Today@Dal

Beginning August 23, all outbound calls — including local calls — will require dialing all 10 digits of the phone number. This is to facilitate the launch of a second area code for Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

Ten-digit local calling does not change any existing numbers, nor does it affect internal four-digit internal dialing on campus in both Halifax and Truro.

You will, however, want to review your own personal systems, as well as any office systems you’re responsible for, to prepare for the change. Information Technology Services is reviewing Dal’s central information systems, ensuring they’re ready for the changeover.

Why 10-digit local calling is being implemented

The new area code (782) will not be associated with a particular region or area. It will be assigned to new numbers throughout the province.

A local call could use either of the two area codes (902 or 782), meaning you'll need to dial all 10 digits to properly connect the call.

What 10-digit local calling means for you

Starting August 23, all outbound local calls must include the area code plus the seven-digit phone number (ex. 902-123-4567). This applies to both landline and mobile calling.

Example: To call locally from a landline campus phone, you will press “9” to dial out as you do now, but will then need to dial the area code in addition to the rest of the number (902-123-4567). Unlike long distance calls, you won’t include the “1” for local calls.

All other calls are unaffected, including:
    • Four-digit internal dialing on campus in both Halifax and Truro
    • All long-distance dialing
    • Operator assisted dialing
    • Provincial 911 service

How to prepare

Although ten-digit local calling will not be mandatory until late August, all phone networks are now configured for 10-digit local calling, meaning you can begin making changes to support 10-digit local calling right away.

Information Technology Services will be handling major institutional systems (Banner, Dal’s online directory, security and alarm systems) but faculty and staff will need to review their individual systems and devices and include the area code where appropriate.

These include:
    • Personal contact lists (Outlook, Apple Mail, etc.)
    • Call lists on mobile devices
    • Fax machine speed dial programming
    • Phone sets with programmable speed dial lists
    • Any telephone manually forwarded to either an external local number or voicemail
    • Email signatures
    • Website content and contacts

If, in any of these areas, you have procedures or data for local calls that do not include the area code, please begin making changes now to ensure they use the full 10-digit number.

Looking ahead

For more information, please visit the 10-Digit Calling page on the Information Technology Services’ site within MyDal.

Look for further reminders in Today@Dal and in myDal as we get closer to the August 23 transition date, after which 10-digit calling becomes mandatory.