The Dominican Institute of Telecommunications (INDOTEL) announced that, as of October 2005, 10 numbers will have to be dialed in addition to the area code when calling the DR from abroad. INDOTEL says that 80% of the possible phone numbers available to the DR are already taken, and the three extra digits will enable telephone companies to meet the ever-increasing demand. As of 31 January 2005, users will be asked to include the 809 digits in their telephone numbers for local connections. For international calls, the 829 code will be added. The country was assigned the new 829 area code on 27 April 2004 by the North America Numbering Plan Administration.