Jamaica activates new area code

Jamaica activated on Thursday 10-digit area calling for local calls as the country put into service the new 658 area code to guarantee number availability.

The move comes after the current 876 area code became exhausted, regulator OUR said on its website. Previously, Jamaicans dialed only their assigned seven digits for calls.

During a "permissive" period until October 30 users will get a phone message reminding them of the new dialing format if they dial seven digits.

The original 876 area code was assigned to the Caribbean country in 1996, with the expectation that it would provide sufficient numbers for 20 years. But Jamaica had to consider a second area code in 2009 already, OUR said in a statement.

The new code, which will replicate existing local numbers, will be used right after the 876-related numbers end. Jamaica has recommended corporate users and merchants to alter their printing materials and systems to suit the new 10-digit format and avoid confusion.

Last year, Jamaica's mobile subscriptions declined 5.4%, according to the latest official data, while fixed line subscriptions fell by 4.3%.