The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has approved a phone industry plan to require everyone in B.C. to dial 10 digits instead of seven when making local phone calls.
To date, mainly residents and businesses in the Lower Mainland have been required to dial 10 digits as the region shares the 604 and 778 area codes.
Starting September 12, 2008, British Columbians will need to dial 10 digits when making a local call because the 778 area code will be expanded to 250 areas throughout the province as the need for new local phone numbers outside the Lower Mainland grows.
Numbers with the 250 area code will not change, however, consumers applying for a new number might receive one with the 778 area code. Geographic boundaries for long distance will not be affected.
Beginning June 23, 2008, callers who dial seven digits will be reminded to dial 10 digits before their call gets connected.
All three-digit service numbers including 211, 311, 411, 611 and 911 will remain the same.