phone number standards
phone number standards
Andorra Phone Numbers: Complete Format, Validation & SMS Integration Guide
Complete guide to Andorra phone number validation with +376 country code for developers. Includes ITU-T E.164 format examples, regex validation code, SMS compliance requirements, and APDA regulatory guidelines. Updated 2025.
Andorra Phone Numbers: Complete Format, Validation & SMS Integration Guide
This guide covers Andorra phone number formats, validation techniques, and SMS integration for developers working with the +376 country code. Whether you're building a contact form, implementing two-factor authentication, or integrating SMS functionality, you'll find everything needed to work with Andorran telephone numbers in compliance with ITU-T E.164 standards.
Understanding Andorra's Telecommunications Landscape
Andorra operates with a government-owned monopoly provider, Andorra Telecom (Servei de Telecomunicacions d'Andorra, STA), which serves as the sole operator for all fixed-line, mobile, internet, and pay television services. This centralized structure simplifies phone number formatting and ensures consistent service delivery across the principality. The system serves Andorra's population of approximately 83,000 residents (2025 mid-year estimate: 82,904; UN DESA World Population Prospects 2024 Revision via Worldometer) while accommodating millions of annual tourists.
In 2016, Andorra became one of the first countries to fully migrate its fixed telephony infrastructure to fiber optic technology, abandoning copper networks entirely.
Primary sources:
- UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, World Population Prospects: The 2024 Revision
- Andorra Telecom official communications
What is the Andorra Country Code?
Andorra uses the country code +376 for all international calls. This prefix was officially adopted on December 17, 1994, replacing the previous French (prefix 628) and Spanish (area code 9738) numbering systems. The +376 country code must be included when dialing Andorra from any international location.
When to Use the +376 Country Code
Always include the +376 prefix when:
- Dialing Andorra from abroad
- Storing phone numbers in databases (E.164 format)
- Implementing international phone number validation
- Setting up SMS campaigns targeting Andorran mobile numbers
Andorra Phone Number Format and Structure
Understanding the structure of Andorran phone numbers helps you handle them correctly in your systems. Andorra adheres to international standards, making integration straightforward.
How Do Andorran Phone Numbers Comply with International Standards?
Andorran phone numbers comply with ITU-T Recommendation E.164, the international standard for telephone numbering plans. This compliance ensures:
- Seamless international calling – compatibility with global telecommunications systems
- Standardized number formatting – simplified validation and processing
- Consistent length restrictions – improved data integrity
- Universal compatibility – interoperability with any E.164-compliant system
Primary source: ITU-T Recommendation E.164, "The international public telecommunication numbering plan" (https://www.itu.int/rec/T-REC-E.164/en)
What is the Core Structure of Andorra Phone Numbers?
Every Andorran phone number contains these key elements:
-
International Format (+376): This prefix is mandatory for calls from outside Andorra. The country code +376 was adopted on December 17, 1994. Always store numbers in this format.
-
National Numbers (variable length): Phone numbers in Andorra vary by service type, as defined in the ITU national numbering plan (Communication of 21.II.2025):
- Fixed-line: 6 digits, starting with 7 or 8
- Mobile (3-series): 6 digits, starting with 3
- Mobile (6-series): 6 digits, format 6XX XXX
- Additional Mobile Services (M2M/IoT): 9 digits, format 69X XXX XXX
- Special Services: Variable length (3–9 digits), including emergency, toll-free, premium-rate services
Primary source: ITU Communication of 21.II.2025, Andorra Telecom S.A.U. (https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-t/oth/02/02/T02020000050003PDFE.pdf)
Andorra Phone Number Types and Formats
| Category | Format | Example | Usage and Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed Lines | [78]XXXXX | 787895 | Residential and business landlines; 6 digits starting with 7 or 8 |
| Mobile (3-series) | 3XXXXX | 312345 | Personal and business mobile numbers; 6 digits starting with 3; supports SMS and data services |
| Mobile (6-series) | 6XX XXX | 690 123 | Mobile numbers; 6 digits starting with 6 (format: 6XX XXX); supports SMS and data services |
| Toll-Free (Domestic) | 1800 XXXX | 1800 1234 | 8-digit free calling services; accessible from within Andorra only |
| Toll-Free (International) | 1802 XXXX | 1802 5678 | 8-digit free calling services; accessible from abroad |
| Premium | 9XXXXX | 912345 | 6-digit special services charged at higher rates (reserved range) |
| Emergency | 1XX | 112 | 3-digit critical emergency services, always accessible |
| M2M/IoT Services | 69X XXX XXX | 690 123 456 | 9-digit numbers for machine-to-machine and IoT communications (additional mobile services) |
Source: ITU-T national telephone numbering plan for Andorra, Communication of 21.II.2025, Andorra Telecom S.A.U.
