Fourth area code to be introduced in Alberta in 2016

Eight years after the CRTC brought in a third area code for Alberta residents, the agency said a fourth area code will be introduced.

Starting on April 9, 2016, the CRTC said new telephone numbers assigned in Alberta could have the area code 825.

The decision came after the Canadian Numbering Administrator informed the CRTC that the three existing area codes – 403, 587, and 780 – are expected to run out of numbers by July 2016.

“Clearly the growth in wireless is a main driver in the assignment of new numbers across the region,” Chris Seidl, Executive Director of the CRTC said in a phone interview from Ottawa.

Before January 1999, area code 403 was applicable to all phone numbers in Alberta – but that month, the northern half of the province received a new area code, 780, while 403 remained with numbers in the southern section of the province.

In September 2008, area code 587 was introduced for the entire province of Alberta – and Albertans had to start 10-digit local calling.

Edmonton’s Chief Economist John Rose said the additional area codes reflect the province’s booming population and employment growth.

“More broadly, what this strain on the telephone system reflects is the challenge for all infrastructure,” Rose said. “Whether its roads, schools, recreation centres, drainage systems.”

Over the summer, Alberta’s population reached 4 million, and another million are expected to come to Alberta by 2027 – Rose said such growth will translate to more added area codes.

With files from Ashley Molnar