New GTA area code to complicate established phone-based stereotypes
Just when downtowners thought they had suburbanites pigeonholed under the convenient umbrella term “905ers” (ignoring the too-random 289, which doesn’t have the same ring to it), an announcement came through yesterday that there will be a new area code in the mix by March 2013: 365. The Canadian Numbering Administrator, potentially the most boring-sounding organization in the country, had earlier warned that the region would run out of telephone numbers by 2014 without a new three-digit code. We tried to find out exactly what the Canadian Numbering Administrator does but fell asleep while reading its mandate.
The reasons behind the move aren’t surprising. A surging population and proliferation of mobile devices have been eating up suburban phone numbers at an unsustainable pace. Another part of the problem is that emerging telephone competitors are given blocks of 10,000 numbers to work with, even if they don’t use them, which accelerates the rate at which numbers are exhausted.
A spokesperson for the CRTC told the Post that a fourth area code—likely 742—might be necessary by 2036. After that, the supply of potential area codes could become exhausted, paving the way for a move into uncharted territory, like additional digits or a country code. All this makes us wonder how many numbers we’re willing to dial in order to reach Bolton.
• Soon, you’ll be calling the 365, not just the 905 area code [National Post]
• Area code 905 numbers are almost up [Durham Region]
![](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://torontolife.com/city/new-gta-area-code-to-complicate-established-phone-based-stereotypes/&title=New GTA area code to complicate established phone-based stereotypes&picture=https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Phone.jpg&description=[caption id="attachment_24135" align="alignleft" width="130" caption="(Image: aussiegall)"][/caption]
Just when downtowners thought they had suburbanites pigeonholed under the convenient umbrella term “905ers” (ignoring the too-random 289, which doesn’t have the same ring to it), an announcement came through yesterday that there will be a new area code in the mix by March 2013: 365. The Canadian Numbering Administrator, potentially the most boring-sounding organization in the country, had earlier warned that the region would run out of telephone numbers by 2014 without a new three-digit code. We tried to find out exactly what the Canadian Numbering Administrator does but fell asleep while reading its mandate.
The reasons behind the move aren’t surprising. A surging population and proliferation of mobile devices have been eating up suburban phone numbers at an unsustainable pace. Another part of the problem is that emerging telephone competitors are given blocks of 10,000 numbers to work with, even if they don’t use them, which accelerates the rate at which numbers are exhausted.
A spokesperson for the CRTC told the Post that a fourth area code—likely 742—might be necessary by 2036. After that, the supply of potential area codes could become exhausted, paving the way for a move into uncharted territory, like additional digits or a country code. All this makes us wonder how many numbers we’re willing to dial in order to reach Bolton.
• Soon, you'll be calling the 365, not just the 905 area code [National Post]
• Area code 905 numbers are almost up [Durham Region]){kind=link}
What are people thoughts on the 647 area code? Are they considered to be like the “905ers” too?
*people’s
absolutely. 647 is definitely a sign of lower status just like 905 ;) (tongue firmly in cheek)
Magnificent site. Lots of helpful info here. I’m sending it to several buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks for your sweat!
Many people I know, including people in my family, have 647 phone numbers. To me, 905 and 416 are associated with landlines (that were usually set up a long time ago). Like my former high school has a 905 landline, and I know of companies that have 905 and 416 lines. So, to me: 647 = cell phone, 416/905 = old (1980s and 1990s) landlines (remember, 905 used to be a Mexican area code, but given to the GTA when Mexico exited NANP).
289 is a very bad area code for me, as all calls from this area code to my phone originated from fraudsters.
365 and 437 are almost unseen. But I expect to see them in the next few years.