New 742 area code being introduced in southern Ontario

Starting Oct. 16, 2021, an additional area code will be introduced in the region currently served by area codes 289, 365 and 905 in southern Ontario.

In an Oct. 14 news release, officials with the Telecommunications Alliance, say the new area code is in response to the increasing demand for phone numbers in the region.

“The new area code will be introduced gradually starting on October 16,” said Kelly T. Walsh, program manager of the Canadian Numbering Administrator. “After this date, consumers and businesses requesting a new phone number may receive one with the new area code. Numbers with the new 742 area code will only be assigned to customers once there is no longer a sufficient supply of numbers with the existing area codes – 289, 365 and 905.”

Important information

• Existing numbers keep the same area code
• Local calling areas remain the same
• All local calls will require 10 digits (area code + local number)
• Special numbers such as 211, 311, 411, 611 and 911 will still be dialed using only three digits
• Business customers using communications systems that restrict long distance calling will need to add 742 as a local area code.