Jamaica on Thursday became the first country in the region to introduce 10-digit dialing.
According to the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR), the introduction to move the country from the seven digit was implemented as the current 876 area code is nearing exhaustion. A new 658 area-code will also be added, to take effect when the 876 area-code is exhausted.
The OUR said in December 2009, 6.25 million of the assumed capacity of 7.73 million numbers had been assigned to telecommunications service providers and their projected five-year demand for numbers indicated a need for 1.31 million new numbers over the next three years.
On Wednesday, the OUR reminded customers to update their contact lists with 876 preceding all local numbers in preparation for the new regime.
However, customers will be allowed to continue dialing seven digits until October 30 in order to allow them to become familiar with the new 10-digit dialing.
The two major tele-communication providers, FLOW and Digicel customers who dial seven digits will receive a recording reminding them that 10-digit dialing is in effect before the call is connected.
But come November 1, if customers fail to utilize the new dialing regime they will be asked to hang up and dial again using 10 digits.
