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Hello? Manitoba running out of phone numbers

Last Updated: Thursday, May 28, 2009 | 3:45 PM CT - CBC News

The Canadian Numbering Administrator, which consists of representatives from both government and industry, says Manitoba's 204 area code is expected to exhaust its supply of telephone numbers by January 2011.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission said Thursday it has initiated a process to resolve the number shortage.

A relief planning committee (RPC) is being established to evaluate various options and make recommendations to the CRTC, said a release from the commission.

In its planning, the RPC will evaluate possible relief measures, including splitting an area code's region or adding a new code to the region.

"The CRTC will then determine the most appropriate relief plan, taking into consideration the RPC's recommendations," the release stated.

The CRTC is an independent public authority that regulates and supervises broadcasting and telecommunications in Canada.