Torontonians will soon begin to see a new area code popping up on their phones.
Starting April 26, 2025, the new 942 area code will join the other codes, 416, 437 and 647 that currently serve the Toronto region.
The introduction of the new 942 area code was decided by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and is intended to meet the growing demand for new telephone numbers, Telecommunications Alliance said in a news release on Wednesday.
“The introduction of a new area code creates millions of additional telephone numbers without affecting the existing numbers,” Program Manager of the Canadian Numbering Administrator Kelly T. Walsh said.
The new area code will be introduced gradually next year. After its start date, consumers and businesses requesting a new phone number may receive one with the new area code.
The iconic 416 area code has been used in the city since 1947. It wasn’t until 2001 when the area code 647 was introduced, and years later, 437 came into action in 2013.
Torontonians are reacting online to the news of another new area code just a little over a decade since the implementation of 437, some feeling exclusive to still have their original phone numbers from years prior.
“Starting to feel old having a 416 number,” one user said on Reddit.
“It’s cool to have the OG. I’ve had my 647 since 2009 and I still am miffed I wasn’t given a 416 number,” another user said.
“The more time passes, the more I love having a 416 phone number,” another user wrote. “It feels like a collectible. Only phone number I’ve ever had.”
Toronto rapper Drake has often referred to the city as the “6ix,” which some have theorized is because of the 416 and 647 area codes. Online users joked on Reddit that the entertainer would be disappointed in the new changes to the area code.
“No 6? Drake is unhappy,” a Reddit user wrote on the platform.
“Did Toronto just become “the 4”?” another user questioned.
