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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2006-03-15, Page 19News 10 -digit phone numbers go into effect June 17 Growing popularity of cell phones and Internet adds to high demand for new numbers THE HURON EXPOSITOR • MARCH 15, 2006 PAGE 19 Hilary Long 1111111111111511111111 People and business in Huron County and the entire region serviced by the 519 area code will have to dial 10 digits as of June 17. The 10 digits, the area code followed by the phone number, will have to be dialed .for all local communications. Due in part to the growing popularity of cell phones and the Internet, regions across North America have recently seen a dramatic increase in the demand for new phone numbers. It is not uncommon for business and families to have more than one number, driving up the demand for more numbers. Thlecommunications Alliance, which includes Bell, Rogers, Telus, Fido, Telebec, Allstream, Videotron amd Ontario Telecommunications Association, says the solution for this increase is 10 digit dialing. The addition of a new area code to a region, of which Southwestern Ontario will receive, enables the creations of over 7 million new phone numbers. The new area code of 226 will be added to this region. The new codes will be introduced starting in October and will coexist with the current 519 code. The new area code will have no affect on current numbers. Instead of dividing the 519 region which is heavily populated, the overlay method can simply be added to this area. Telecommunications industry members and governments agencies judged the overlay method to be more practical and appropriate. The new 226 area code will be introduced gradually and be assigned to new numbers only, once all numbers in the existing code have been exhausted. There are a number of things business and home -owners can do now to ensure a seamless transition. All necessary adjustments must be made prior to June 17. These include reprogramming communication functions, systems -and equipment to include the area code; providing the area code with your telephone, fax, cell and page number; and ensure the 10 digit number appears on all personal and commercial documents. Do not put the area code in brackets, this may make others think it is optional. Between June and October there will be a transition period. At this time communications using only seven digits will be connected, only after a network announcement informs the user to dial the 10 digits next time. This may disrupt data (fax and Internet) transmissions. Telecommunications Alliance recommends business adopt the 10 digit system right away. The 519 area code is not the only one being effected. Regions of eastern Ontario and western Quebec will have to adopt the method as . well. Other regions, like Toronto, already have this system in place. It is predicted North America will use the system in a few years as the number of available phone numbers decreases. The emergency 9-1-1 number is not affected, nor are 310 numbers. The 10 digits will need to be used when calling from 519 to 519, 519 to 226 (as of October 2006), 519 to 705, 226 to 226,) 226 to 519, and 226 to 705. . Long distance charges and dialing will remain the same are there are no charges when making local calls on the 10 digit system. For more information please visit www.dia110.com • 'I'IIOMPSON IJltLTIIAANE 04.31 SPRAY S FIlll{LGl.i1SS INSULA'T'ION 1t�'c I. -t11 hit, Call Ron At 519-263-2319 SCHOONDERWOERD BROS. CONCRETE LTD. Mitchell, Ontario All Kinds of Concrete Work ♦ Circular Manure Tanks + Complete Foundations + Dry Manure Storage ♦ House Foundations ♦ Bunker Silos ♦ Floors, Floating Slabs • Driveways, Patios ♦ Complete Excavation and Gravel Supply Phone: (519) 348-0530 Fax: (519) 348-4819 Cell: (519) 949-1177 JANSEN MASONRY Pete 440-0021 Harry 527-2117 prick * Block * Stone REsrortecnon Wows - Serving The Area Por Over 33 Wen; Seaforth Ontario L. *Grath Plumbing & Heating Inc. SEAFORTH 522-0493 Larry McGrath Licenced Plumber & Licenced Gas Fitter Cell Today! Installation Service Repairs This Spot Available Call the Huron Expositor 527-0240 SIL S HOME HARDWARE SUPPLIES FOR THE HANDYMAN Bottled Water Refill Station • Plumbing • Heating • Electrical • Paint CARPET CLEANER RENTAL FIRE EXTINGUISHER Service & Re -Charge Depot GLASS & SCREEN REPAIR otmt AIR For All Your Hardware Needs Main St., SEAFORTH 527-1620 Vise, MC, Home Card, AM Express, Interact BLA TYLE DESIGN & DRAFTING 1111•^114 c- - Residential and Agricultural Building Design - Certified Building Plans - Realistic 3 -Dimensional computer generated models to help see exactly what your new building or renovation will look like from all angles CHRIS BLAKE 1 8874918 • Seaforth Agricultural Society Office Hours Monday, Wednesday & Friday 12 - 5 pm • FACILITIES FOR RENT • Modem Kitchen Facilities • Wheel Chair Accessible • Over 10,000 Square Feet of Indoor Show Area FUNCTIONS FOR WHICH THESE FACILITIES MAY BE USED • BANQUETS • ANNIVERSARIES • MEETINGS • WEDDINGS • BUCK & DOES For Rental Information CaII (519) 527-1321 Fax (519) 527-0983 www.c4tha • socie .on.ca kr Elligsen ELECTRIC LIMITED FARM • !NOME • COMMERCIAL • POLE LINES • STANDBY SYSTEMS (619)346-2447 R.R#4 WALTON, ONT. Cali Bernie or Tom at the Huron Expositor to book your space on the wall. Phone, 519 -S27 --n240