BELL INDUSTRY ADVISORY

August 23, 2000

No. BIA-3l

Subject: 

New Area Code and 10 Digit Local Dialing in Southern Ontario

The CRTC (CRTC Order 2000-772 NPA 905 Relief) has ordered the introduction of a new area code (289) in Southern Ontario. This area code will coexist geographically with the existing 905 area code. The introduction of 10 digit local dialing will allow existing customers to retain their current telephone numbers.

There will be a permissive period from April 7, 2001 to June 9, 2001 during which local calls within the 905 area code will be completed with either 7 or 10 digit dialing. During this period, 7 digit local calls within the 905 area code may be interrupted with a message advising of the need to dial 10 digits for local calls. These 7 digit local calls will then be completed. Local data calls dialed with 7 digits during this period may be disrupted by this announcement and could be dropped.

After June 9, 2001, all local calls will require 10 digit dialing, and local calls dialed with 7 digits will not be completed. Callers dialing 7 digits will hear an announcement, ending with TTY tones for the hearing impaired, indicating this. As well, customers in the 905 area code requesting new telephone lines may receive a 10 digit telephone number beginning with the 289 area code.

There will be no impact on the protocols for the following previously Disclosed interfaces:

None required.