Get a 873 Area Code Local Virtual Number for Quebec

The 873 area code is a relatively new addition to Canada’s telecommunications landscape, introduced in 2012 to serve Quebec outside the Greater Montreal area. As part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), it works alongside area codes 819 and 468 to ensure a steady supply of phone numbers for Quebec’s growing regions.

Unlike older area codes, 873 was created as an overlay, meaning it shares the same geographic territory as 819. This ensures businesses and residents can keep their existing numbers while new customers receive fresh 873 numbers. Quebec operates within the Eastern Time Zone (ET) — UTC-5 during standard time and UTC-4 during daylight saving time.

The 873 area code covers Quebec’s regions outside Montreal, including the Outaouais, Estrie, Mauricie, and Centre-du-Québec. It’s a lifeline for businesses and residents in these areas, fostering local connections without the need for long-distance charges.

Due to the overlay system, callers in these regions must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + local number) for all calls, even local ones. This ensures seamless connectivity while accommodating the growing demand for phone numbers.

Area code 873 was introduced in 2012 as an overlay for 819, which had been in use since 1957. The need for 873 arose from Quebec’s expanding population, increased mobile usage, and the rise of digital services. Unlike traditional splits, the overlay allowed existing numbers to remain unchanged while providing new options for incoming residents and businesses.

Quebec’s unique linguistic and cultural identity makes the 873 area code more than just a number—it’s a symbol of local pride, whether you’re a small business in Sherbrooke or a tech startup in Gatineau, an 873 number roots you in the community.

You can easily purchase an 873 area code phone number from a VoIP provider like Dialaxy.
Here’s how to get an 873 area code phone number:

In just minutes, you’ll have a local Quebec number ready for business!

At its core, an 873 area code business number operates through Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, which transmits calls over the internet rather than traditional phone lines. This modern system connects you with customers across Quebec while offering powerful features that landlines can’t match.

How It Works: The Technical Breakdown

Cloud-Based Infrastructure

• Your 873 number isn’t tied to a physical location or copper wires. Instead, it lives in the cloud, managed by your VoIP provider.
• When someone dials your number, the call is converted into data packets and routed through the internet to your preferred device (desk phone, mobile app, or computer).

Local Presence Without Physical Limits

• Even if your office is in Montreal or another province, an 873 number gives you a local Quebec identity in Gatineau, Sherbrooke, or Trois-Rivières.
• Customers see a familiar area code, increasing answer rates by up to 30% compared to toll-free or out-of-province numbers.

Smart Call Management

• Dynamic Routing: Calls can be forwarded based on time of day, caller ID, or department (e.g., “Press 1 for Sales, 2 for Support”).
• Failover Protection: If your primary line is busy, calls roll over to another number or voicemail—zero missed opportunities.

Quebec’s regions are hubs of innovation and tradition. Here’s who thrives with an 873 number: