New 10-digit dialing starts on January 20th, 2023

Jan 18, 2023

Starting January 20, 2023, local 10-digit dialing will be introduced in New Brunswick. Residents will need to dial 10 digits – the area code followed by the seven-digit phone number – for all local calls.

The introduction of 10-digit dialing is the result of a decision by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and will pave the way for the addition of a new area code, 428, in April 2023, as the 506 area code reaches capacity.

This will affect all residents and businesses in the province.

Those with 506 area codes will keep their original phone numbers. The 428 area code will only be assigned when the existing inventory of 506 numbers runs out next April.

The Telecommunications Alliance, a group of major Canadian communications companies, recommends people start using 10 digits for all their local calls now, to ensure a successful transition.

It also reminds residents and businesses to add the 506 area code to programmed numbers in all of their communications devices and equipment, including landlines and cellphones, auto-dialers, computers, alarm systems and lifeline equipment.

There will be no change to customers’ existing telephone numbers in the 506 area, and existing numbers are not changed in any way.

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CONTACT: Communications Department, 506.737.6799, communication@edmundston.ca