How to Validate Andorra Phone Numbers
Validating both format and number range ensures data quality and prevents errors in your telecommunications applications. Proper phone number validation is essential for reliable SMS delivery and call routing.
Andorra Phone Number Validation Code Examples
Here's how to validate Andorra mobile and fixed-line numbers in JavaScript:
// Validate Andorra mobile numbers (6-digit 3-series)
const mobile3Regex = /^3\d{5}$/;
const isValid3Series = mobile3Regex.test('312345'); // Returns true
// Validate Andorra mobile numbers (6-digit 6-series: 6XX XXX)
const mobile6Regex = /^6\d{5}$/;
const isValid6Series = mobile6Regex.test('690123'); // Returns true
// Validate Andorra fixed-line numbers (6 digits starting with 7 or 8)
const fixedRegex = /^[78]\d{5}$/;
const isValidFixed = fixedRegex.test('787895'); // Returns true
// Validate complete E.164 format with +376 country code (mobile 3-series)
const e164Mobile3Regex = /^\+3763\d{5}$/;
const isValidE164Mobile3 = e164Mobile3Regex.test('+376312345'); // Returns true
// Validate complete E.164 format with +376 country code (mobile 6-series)
const e164Mobile6Regex = /^\+3766\d{5}$/;
const isValidE164Mobile6 = e164Mobile6Regex.test('+376690123'); // Returns true
// Validate M2M/IoT numbers (9-digit format: 69X XXX XXX)
const m2mRegex = /^69\d{7}$/;
const isValidM2M = m2mRegex.test('690123456'); // Returns true
// Comprehensive validation function
function validateAndorraNumber(number) {
// Remove spaces and formatting
const cleaned = number.replace(/[\s-]/g, '');
// Check if it includes country code
if (cleaned.startsWith('+376')) {
const national = cleaned.substring(4);
return /^([378]\d{5}|6\d{5}|69\d{7})$/.test(national);
}
// Validate national format
return /^([378]\d{5}|6\d{5}|69\d{7})$/.test(cleaned);
}Provide helpful error messages to guide users toward correct input formats.
Best Practices: How to Store Andorra Phone Numbers
Store phone numbers in the international E.164 format (+376XXXXXXXX). Standard mobile and fixed-line numbers are 6 digits, while M2M/IoT services use 9 digits. Remove spaces, hyphens, or other special characters before storing. This ensures:
- Database consistency across all records
- International compatibility for global applications
- Simplified validation and processing logic
- Future-proof architecture for portability and expansion
Related Resources:
- Learn more about E.164 phone number format standards
- Explore phone number validation techniques for other countries
Best Practices for Displaying Phone Numbers
Consider the user's location when displaying phone numbers. For local users, omit the country code. For international users, always display the full E.164 format. Maintain consistent formatting across your application.
Is Number Portability Available in Andorra?
As of 2025, mobile number portability is not implemented in Andorra. Since Andorra Telecom operates as the sole telecommunications provider, number portability between competing carriers doesn't apply. Design your systems with portability in mind for future compatibility, especially if Andorra's telecommunications market opens to competition. ITU-T E.164 Supplement 2 (06/20) provides the international framework for number portability implementation.
Andorra SMS Messaging: Regulatory Framework and Compliance
Andorra Telecom serves as both the primary operator and regulatory authority. This integrated approach streamlines service delivery and ensures compliance with international standards.
Regulatory Structure and Oversight
Andorra Telecom, a government-owned entity, handles both regulatory oversight and service provision. This includes establishing and enforcing telecommunications standards, delivering services, and ensuring technical compliance with international standards.
The Andorran Data Protection Agency (APDA) oversees data protection and privacy compliance for telecommunications services under Law 29/2021 (Personal Data Protection Law), which entered into force on May 17, 2022. Andorra's data protection framework aligns closely with the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), requiring businesses to implement proper consent management, data handling procedures, and user privacy protections.
APDA Enforcement Powers: The APDA maintains authority to issue warnings, conduct inspections, investigate violations, and levy financial penalties:
- Minor infringements: €500 to €15,000
- Serious infringements: €15,001 to €30,000
- Very serious infringements: €30,001 to €100,000
Primary source: Law 29/2021, Andorran Data Protection Agency (https://www.apda.ad/en)
Compliance Framework
The regulatory framework rests on three pillars: international standards alignment (including E.164), service quality requirements, and consumer protection measures. Familiarize yourself with these aspects to ensure your applications comply with Andorran regulations.
How to Send SMS Messages to Andorra
Integrate SMS functionality by understanding specific technical requirements: message length limits, supported character sets, and delivery reporting mechanisms.
SMS Technical Requirements for Andorra
Standard SMS messages are limited to 160 characters using GSM-7 encoding. Andorra Telecom supports both GSM-7 and UCS-2 character sets. UCS-2 encoding reduces message length to 70 characters for messages containing special characters, emojis, or non-Latin scripts. Ensure your application handles character encoding correctly to avoid message corruption. Delivery receipts are supported, allowing you to track message status and handle delivery failures.
