Local 10-digit dialing and the new 639 area code

Local 10-digit dialing will be mandatory in Saskatchewan in 2013
New area code 639 also coming

On May 11, 2013, all SaskTel business and residential customers in the Saskatchewan 306 area code will have to adopt 10-digit dialing – the area code followed by the phone number – for local telephone calls. This dialing method has been successfully implemented in several regions in Canada and the United States.

Why 10 digits?
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, 639, starting on May 11, 2013, as the 306 area code reaches capacity.

Overlay of new area code 639
Also in 2013, a new 639 area code will be overlaid on top of the current 306 area code. So you'll always need to know the area code and phone number of the person or business you're calling. For example, your home phone number could be a 306 number while your teenager's cell phone could have a 639 phone number. Or you could have a 639 cell phone number, but the local pizza place could have a 306 phone number.

What it means
For local calls, you will have to enter 10 digits (area code + local number):

The exceptions include:

Will my phone number change?
Anyone who already has a number with area code 306 will keep the same number.

Try 10-digit dialing now!
10-digit dialing for local calls is now available to SaskTel customers across the province. Give it a try and begin preparing for mandatory 10-digit dialing in May 2013 by referring to the Residential Checklist or the Business Checklist.

Please note: all dates are tentative and subject to change.