Telkom adds 010 area code

By Staff Writer for Telkom
Johannesburg, 29 Apr 2008

Telkom has introduced the 010 area code in Johannesburg. This is part of its implementation of the 10-digit dialling system, introduced by the Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA), says the fixed-line incumbent.

The introduction of the 010 code effectively doubles the amount of numbers available in the greater Johannesburg geographic area, says Marius Mostert, Telkom`s group executive for network infrastructure provisioning.

The increased capacity makes it possible for Telkom to continue providing new services without affecting existing customers, he says.

"The introduction of the 010 area code has been fuelled by the diminishing capacity of numbers within the 011 area code. We are therefore currently implementing the new code," says Mostert.

Telkom has no immediate plans to introduce second area codes in other parts of the country, as there are sufficient numbers available in those regions, he says.

He adds that customers will be largely unaffected by the new area numbering code when making calls.

However, customers with non-Telkom-maintained PABXs should contact their service providers should they experience any problems, he says.

ICASA introduced a mandatory closed numbering plan at the beginning of last year. The implementation of the framework provides an additional 20% number capacity nationwide, which translates into two million additional lines, said ICASA chairman Paris Mashile at the launch of the plan.