Today SaskTel would like to remind their customers that 10-digit local dialing, the area code plus the 7-digit number, will be required for all local calls in Saskatchewan beginning May 11, 2013. The move to 10-digit local dialing is part of a decision by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to introduce a second area code in Saskatchewan, (639) and will impact all service providers operating in the province.
To help customers prepare for the transition to 10-digit local dialing, SaskTel has already enabled its network to accommodate 10 digit local dialing. As well, between February 25 and May 11, SaskTel customers who dial 7 digits when placing a local call will receive a message telling them they must add the area code for future calls. SaskTel will then automatically complete the call up until the May 11 date, at which time the call must be re-dialed to include the area code.
"SaskTel is committed to making the transition to mandatory 10-digit dialing as smooth as possible for our customers," said Ron Styles, SaskTel President and CEO. "With SaskTel's network ready to accept 10-digit dialing and the automatic reminder message running from February 25 to May 11, we want to ensure our customers pro-actively update their communications equipment and devices to accommodate this change."
SaskTel customers should update programmed numbers by ensuring an area code is included in their telecommunications equipment, such as: home phones, cell phones, fax machines, modems, equipment for the hearing impaired, home security systems, etc.
Customers should also make any necessary changes to calling features such as: speed dial, call forwarding and call blocking. Customers should begin providing their 10-digit phone number in all instances where they need to provide a contact number such as: personal cheques, medical forms, stationary, business cards, insurance forms, etc.
Businesses should also make necessary changes to their telecommunications equipment, advertising materials, signage, websites and any other places where business phone numbers are listed.
Customers should know that current phone numbers will not change, and long distance calling (1+area code +phone number) will remain the same.
Special 3-digit numbers such as 911, 611 and 411 will continue to be 3-digit numbers and won't be affected. Once the area code 639 is introduced, the 306 and 639 area codes will be assigned to new phone numbers interchangeably throughout the province.
For more information about how to prepare for the area code change, see sasktel.com at http://www.sasktel.com/dial10/?Link=FooterNewAreaCode&campaign=Home
