Understanding Phone Numbers in Angola

Quick Reference Guide

Overview of Angola's Telephone Numbering Plan

This comprehensive guide provides a technical overview of Angola's telephone numbering system, including formats, dialing procedures, and regulatory insights. It is tailored for telecom professionals, developers, and system administrators needing to implement or understand Angola's numbering scheme.

Number Formats in Angola

Angola's phone numbers follow the ITU-T E.164 standard. Here's a breakdown of the number structures:

Geographic (Landline) Numbers

  • Format: 2X XXXXXXX
  • Structure:
    • Prefix: 2X (X ranges from 2-9)
    • Subscriber Number: 7 digits
  • Example: 222123456

Mobile Numbers

  • Format: 9[1-9] XXXXXXX
  • Structure:
    • Prefix: 9X (X ranges from 1-9)
    • Subscriber Number: 7 digits
  • Example: 923456789

Special Services Numbers

  • Format: 1XX
  • Structure:
    • Prefix: 1XX (short codes for emergency or special services)
  • Example: 113 (emergency services)

Number Format Table

TypeFormatExampleDescription
Geographic2X XXXXXXX222123456Landline numbers
Mobile9[1-9] XXXXXXX923456789Mobile numbers
Special Services1XX113Emergency services and short codes

Regular Expressions for Validation

For developers managing Angola's phone numbers, use these regular expressions:

  • Geographic (Landline) Numbers:
    /^2[2-9]\d{7}$/
    
  • Mobile Numbers:
    /^9[1-9]\d{7}$/
    
  • Special Services Numbers:
    /^1\d{2}$/
    

Dialing Procedures

Domestic Calls

  • Landline to Landline: Dial the 7-digit number directly.
  • Landline to Mobile: Dial the 9-digit mobile number directly.
  • Mobile to Mobile: Dial the 9-digit mobile number directly.

International Calls

  • Outgoing: Dial 00, followed by the country code, and then the subscriber number.
    • Example: To call the USA, dial 00 1 5551234567.
  • Incoming: Callers from abroad should dial +244, followed by the 9-digit mobile or 7-digit landline number.
    • Example: +244 923456789 for a mobile number.

Number Portability

Angola supports mobile number portability (MNP), allowing users to retain their numbers when switching providers. Specific procedures and dates are not widely published.

Major Telecom Operators and Number Ranges

  • Unitel: Mobile ranges include 92X, 93X, 94X
  • Movicel: Mobile ranges include 91X, 99X
  • Telecom Namibia (Angola Telecom): Landline ranges include 222, 223

Compliance with ITU-T Recommendations

Angola's numbering system complies with the ITU-T E.164 standard, ensuring international compatibility.

Number Allocation and Management

The Angola Communications Regulatory and Arbitration Institute (INACOM) manages number allocation, ensuring alignment with international standards and national needs.

Technical Considerations for Developers

  • Validation: Use regex for accurate number validation.
  • Portability: Systems should support mobile number portability.
  • Integration: Ensure compliance with ITU-T E.164 when integrating with global systems.
  • Prefix Handling: Note the absence of a national prefix; all numbers are dialed directly.

For updated regulations and telecom guidelines in Angola, visit the INACOM official website.