Demand for new telephone numbers in Saskatchewan means a new area code will be needed for the province in about three years, according to telecommunications officials.

The province has used the 306 area code since 1947.

It is expected that a process will begin this spring for adding a second area code for Saskatchewan.

Glenn Pilley, the director of the Canadian Numbering Administration in Ottawa, told CBC News Thursday that there are two options.

One is to geographically split Saskatchewan into two area codes. That option would require a large number of existing telephone customers to change their contact information.

The other choice, known as an overlay, is to implement a second area code alongside the existing 306 for new numbers.

With an overlay system, all calls in the province would require a person to dial ten digits.

Pilley said one of the reasons for increased demand for numbers is the rise in cell phone use.

A spokesman for SaskTel, the dominant telephone company in the province, said they are aware of the situation.

"It's really something we're just sort of keeping an eye on for down the road," Andy Tate told CBC News Thursday. "We know it will come some time, but it is something we just don't have specific plans or details that we can communicate at the moment."