Quebec is getting another new area code. Starting February 27, 2027, the 273 area code will be added to the region currently served by 367, 418 and 581, covering major centres like Quebec City, Saguenay, Lévis and Rimouski.
The new code is being introduced because the existing area codes are running low on available numbers. Anyone requesting new phone service after that date may be assigned a 273 number, but existing numbers won’t change. Bell says it will keep assigning numbers under the current codes until they run out.
Besides the new area code coming, nothing else is changing. Local calling boundaries stay the same, 10-digit dialing still applies, and short codes like 911, 811 and 411 are unaffected. Businesses using phone systems, alarm systems or automatic dialing equipment should make sure their systems can recognize the new 273 area code before the February deadline, said Bell yesterday.
This isn’t the first time Quebec has had to add new codes to keep up with demand. Back in October 2022, three new area codes went into effect across the province at once. Montreal got 263 alongside its existing 514 and 438 codes, the 354 code was added to the 450 and 579 regions around the city, and 468 joined 819 and 873 in central and western Quebec. Before that, 873 was introduced in 2012 for the Gatineau area, three years ahead of schedule after the 819 code started running out of numbers faster than expected.
Bell adds new area codes in Quebec when the CRTC decides existing ones are running out of numbers, which keeps happening as more people add mobile phones and connected devices.
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