Important limitations:
- As of 2025, two-way SMS messaging is not available through standard commercial channels in Andorra – only one-way messaging is supported
- MMS is converted to SMS with a link to multimedia content
- SMS cannot be sent to landline numbers in Andorra
Andorra has full one-way SMS reach to all mobile operators. Content restrictions apply:
- No spam, political, religious, or adult content permitted
- Opt-in required for all marketing messages
Related: For SMS pricing information, see our Andorra SMS pricing guide.
SMS Consent Management Requirements for Andorra
Given Andorra Telecom's dual role as operator and regulator, adhere to their data protection requirements under APDA oversight. Implement robust consent management mechanisms to ensure you have explicit permission before sending marketing or other non-essential messages.
Mandatory opt-out language support: Your SMS system must support opt-out commands in three languages with acknowledgment within 24 hours:
- Catalan: ATURA (stop), AJUDA (help)
- French: ARRÊT (stop), AIDE (help)
- Spanish: PARAR (stop), AYUDA (help)
Use automated systems to process these commands immediately and maintain comprehensive opt-out records:
CREATE TABLE consent_records (
user_id VARCHAR(50),
consent_type VARCHAR(20),
timestamp DATETIME,
status BOOLEAN,
opt_out_language VARCHAR(10)
);Advanced Implementation Best Practices
System Architecture for Phone Number Handling
Use a modular architecture. Separate validation, routing, and compliance components for better maintainability and scalability. This allows you to update and modify individual components without affecting the entire system.
Portability Management
Implement a robust portability checking system. Real-time verification is ideal, but you can also maintain a local cache of ported numbers synchronized regularly with Andorra Telecom. Log all portability changes for audit purposes.
Integration Testing Guidelines
Test all number formats, international formatting, and special number handling. For SMS integration, verify message delivery, character encoding handling, and MMS conversion scenarios. Test portability scenarios, including port-in and port-out processing, and status update verification.
Frequently Asked Questions About Andorra Phone Numbers
What is the Andorra phone number format?
Andorran phone numbers vary by type. Fixed-line numbers are 6 digits starting with 7 or 8. Mobile numbers are 6 digits starting with either 3 (format: 3XXXXX) or 6 (format: 6XX XXX). M2M/IoT services use 9-digit numbers (format: 69X XXX XXX). When dialing internationally, add the country code +376 before the local number.
How do I dial an Andorra number from abroad?
To call Andorra from another country, dial your international access code (e.g., 00 or 011), followed by 376 (Andorra's country code), then the local number. Examples: 00-376-312345 (6-digit mobile 3-series), 00-376-690123 (6-digit mobile 6-series), 00-376-690123456 (9-digit M2M/IoT).
What character encoding should I use for SMS to Andorra?
Use GSM-7 encoding for standard 160-character SMS messages. Andorra Telecom also supports UCS-2 encoding for messages containing special characters, emojis, or non-Latin scripts, though this reduces the message length to 70 characters.
Can I send two-way SMS messages to Andorra?
No, as of 2025, only one-way SMS messaging is supported through standard commercial channels in Andorra. You can send messages to Andorran mobile numbers, but cannot receive replies through the same channel. MMS content is converted to SMS with a link to view the multimedia content.
Is mobile number portability available in Andorra?
Mobile number portability is not currently implemented in Andorra. Since Andorra Telecom operates as the sole telecommunications provider, users cannot switch carriers while keeping their existing phone number.
What is the emergency number in Andorra?
The primary emergency number in Andorra is 112, which connects to emergency services. This 3-digit number is always accessible and free to call from any phone.
How do I validate Andorra phone numbers in my application?
Use regular expressions to validate Andorra phone numbers based on their format: mobile 3-series (6 digits starting with 3), mobile 6-series (6 digits starting with 6), or fixed-line (6 digits starting with 7 or 8). Always store numbers in E.164 format (+376XXXXXXXX) for consistency. See our validation code examples above.
What are Andorra's SMS compliance requirements?
Andorra requires businesses to support opt-out commands in three languages (Catalan, French, and Spanish) with acknowledgment within 24 hours. All marketing messages require explicit opt-in consent. Andorra's data protection framework aligns with EU standards under APDA oversight. See our complete SMS consent management requirements section above.
Conclusion
This guide equips you with the essential knowledge to work with Andorran phone numbers, from validation and storage to SMS integration and regulatory compliance. Follow these best practices and stay informed about regulatory updates to ensure your applications are compliant, efficient, and user-friendly. Prioritize data privacy and user consent, especially given Andorra Telecom's integrated role as both operator and regulator.
Ready to implement SMS messaging? Explore our Andorra SMS guide for detailed integration instructions and pricing information).