JAMAICA’S two major telecommunication service providers — Digicel and FLOW — have committed to having their networks compatible with the new 658 area code by the May 2018 deadline stipulated by the Office of the Utilities Regulation (OUR).
The OUR, in a press release yesterday, announced that Jamaica now has an additional area code, 658, which will be used in addition to, and not as a replacement for, the existing 876 area code once the existing telephone numbers under the 876 area code are exhausted.
Director General of the OUR Ansord Hewitt, noted, however, that the most immediate change will be the introduction of mandatory 10-digit dialling, for all local telephone calls, come May next year. The additional area code is aimed at ensuring that there are sufficient numbers available to satisfy growth in demand over the next 25 years.
According to the OUR, effective May 31, 2018, the country will commence a five-month adjustment period known as the permissive dialling period where customers will reach numbers in the current 876 area code by dialling the area code plus the seven digits phone number.
“If only the seven digit telephone number is dialled the caller will hear a recording reminding him/her to dial the number using the area code plus the seven-digit number, then the call will be completed to the called number. After the permissive dialling period is ended, all local calls will require 10-digit dialling to be completed. For example, to call the OUR persons will have to dial 876-968-6053,” the OUR said its press release.
Digicel in a statement to the Jamaica Observer said it has been planning together with the OUR and other industry stakeholders the launch of a public education campaign to support implementation of an additional area code for Jamaica.
“We have participated in various sensitisation sessions hosted by the OUR, involving public and private sector groups over the past six months, and we’re now making plans to engage the wider public. In the meantime, we are ensuring technical readiness by the stipulated dates outlined by the OUR,” the service provider said.
Source-JamaicaObserver
