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Area Code 879 To Be Activated in Newfoundland and Labrador

Published: March 23, 2017

The Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, currently using NPA 709 will have a new area code starting in November, 2018. The new area code 879 will overlay the existing NPA 709, covering communities such as Corner Brook, Gander, Grand Falls, Happy Valley - Goose Bay, Labrador City - Wabush, Marystown or St. John's. All local calls originating within the new overlay will eventually be dialed using 10 digits (area code + local number).

Key dates

August 17, 2018 - permissive 7/10 digit dialing begins (some local calls within NPA 709 dialed using 7 digits will first be connected to an announcement notifying callers about the new 10 digit dialing requirement)
November 10, 2018 - mandatory 10 digit dialing is introduced (again, depending on each carrier's decision whether to play an announcement or not, some local calls within the area will be connected to a network announcement notifying callers that their call can not be completed as dialed and that they must hang up and dial the area code followed by the 7 digit local number
November 24, 2018 - new area code 879 enters service

See official CNA/NANPA announcement and map of the new overlay complex (PDF document).

Update #1

Area code 879 will no longer enter service on November 24, 2018. The new date will be announced when decided upon. See official announcement (PDF document)

Update #2

The new implementation dates for area code 879 are as follows:

February 11, 2022 - permissive 7/10 digit dialing begins
May 6, 2022 - mandatory 10 digit dialing begins
May 20, 2022 - area code 879 enters service

See revised NANPA announcement (PDF document).

Update #3

A new planning letter PL-557, dated January 20, 2021 announces the indefinite postponement of NPA 879 's activation. See planning letter 557 for more information (PDF document).

Update #4

Planning letter 622, published on September 15 2023, announces a new activation date for area code 879: 17 February 2024.

Visit area code 879 page for a list of cities served, map and other info.