10 digit phone numbers for local calls in Calgary (Update)

[ken0042]

Yeah, this makes no sense.

What I remember from when Edmonton got the 780 area code, was that Calgary and area would eventually keep 403, and the rest of southern Alberta would get the new code.

[ZDogg]

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

I'm used to 10 digit dialing having worked a lot in TO and Vancouver, but isn't that pretty stupid to not bound a new area code by geographic constraints? Otherwise it can be a real crapshoot as to whether it's one area code or another. At least if you know it's in Edmonton, it's a 780 code.

Ya doesn't really make sense. What happens if your geographical area gets a denser population or everybody starts having more phones... then they will need new numbers in a geogrphically area within that geographical area...

[FireFly]

IMO, they should make Edmonton and area 780, Calgary and area 403, and everywhere else gets the new one. Bunch of idiots.

[Ozy_Flame]

Ehh its not as bad as everyone makes it out to be....When I lived in New Zealand, it was 10 digits, but if you paid for a longer contract or with more options, you got an 8 digit phone.

That's what it should be if it does actually happen. Pre-pay phones should be 10 digits, the rest shouldn't.

[ken0042]

I've submitted a complaint to the CRTC.
http://www.crtc.gc.ca/RapidsCCM/Register.asp?lang=E

Basically I explained that I understand the need for more area codes, but expressed concern that these new codes have nothing to do with any geographical area.

[swo2k1]

Originally Posted by ken0042

Yeah, this makes no sense.

What I remember from when Edmonton got the 780 area code, was that Calgary and area would eventually keep 403, and the rest of southern Alberta would get the new code.

Well that would make too much sense.

[Thunderball]

Originally Posted by FireFly

IMO, they should make Edmonton and area 780, Calgary and area 403, and everywhere else gets the new one. Bunch of idiots.

No freaking kidding... thats about the dumbest thing I ever heard... would it really be hard to go:

403: Greater Calgary
780: Greater Edmonton
587: The Rest

Now, its 403 South, 780 North, 587 clusterfack everywhere

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by ken0042

I've submitted a complaint to the CRTC.
http://www.crtc.gc.ca/RapidsCCM/Register.asp?lang=E

Basically I explained that I understand the need for more area codes, but expressed concern that these new codes have nothing to do with any geographical area.

Actually, they do:


Given we are getting a third area code next year, and a fourth in eight years or less, they could have just implemented both - one for each region, but instead felt this was a better way. Doesn't really matter much to me. So we push three more buttons. Big deal. But then, this is a society where people will illegally park in front of store/gas station doors rather than the parking lot to avoid having to walk five extra steps.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by Thunderball

No freaking kidding... thats about the dumbest thing I ever heard... would it really be hard to go:

403: Greater Calgary
780: Greater Edmonton
587: The Rest

Now, its 403 South, 780 North, 587 clusterfack everywhere

Problem is that both Calgary and Edmonton would still require new area codes in no time at all. So instead of three codes, you are very quickly looking at five.

[Thunderball]

Originally Posted by Snakeeye

Problem is that both Calgary and Edmonton would still require new area codes in no time at all. So instead of three codes, you are very quickly looking at five.

Maybe 5 would be better long term... at least if you know where you are dialing, you know the first 3 digits:

ie:
Banff/Canmore, Calgary Surrounding Area: 304-555-5555
Calgary: 403-555-5555
Edmonton: 780-555-5555
Capital Region: 870-555-5555
Lethbridge. Medicine Hat, Wood Buffalo, Rest of Alberta: 587-555-5555

Hell, I'm not that old, but I remember when people complained that all Calgary numbers didn't begin with a 2 anymore, and 7s became common place. This is a larger version of that inconvenience... it just seems rather bushleague to have split the province up in the first place, and then bring in a blanket area code. If they were legitimately concerned about this, why not keep 403 for everyone, then 780 for all new numbers in 2006 or whatever, and then 587 as well effective 2008. This really feels like an episode of Seinfeld... or maybe Simpsons...

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by Snakeeye

Given we are getting a third area code next year, and a fourth in eight years or less, they could have just implemented both - one for each region, but instead felt this was a better way. Doesn't really matter much to me. So we push three more buttons. Big deal. But then, this is a society where people will illegally park in front of store/gas station doors rather than the parking lot to avoid having to walk five extra steps.

And that's just it. In 5 years we could have 3 area codes for Calgary. And for me it's not the extra 3 digits; it's the fact that I have one area code, my next door neighbour has a different one, and the guy across the street has yet another. Meanwhile somebody in High Level has the same area code as me.

I used to love how you could tell what part of the city somebody was in by their prefix. If it was 278 then you knew it was Deer Run and area. 257 was McKenzie, etc.

If Calgary needs 2 area codes, then fine. Make one for landlines, and onther for cells. Or split the city along the Bow River. Or something.

[Ozy_Flame]

As I said earlier, it's very simple - just give phones without contracts the 11-digits, and phones with contracts 8 digits. Simple as pie. This is what they do in New Zealand, with roughly the same population as Alberta. Works beautifully, and I know - I worked for Vodafone down there.

[TurnedTheCorner]

I say we divide the province in half with a wall. And invite the Who to come play a concert here in New Calgary.

[ken0042]

I think that would worse Ozy. Here in Alberta we use the same phone protocols as the rest of North America. I would hate to have a different system than the other 329 million people.

[cgy2london]

i read the article in the sun online today, but i dont get it can someone give me a quick run down...the new area code? whats regions get it? does it just mean when your calling some1 in calgary you ened 2 put 403 first?

[FireFly]

Originally Posted by cgy2london

i read the article in the sun online today, but i dont get it can someone give me a quick run down...the new area code? whats regions get it? does it just mean when your calling some1 in calgary you ened 2 put 403 first?

The new area code will cover the entire province. You will need to dial all 10 digits for ANY phone call, and you'll have to use the 1 for long distance.

[cgy2london]

sorry confused if im calling edmonton i dial 1-780 *** **** as ussual right?

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by cgy2london

sorry confused if im calling edmonton i dial 1-780 *** **** as ussual right?

Sometimes. Unless the person has the new area code. Then you'd dial 1-587-***-****.

But you need to know their area code ahead of time. Don't feel bad if you don't get it; your confusion is the exact reason I don't like the way they are doing this.

[bigtmac19]

We have had this in place in our area since last fall, it really sucked at first, but I am used to it now.

[The Goon]

When I moved to Calgary from Toronto a few years ago, one of the joys of living in a smaller city was going back to seven-digit dialing. Alas, those days are coming to an end.