Updated on: December 17, 2024 10:19 pm GMT
Toronto residents should prepare for a change in their phone numbers as the city is set to welcome a new area code next year. Beginning on April 26, 2025, Toronto will introduce area code 942, expanding the options for phone numbers in a region that has experienced an increasing demand.
Background on Area Code Changes
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced the new area code on May 10, 2023. This decision came as a response to the impending exhaustion of existing area codes in the Toronto area, which include 416, 647, and 437. According to the CRTC, the last area code, 437, was added in March 2013, making this the first change in over a decade.
- Area codes 416, 647, and 437 currently serve Toronto.
- The new 942 area code aims to meet the growing demand for phone numbers.
- Existing area codes will still remain active and unchanged when the new code is introduced.
Details of the New Area Code
The rollout of the 942 area code will be gradual. Starting in April 2025, individuals and businesses that apply for new phone numbers may receive one with the 942 area code. This new addition is expected to create millions of new telephone numbers, alleviating the pressure on the current numbering system.
Kelly T. Walsh, the program manager of the Canadian Numbering Administrator, emphasized that the introduction of the new area code would not disrupt existing phone numbers. “The introduction of a new area code creates millions of additional telephone numbers without affecting the existing numbers,” Walsh stated in the CRTC news release.
Effects on Local Calling and Dialing
One important aspect to note is that the new area code will not change how residents make calls:
- Local calling areas will remain the same.
- Dialing procedures for local and long-distance calls will be unchanged.
- Emergency numbers, such as 911, will continue to function as usual.
Residents can expect a smooth transition when the new area code takes effect.
Looking Ahead
The decision to introduce the 942 area code was made by the CRTC’s relief planning committee after extensive assessment. The committee identified that the existing phone number options would run out by April 2026, making the new area code essential to meet future demands.
Residents and businesses should stay informed about when they may be assigned the new code. While changes are on the horizon, the message is clear: there is no need for alarm regarding the usability of current phone systems.
Exchange shifts tend to raise questions and concerns, but this addition promises to strengthen the communication infrastructure within Toronto. As phone number demand grows, the transition to the 942 area code is viewed as a proactive step toward ensuring that Toronto continues to thrive as a connected city.
A Comparison with British Columbia
Toronto is not the only Canadian city adapting to increased demand for phone numbers. A new area code will also be introduced in British Columbia. The 257 area code is set to be rolled out on May 24, 2025. Similar to the situation in Toronto, this new area code will not alter existing calling patterns or geographic boundaries.
This parallel rollout in multiple regions underscores a national trend in Canada, as the demand for telephone numbers continues to rise alongside population growth and technological advancements.
Conclusion
As Toronto prepares to welcome the new 942 area code, residents can feel reassured that their existing phone services will remain unchanged. The introduction of this new area code reflects the city’s growth and the increasing demand for more communication choices. With the phased implementation underway, Toronto is ready to address the needs of its residents while ensuring smooth communication. As we near April 2025, be sure to stay updated on this significant change that will impact many people throughout the greater Toronto area.
