873

Area code 873 is an integral part of the telephone numbering plan in Canada, specifically in the province of Quebec. Geographical Coverage: Area code 873 serves western and northern Quebec, including the Outaouais, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Mauricie, and Nord-du-Québec regions. It operates as an overlay for the existing area code 819. This means it covers the same geographic areas as 819, including cities like Sherbrooke, Gatineau, Trois-Rivières, and Drummondville. Introduction as an Overlay Code: The 873 area code was introduced in 2012. This addition was in response to the increasing demand for telephone numbers in the region, particularly with the rise of cell phones and internet connectivity. Overlaying 873 with the existing 819 area code allowed for a greater number of telephone numbers without changing existing numbers. Impact on Dialing Patterns: With the introduction of the 873 overlay, 10-digit dialing (area code + phone number) became mandatory for all calls within and between the 819 and 873 area codes. This means that even for local calls within the same area code, the full 10-digit number must be dialed. In conclusion, area code 873 plays a critical role in Quebec's telecommunication infrastructure, particularly in its western and northern regions. Its implementation as an overlay area code reflects the growing telecommunications needs and technological advancements in these parts of Quebec.