Jamaica to get additional area code by year end

Jamaica is to get an additional area code before the end of the year.

Potential area codes have already been selected by the North American Numbering Plan Administrators.

However, Technical Services Manager at the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR), Curtis Robinson, says Jamaica has the option of selecting its preference.

Robinson says the agency had planned to introduce the area code in March, but the implementation was delayed because of number portability.

The government has set a deadline of May 31 to introduce number portability, which is the ability to switch networks while keeping the same number.

Robinson explains that an additional area code is needed for Jamaica as the current system is approaching its limit as it regards assigning telephone numbers.

He further says additional capacity is needed given projections for expansions in the telecommunications market.

Robinson,  who was speaking with The Gleaner/Power 106 News Centre during a workshop on number portability put on by the OUR yesterday, said the agency has held public consultations and has since determined a method of implementation for the additional area code.

He says a steering committee is to be set up to guide the process.

Robinson notes that the additional area code will operate alongside the current 876.

He explains that when the additional area code comes into effect persons will have to dial the full 10 digits of a telephone number to distinguish between telephone numbers when placing a call.