Manitobans could soon have a third series of three digits to use for phone numbers.

The Canadian Numbering Administrator is forecasting a new area code will be needed in three years along with the current area code numbers: 204 and 431.

It says the need for another area code is being driven by competition from new carriers and an increase in the number of devices and services that require a telephone number.

The new area code being proposed for Manitoba is 584.