CRTC launches proceeding to tackle number depletion in Toronto suburbs

The CRTC is seeking public input into the exhaustion of telephone numbers in the 905 area code district outside of Toronto. Following a study done for it by the Canadian Numbering Administrator (CNA), the commission released PN 2000-67, asking for feedback on possible solutions to the number depletion. In March the CNA advised the CRTC that the numbering plan area (NPA or area code) would run out by August 2001. This condition exists when there are not enough numbering sequences on hand to last until the scheduled relief date. The 905 case was exacerbated by the fact no relief plan had been approved. Even if one had been, the CRTC notes, the advancement of exhaust was such that it would have outstripped any date selected. Bell Canada filed a Part VII application seeking clarification of the numbers used to determine the Central Office Code Utilization Survey (COCUS). The telco did not necessarily dispute the numbers, it just wanted the commission to verify them. A letter sent by the CRTC on May 18 to the ILEC confirmed the figures. Overlay model considered least disruptive to customersThe numbering body believes a distributed overlay system is the best solution for dealing with Toronto's number shortage. This system would see a new area code introduced, resulting in 10-digit dialing for local calls. The CNA estimates this procedure would be in place until 2008, when an additional overlay would be required. Further relief would be needed in 2015 and 2020. The CRTC is considering other options in case the recommended policy cannot be implemented. The NPA relief planning committee has suggested four. A proposed municipality split would see the regional municipality of Peel retain the 905 area code, with the communities south of Peel being given a new code. About 1.5 million subscribers would be affected and 10-digit dialing would be necessary for calls between the 905 and new area codes. This scenario would see 905 depleted in 2006 with the new area code remaining intact until 2010.Another plan would see the areas south of Peel and the exchanges in Clarkson, Cooksville, Port Credit and Streetsville keep 905, while Peel and surrounding region would be given the new NPA. This would affect 1.5 million subscribers and necessitate 10-digit dialing between the two area codes. The CNA predicts this system would require updating in 2007 for NPA 905 and the following year for the new area code. The third option would create rings around Toronto. Under this scheme, areas that abut the capital would get a new NPA. This includes major centres like Brampton, Markham and Oakville. The outlying area would continue to employ 905. This plan would affect 1.6 million subscribers and result in 10-digit dialing. Like the previous plan, this would see NPA 905 last for seven years and the new NPA until 2008. The final alternative is a three-way split. Under this suggestion, 905 would be retained by Halton, Peel and Simcoe county, a new area code would be issued for Haldimand-Norfolk, Hamilton-Wentworth and the Niagara region and a second area code would be imposed on York Regional municipality, Durham regional municipality and Northumberland County. No statistics were given regarding number of subscribers affected or the likelihood of 10-digit dialing. This proposal, unwieldy as it is, does offer the benefit of longevity. NPA 905 would last until 2013, one year after the second new area code would run dry, while the Hamilton NPA would remain until 2017. Toronto isn't the only Canadian city running out of phone numbers. Earlier this year the CRTC issued a public notice to deal with the problem in Vancouver (NL, March 27/00). Already plans are underway to bring 10-digit dialing to Toronto next March with the introduction of the 647 area code. The NPA also expects to develop a plan soon for Montreal's 514 area code. Interested parties have until June 8 to file their comments with the CRTC on the 905 proceeding.

CRTC launches proceeding to tackle number depletion in Toronto suburbs

News | 05/23/2000 4:00 am EDT

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