KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — The Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) is reminding business operators that significant planning will be required in adopting the new 10-digit dialling to be introduced at the end of May 2018.

The new 10-digit dialling will be implemented as part of the addition of a new Jamaican area code – 658.

Consultant, Numbering Administration and ICT Network at the OUR, Curtis Robinson, speaking at the OUR media workshop on April 25, said that some things that should be included in planning for the 10-digit dialling as well as the new area code are the reprogramming of private branch exchange (PBX) systems, fax machines and safety/security systems.

Businesses will also need to modify their printing materials, including stationery, business cards, labels, print advertisements, promotional materials as well as signage to reflect the 10-digit number.

In the meantime, Jamaicans are reminded that in saving numbers to their phones, they should start adding 876 to the number. In dialling local toll-free numbers, the ‘1’ will also need to be removed to maintain the standard 10-digit dialling.

A telecoms representative in attendance at the workshop advised that smartphone users can utilise applications such as ‘add country code’ or ‘contact optimiser pro’ to convert all telephone contacts with a seven-digit number to append the 876.

Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Dr Andrew Wheatley, speaking at the workshop said that “the introduction of the new area code and 10-digit dialling is an indication of how we have grown as a nation and as users of telecommunication services”.

Jamaica has been utilising the 876 area code since 1996 and will become the first English-speaking Caribbean country to introduce 10-digit dialling with the addition of the 658 area code on May 31.