In 2007, it was confirmed that 10-digit dialing would be mandatory in Alberta, as there is a new province-wide area code being implemented in fall of 2008. The new area code, 587, will be assigned to most new orders for telephone services. Existing lines and numbers will not change, however the dialing method will.

Beginning Monday, June 23rd, 7-digit dialing will trigger an automated voice message in the Telus system. This message will explain the need to change over to 10-digit dialing. By dialing the 10-digit version, calls will be connected as they normally would.

Dialup users who have configured their computers to dial a 7-digit access number may have problems connecting to the internet. When they begin to dial up, the Telus system will automatically play the recorded message stating the need to begin dialing 10-digits as soon as possible.

** This means, the dialup connection may time out, fail to connect, and return an error message. **

In order to correct this, change your dialup setting to a 10-digit dialup access number. For example, Edmonton and area often use the number 421-8500. This needs to be corrected to 780-421-8500. It will still be treated as a local call and there will not be any long-distance charges.

** Please DO NOT enter the 1- prefix unless you intend to be dialing long-distance. If you are local to Edmonton and enter 1-780-421-8500, you will get an automated voice message from the telephone system explaining that you do not need to dial long-distance for a local number, and your dialup connection will likely time out. **

Information on the telephone system changes can be found at http://www.dial10.ca Technical help about dialup setup is on our webpage under the Technical heading in the top-right corner, or try the general instructions below.

Users with Windows XP or Vista can follow these steps:

1. Go to the Start Menu, then Control Panel (may be under Settings)
2. Go to Internet Options (may be within Network and Internet Connections)
3. Go to the Connections tab at the top of this box
4. In the list of Dialup and Virtual Private Network Settings, choose your Incentre dialup account and press Settings
5. In the new box that appears, press Properties at the bottom
6. In the centre of this box, you should see the dialup access number you're using. Correct it to the 10-digit format.
7. Press ok on Dialup Connection Properties, then OK on Dialup Connection Settings, then OK on Internet Options.
8. Try dialing up again.