Manitoba Chapter

UPDATE – Local 10-digit dialing coming soon to Manitoba and Saskatchewan

Manitoba and Saskatchewan residents will soon be required to dial 10 digits (the area code followed by the seven-digit phone number) for all local calls. Security services that utilize the telephone network in these provinces will need to fulfill a number of requirements before the implementation date to ensure that transmission of data (such as alarm signals) will not be interrupted.

Requirements for Manitoba
In Manitoba, the 10-digit requirement will start on July 29, 2012. The CRTC also announced that a new area code, 431, would be introduced in the province. Businesses must complete a number of steps before 10-digit dialing is introduced, including ensuring their telecommunications systems and equipment comply with 10-digit local dialing; reprogramming their telephone functions; changing their advertising and stationery; and updating their employee, client, supplier, and other databases.

To ensure a successful transition, it is recommended that people start reprogramming their equipment to comply with 10-digit local dialing as of December 1, 2011.This is the date by which telecommunications companies operating in Manitoba will be able to support 10-digit dialed calls. People should complete all equipment updates before 10-digit local dialing comes into effect on July 29, 2012.

The Telecommunications Alliance—whose members include MTS, Rogers, TELUS, Bell, and Westman Communications Group—was formed to spearhead a public information campaign to ensure a seamless transition to this new local dialing method.

For more details on how to get prepared, please consult the information document available on the Telecommunications Alliance website at www.dial10.ca

Requirements for Saskatchewan
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced that starting in May 2013, 10-digit local dialing will be required for all local calls made in Saskatchewan, except for calls made from Kinoosao or Uranium City. The CRTC also announced that a new area code, 639, would be introduced in the province.

The transition to 10-digit dialing will begin on February 25, 2013, and will be gradually introduced over the following weeks. During this transition period, customers who dial seven digits will hear an announcement advising them to include the area code in future calls, after which their call will be completed. Ten-digit dialing will become mandatory by May 11, 2013.

To comply with 10-digit local dialing, some automated dialing systems, including alarm systems, must be reprogrammed to include the area code. It is critically important that any security services that utilize the telephone network are modified to accommodate 10-digit local dialing by February 25, 2013. After this date, a recorded message will be heard each time a call is dialed using seven digits. This message could interrupt the transmission of data such as alarm signals.

• Not required for Single Family Dwellings (Houses) are required for Commercial or Multi-Family Dwellings
  
  
• $62 per installation

• Manitoba Hydro require that a permit be pulled for all new installations and for service work that exceeds $100 in value (Residential* or Commercial)
  
  
• The cost of is $20 for a residential control panel* and $30 for a commercial control panel plus $1.50 per device for the first 100 devices and then $1 per additional device.
  
  
• Devices are anything with a wire run to it including door contacts, motion sensors, glassbreak detectors; sirens, keypads, telephone connections and transformers.
  
  
• Wireless devices are not connected to the electrical system are not counted.
  
  
• There is a trenching permit that may be required for buried cable that costs $30. 
  
  
• Where there are multiple systems being installed at a single address (ie: two systems in two different buildings) we can pull a single permit and add the panel and devices from the 2nd building to the original permit and provide an explanation for the installation details.

*At the present time (18 Dec 06) permits are not required for residential systems.

• Download the permit application (PDF)
• At the top under APPLICANT enter the name of your company along with address and contact information. Under the PREMISES enter the site the permit is for.
• Under SERVICE TYPE chose either Commercial or Residential. 
• Under the DESCRIPTION column on the left hand side, list the control panel and 1st 50 devices under “Service and Distribution” with the (current) fee of $90.
• Any devices in excess of the 1st 50 can be just totalled up (no need to list every detector) in the section below and list the additional fees.
• Add the fees up in the FORWARD box in the bottom and then again in the BROUGHT FORWARD box on the upper right hand side. Do the subtotal, add the applicable taxes and enter the TOTAL AMOUNT
• In the BE READY FOR INSPECTION box, enter “Will Call”.
• Enter your permit account number (if you have one) in the box.
• Sign the application, date it and add your Electrician’s License number.

If you have an account you can fax the application back to (204) 927=9408 and if not you will need to take the application and payment to your nearest hydro office.

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