In 2008, new regions in Canada have adopted 10-digit dialing for all local calling due to the increased demand for communications services.

In Québec, regions currently within the 418 area, moved to 10-digit local dialing on June 21, 2008. Also, a new area code, 581, was introduced in September of 2008.

n Alberta, 10-digit local dialing was introduced on June 23, 2008 and a new area code, 587, was overlaid throughout the province in regions currently within area codes 403 and 780.

In British Columbia, 10-digit local dialing was introduced on June 23, 2008 as well. The 778 area code, which was first introduced in the Lower Mainland, was extended to all regions of the province and will coexist with area codes 604 and 250.

All residential and business consumers from these regions need to reprogram their telephones, cell phones and other communications equipment, including alarm equipment, fax machines and dial-up Internet connections, by adding their area codes to programmed numbers and ensuring that all calling functions, databases, etc. are compliant with 10-digit local dialing.

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT PROGRAMMING YOUR BELL PRODUCTS

Residential customers

• Programming instructions for Bell residential customers

Enterprise and SMB customers

• Centrex Products
• Messaging Services / Bell West Centrex Messaging
• Toll Free Calls
• Local Link / Intelligent Lines
• Megalink / Bell West PRI
• Microlink / Bell West BRI / GT BRI
• SmartTouch
• Private Branch Exchanges

To ensure a smooth transition to 10-digit dialing in 2008, the Telecommunications Alliance, an organization whose members include Bell and other telecommunications providers, will be spearheading an information campaign aimed at residential and business customers in Alberta, British Columbia and Québec.

Visit www.dial10.ca for more information.