Move over 604, 778, 250, 672, and 236, a new area code is coming to B.C.
Beginning this weekend, on May 24, 257 will be added to the list of available area codes for numbers based in the province.
According to the Telecommunications Alliance, the new code is due to increased demand.
“The introduction of this new area code is in response to the increasing demand for phone numbers, ensuring residents and businesses continue to have enough numbers to meet demand well into the future.”
The new addition highlights just how much demand for phone numbers has increased since the 1940s.
For 50 years, 604 served B.C. In the late 1990s, 250 was introduced for Vancouver Island and the B.C. interior. In the early 2000s, we got 778; in the early 2010s, we got 236.
In 2019, the CRTC ordered a third overlay code for B.C., 672, which was activated on May 4, 2019. And almost exactly six years later, we’re getting 257.
When British Columbians and businesses request a new phone number, they may receive one with the new code.
“The introduction of a new area code creates millions of additional telephone numbers without affecting the existing numbers,” said Kelly T. Walsh, program manager of the Canadian Numbering Administrator. “The new 257 area code will be added to the current area codes already in use and will cover the same geographic area.”
It’s important to note that your existing phone number and code will not change, and local calling areas will remain the same. Like before, all calls will still require 10 digits, including the code plus the local number.
The Telecommunications Alliance notes that special numbers, like 311 and 411, can still be dialled using only the three digits.
“Businesses using communications systems that restrict long-distance calling will need to add 257 as a local area code.”
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With files from Nikitha Martins