Rogers will no longer warn you before dialling a long-distance number

Rogers has been sending out text messages to select customers informing them they will no longer hear a pre-recorded message before dialling a long-distance number without a “1” in front of it.

Since 2000, many Canadians have been required to enter the full 10-digits, including the area code, before successfully routing a call. Long-distance calls — that is, calls made to others outside one’s local calling area — usually require entering “1” before the 10-digit number. We all know this.

Canadian cellphone providers have for years dutifully assumed the “1” before a long-distance number, while playing a warning message castigating customers for leaving it out. Last week, however, one Canadian carrier, Rogers, began sending out text messages to customers with no Canada-wide calling option — mainly those with older non-share plans — telling them they will no longer hear that warning.

Rogers msg: As of Dec 14, 2015, we will no longer play a pre-recorded msg if you forget to dial a 1 before making a long distance call within Canada. Instead, we’ll connect you right away. Long distance fees will continue to apply. Please visit Business Self-Serve to see what’s included in your plan. Thank you.

According to Rogers representative Andrew Garas, the change comes into effect for both consumer and business customers. “The majority of our customers have Canadian long distance included in their plans or as an add-on and this SMS was only sent to those who don’t, letting them know about the change,” he said. “Removing this recording offers customers a quick and seamless connection when placing a call and allows them to connect right away.”

Anecdotal evidence suggests that Bell has implemented a similar change across its consumer and business customer base, but Telus still plays a warning before long-distance numbers.