ComReg announces number changes

ComReg has announced phone number changes for Westmeath, Laois/Offaly and Wexford next year.

The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) plans phased changes in numbers in specific areas which will take final effect in the summer of 2006.

The changes will affect telephone numbers with the following dialling areas: Westmeath (044)

Laois/Offaly (0502)(0506) & (0509) Wexford (053)(054) & (055).

These changes will affect the following STD code areas: 044, 0502, 0506, 0509, 053, 054 and 055.

All local numbers in the affected areas will get two extra digits changing them from 5 digit numbers into 7 digit numbers.

From December 5 it will be possible for customers to use both the old and new numbers. The old and new numbers will operate in parallel for a period of approximately six months until the new numbers replace the old ones in May and June of 2006.

After the number change date, only the new 7 digit numbers can be used to complete a call.