Local 10-digit dialing in the 905 and 289 area codes

What exactly is local 10-digit dialing?

How is local 10-digit dialing different from what happened when 905 was introduced in the communities surrounding Toronto?

What are the benefits of local 10-digit dialing?

When do I dial 10 digits?

If I'm just calling across the street, do I have to dial the area code?

When making a local call, if I preface the 10-digit number with a '1', will it generate long distance charges?

What about the way I dial long distance?

How does 10-digit dialing affect my equipment?

Do wireless phones need to be programmed for the local 10-digit dialing?

Is Toronto the only city adopting co-existing area codes to address the number shortages?

Isn't it confusing to have two area codes in one area?

Are all new numbers in Toronto assigned the 289 area code?

Who is responsible for managing how telephone numbers are used?

Will other area code changes for Torontonians be required in the future?

Are any other area codes expected to run out of numbers?

What exactly is local 10-digit dialing?

Ten-digit dialing means every time you make a local call – even calls within 905 and 289 – you must include the area code when you dial. So rather than dialing 555-1234 for a local call within the 905 area, you will dial 905-555-1234. The same applies for local calls within the 289 area.

How is local 10-digit dialing different from what happened when 905 was introduced in the communities surrounding Toronto?

In 1993, it was necessary to add more telephone numbers in the 416 area code region. At that time, the 905 area code was introduced through a geographic split. This meant that Metro Toronto kept area code 416, while other communities that had been part of 416 became part of the new 905 area code. To make a local call between 416 and 905, some 10-digit dialing was required. Now all local calls within 416 and 905 require 10 digits.

What are the benefits of local 10-digit dialing?

Ten-digit dialing provide a practical solution, given the population and geographic density of Toronto and surrounding area. One problem with splitting an area into two area codes is deciding where the new boundaries should be drawn and which region will receive the new area code. Also, a split requires half of the population to change their phone, fax, cellular and other numbers.

Now that we have local 10-digit dialing, it will be easier to add additional area codes to Toronto in the future as needed.

When do I dial 10 digits?

You will need to dial 10 digits when calling from:

• 905 to 905
• 905 to 289
• 289 to 905
• 289 to 289
• 905 or 289 to 905 or vice versa

If I'm just calling across the street, do I have to dial the area code?

Yes. Whether you are calling across the city or across the street, you need to dial 10 digits.

When making a local call, if I preface the 10-digit number with a '1', will it generate long distance charges?

No. Your equipment recognizes a local number and you will hear an appropriate announcement.

What about the way I dial long distance?

Long distance dialing remains the same. Simply dial '1' plus the 10-digit number.

How does 10-digit dialing affect my equipment?

Numbers will have to be programmed or entered on equipment that uses automatic dial, speed dial, or call forwarding for local calls.

Do wireless phones need to be programmed for local 10-digit dialing?

Most wireless phones are able to accommodate local 10-digit dialing. Try this simple test. Dial a 10-digit local number. If the call does not go through, contact your wireless service provider for assistance.

Is Toronto the only city adopting co-existing area codes to address the number shortages?

No. Vancouver also uses local 10-digit dialing, as do several American cities. Over the next few years, as phone numbers in other Canadian area codes run out, you may see other Canadian communities using the same solution.

Isn't it confusing to have two area codes in one area?

Not if you just think of your phone number as 10 digits instead of seven:
905 + _ _ _ - _ _ _ _.

Are all new numbers in Toronto assigned the 289 area code?

The new 289 area code is being assigned to most new numbers in Toronto. But 905 numbers may also be used as they become available to telecommunications providers.

Who is responsible for managing how telephone numbers are used?

Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) was contracted by the Canadian telecommunications industry in January 1999, to act as the new independent third party Canadian Numbering Administrator (CNA). SAIC operates under the jurisdiction of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), and is responsible for managing all telephone numbers in Canada. This includes allocation of telephone numbers to the telecommunications industry and planning relief for depleting area codes.

Will other area code changes for Torontonians be required in the future?

As demand grows, and current supplies of available numbers are depleted, it is likely that Toronto - and other areas of Canada - will require additional area codes. The introduction of local 10-digit dialing sets the stage for the seamless addition of new area codes to Toronto in the future.

Are any other area codes expected to run out of numbers?

The Canadian Numbering Administration Consortium (CNAC) monitors the use of numbers in Canada. You can find more information about new area code plans at www.cnac.ca

For more information on 10-digit dialing, visit www.addthecode.com.

Back to New Area Codes