Starting in late 2012, Manitoba will have a new area code. This is due to the popularity of cellular phones, which will eventually cause Manitoba to run out of phone numbers.

What does this mean for you? Ten-digit dialing. As of July 29, all local telephone calls will now need to be dialed with the area code 204 included.

Get to work editing your cellular phone address book to include area codes, or else you will be treated to a recorded network announcement, reminding you to dial first dial the area code and then the number.

All phone numbers in Manitoba as of Nov. 3 will keep the current 204 area code and phone number. Customers requesting new telephone numbers after Nov 3 will be given either the 204 area code or the new 431 area code, depending on phone number availability.

Long distance calls will still be made in the same fashion, by dialing 1, then the area code and the number. Emergency numbers will remain the same, and you will not need to add the area code when dialing 911 (emergency services), 311 (City of Winnipeg), 411 (MTS Directory Assistance, or 611 (MTS Repair).

For more information, visit: www.dial10.ca or www.mts.ca/dial10