Starting April 1, 2023, local 10-digit dialing will be introduced in Newfoundland and Labrador. Residents will be required to dial 10 digits including the area code followed by the seven-digit phone number for all local calls.

 

This change impacts all phone users in the province not just at the university; however, this update impacts external calling only. Internal university calls will continue to just require four-digits.

 

Transition period

There is a transition period between April 1 and May 31. When the 10-digit calling is adopted on April 1, callers who dial 7-digits will hear a recording from the university service provider with a reminder to use 10-digits when dialing. Calls will then be connected. On May 31, 2023 calls made using 7-digits will no longer be connected and users will hear a message indicating the call can not be completed as dialed.

 

According to the Telecommunications Alliance, “residents and businesses need to add the area code 709 to programmed numbers in all of their communications devices and equipment including wireline and wireless phones, auto dialers, computers, alarm systems and lifeline equipment. They should also include 10-digit phone numbers on stationary, cheques, advertising and update their employee, client, supplier and other databases.”

 

At Memorial, common considerations include preprogramed or speed dial numbers on phones and situations utilizing call forwarding. Departments will also want to consider places where phone numbers are included on items like letterhead, signage, posters, promotional materials and websites.

 

For more information on the national program for 10-digit dialing, visit dial10.ca.

 

If you have unique situations or particular concerns with this upcoming change, for the St. John’s campus, please contact the IT Service Desk at 864-4595, help@mun.ca or chat support at https://www.mun.ca/cio/support/. Grenfell Campus employees visit Grenfell Campus ITS Remote Support and MI employees contact servicedesk@mi.mun.ca.