method will pave the way for the introduction of a new 3-digits special number 9-8-8 for mental health and suicide prevention.

How should a telephone number be written? + -

  • When written or printed, the 10-digit telephone number should be visually separated by dashes, spaces or periods in accordance with international standards (e.g., 709 123-4567 or 709-123-4567). The area code should not appear in parentheses since this may lead the caller to believe the area code is optional.

Can people continue to dial 9-1-1 in case of emergency? + -

  • Yes. The 9-1-1 emergency number, where available, will not change in any way and will still require only three digits.

If someone accidentally dials “1” before the 10-digit phone number when making a local call, will long-distance charges apply? + -

  • No. The call will be recognized as a local call, and the caller will hear a network announcement to that effect before the call is connected.

Will long-distance calls be affected? + -

  • Long-distance calls will continue to be made in the same manner. Simply enter “1” followed by the 10-digit number.