Last fall, the CRTC announced a new area code was set to launch this spring in Ontario, and a new area code is set to launch on Saturday in Toronto.
Starting April 26, 2025, new phone numbers in the region can be assigned the 942 area code, joining the existing 416, 437, and 647.
The move is meant to keep up with growing demand. Kelly T. Walsh, who manages numbering for the Canadian Numbering Administrator, said last fall the change adds “millions of additional telephone numbers without affecting the existing numbers.”
If a new area code wasn’t made available, new phone numbers under the existing three area could could run out, says the The Telecommunications Alliance.
The new area code won’t impact local calling or how numbers are dialed. Emergency services like 911 will still work the same. Existing numbers stay the same—only new ones will get 942. So if you’re about to get a new cellphone plan or line this weekend, get ready to be presented some lines with the 942 area code as it will be gradually rolling out.
Want to see more of our stories on Google?
P.S. Want to keep this site truly independent? Support us by buying us a beer, treating us to a coffee, or shopping through Amazon here. Links in this post are affiliate links, so we earn a tiny commission at no charge to you. Thanks for supporting independent Canadian media!
Bell has a slew of 416 numbers all across Toronto on their copper system. The copper system is mostly being decommissioned and so some numbers are being held hostage and not being released.