Winnipeg Free Press > Local > Fingers get ready: 10-digit dialing begins

Local

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Fingers get ready: 10-digit dialing begins

By: Katherine Dow

Posted: 07/27/2012 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

Give your fingers a workout.

Enlarge Image

Give your fingers a workout.

Related Items

  1. Columns

YOUR dialing fingers will be getting whipped into shape come Sunday -- the day 10-digit dialing will be introduced to Manitoba phone numbers.

When picking up your phone this Sunday, enter Manitoba's area code 204 before the standard seven-digit telephone number. Although callers are still able to dial a seven-digit phone number and have the call completed, they will hear an automated message explaining the change and instructions on how to successfully complete a 10-digit dial.

The change is being implemented as part of a permissive dialing period, said CRTC spokeswoman Patricia Valladao, in order to train your fingers for Oct. 20, when the 10-digit system takes over in Manitoba for good.

"It's done in a way that's most effective and least intrusive. It really should act as a smooth transition so no one is unclear of what to do Oct. 20 when 10-digit dialing comes into effect," said Valladao.

Valladao acknowledges the change might take some getting used to.

"In the beginning people do find it bothersome, especially older people who maybe are very used to dialing a standard seven numbers. But it becomes simpler because you kind of get used to it. The calls will still be local and it doesn't cost long-distance rates," said Valladao.

And the Manitoba telephone makeover doesn't end there. Beginning Nov. 3, Manitoba will get a new area code: 431.

However, Selena Hinds, director of corporate communications for MTS, said while the new code will be available Nov. 3, it will not be issued until all 204 numbers have run out.

"You might not even see them until 2013, although I can't speculate for sure. It's called the overlay method, which basically means numbers aren't given out depending on geographic region. 431 will be added once the bank of 204 numbers runs out," said Hinds.

So why the changeover? The CRTC announced plans in July 2010 to implement 10-digit dialing in Manitoba following the Canadian Numbering Administration's notification the province would run out of new numbers by May 2013.

Glen Pilley, director of the Canadian Numbering Administration, said our love of smart devices is the culprit for the insatiable demand for phone numbers.

"There's three or four different phenomena happening here. The first one is the growth in cellphones. The second one is the fact that they're introducing smartphones to greater extent. They're taking up a lot of numbers and users aren't giving up their other number," said Pilley.

Pilley also identifies the "there's an app for that" mentality as a reason for the shortage of numbers.

"The other thing is machine-to-machine use, and that includes and is not limited to iPads that use more than Wi-Fi, because you can get them with a cellphone module in it. Also the e-readers can take up numbers. Soon there's going to be different apps used to turn your fridge on or up your (air-conditioning). Unless you have an all-house controller, those all take telephone numbers."

The permissive 10-digit dialing period begins Sunday at midnight. However, the MTS network is already 10-digit ready for eager fingers ready to get a jump on the switch.

katherine.dow@freepress.mb.ca

Make the change

Don't forget to reprogram the 204 area code to your:

contact lists in landlines, cellphones

speed-dial lists

fax machines

equipment for the hearing impaired

wireless phones and other wireless devices

alarm and security systems

telephone options and functions (such as call-forwarding, call-blocking, etc.)

-- Source: MTS

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition July 27, 2012 A12

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

Have Your Say

Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscribers only. why?

Have Your Say

Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press Subscribers only. why?

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.

letters

Make text: Larger | Smaller

LATEST VIDEO

Roland Delorme wins at UFC 161

View more like this

Photo Store Gallery

  • JOE BRYKSA/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Local- A large osprey lands in it's nest in a hydro pole on Hyw 59 near the Hillside Beach turnoff turn off. Osprey a large narrow winged hawk which can have a wingspan of over 54 inches are making a incredible recovery since pesticide use of the 1950's and 1960's- For the last two decades these fish hawks have been reappearing in the Lake Winnipeg area- Aug 03, 2005
  • Jia Ping Lu practices tai chi in Assiniboine Park at the duck pond Thursday morning under the eye of a Canada goose - See Bryksa 30 Day goose challenge Day 13- May 17, 2012 (JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)

View More Gallery Photos

Poll

Which of these everyday math tasks could you tackle without a calculator? (Select all that apply)

View Results

View Related Story

Ads by Google