Local 10-digit dialing and the new 639 area code

More information

10-digit local dialing is already available on the SaskTel network. Ensure you program your telecommunications devices in advance to handle 10-digit dialing. See the checklists below for equipment that may need reprogramming.

Required 10-digit Dialing Begins May 11, 2013
All SaskTel business and residential customers in the Saskatchewan 306 area code will have to adopt 10-digit dialing- the area code followed by the phone number - for local calls beginning May 11. 10-Digit dialing does not effect 3 digit numbers like 911, 611, 411.

10-Digits are also required to send a text message. Numbers will require the area code in order for text messages to be delivered. Note: Ensure that all contacts are updated to the 10 digit format within your devices. If you receive an error message after updating all contacts, try these steps on SaskTel support.

Why the move to 10 digit local dialing?
A second area code (639) is required in Saskatchewan as the 306 area code reaches capacity.  A decision by the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission to use the overlay method to implement 639 alongside the existing 306 area code requires 10-digit dialing for local calls in the province.*

Introducing SaskTel customers to 10-digit dialing


Local 10-Digit Dialing Timeline

* During peak calling hours not all calls may receive the recorded message.

How the 639 area code will work with 306
The new 639 area code will be overlaid on top of the current 306 area code, meaning both will exist. The 306 and 639 area codes will be assigned to new phone numbers interchangeably throughout the province.

That means you will always need to know the area code and phone number of the person or business you’re calling. For example, your home phone number could be a 306 number while your teenager’s cell phone could have a 639 phone number. Or you could have a 639 cell phone number, but the local pizza place could have a 306 phone number.

What about long distance calling?
Long distance calling (1 plus the area code)
will remain the same.

Will my current number or calling area change?
No. Anyone who already has a number with area code 306 will keep the same number. Local calling areas will remain the same.

What about 911, 611 and 411 numbers?
Special numbers such as 911, 611 and 411 will still be only 3 digits.

What about 310 numbers?
You are not required to add the area code when dialing 310 numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Saskatchewan getting a new area code?
 When is area code 639 being introduced?
 Who gets 639? Is 306 being retired?
 Could someone else in Saskatchewan have the same phone number as me, but with a different area code?
 Can I start using 10-digit dialing now? How do I get ready?
 What impact will 10 digit dialing have on texting and other forms of instant messaging (ex. BBM)?

For more information, please see our full list of 10-digit dialing frequently asked questions.

Try 10-digit dialing now!
10-digit dialing for local calls is now available to SaskTel customers across the province. Give it a try and begin preparing for mandatory 10-digit dialing in May 2013 by referring to the Residential Checklist or the Business Checklist.

*Two small northern communities, Kinoosao and Uranium City, are the only Saskatchewan communities that can continue to use 7-digit dialing for local calls after May 2013. Approximately 150 customers in these two communities can dial 7 or 10 digits until SaskTel upgrades switching equipment in those communities within the next several years, at which time callers will have to dial 10 digits for a local call.

Please note: The new area code will affect all telecommunications service providers in Saskatchewan. Non-SaskTel customers should contact their service provider for details.

Please note: All dates are tentative and subject to change.