Phone Numbers in Botswana: A Comprehensive Guide
Quick Reference
- Country: Botswana
- Country Code: +267
- International Prefix: 00
- National Prefix: None
- Regulatory Authority: Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA)
Overview
Botswana's telephone numbering plan is managed by the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) and follows the ITU-T E.164 standard. This guide offers detailed insights into the structure, formatting, and dialing procedures of phone numbers in Botswana. It is tailored for telecom professionals, developers, and anyone needing a thorough understanding of Botswana's telephone system.
Number Formats
Botswana's phone numbers are categorized by service type, such as landline, mobile, and toll-free. Below is a breakdown of the number formats:
General Number Structure
- Country Code: +267
- Subscriber Number Length: 7 to 8 digits
- No Area Codes: Number prefixes indicate service type and geographic region.
Number Format Table
| Type of Number | Format | Example | Regular Expression |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landline | 2X XXXX XXXX | 240 1234 | ^2[0-9]{6}$ |
| Mobile | 7X XXXX XXXX | 71 123456 | ^7[1-8][0-9]{6}$ |
| Toll-Free | 0800 XXXX | 0800 123456 | ^0800[0-9]{4}$ |
| Premium Rate | 90X XXXX | 900 1234 | ^90[0-9]{5}$ |
Landline Numbers
Landline numbers in Botswana are 7 digits long and start with '2'.
| Prefix | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 2X XXXX | General Landline Numbers | 240 1234 |
Mobile Numbers
Mobile numbers are 8 digits long, starting with '71', '72', '73', or '74'.
| Prefix | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 71XXXXXX | Mobile Numbers (Mascom) | 71123456 |
| 72XXXXXX | Mobile Numbers (Orange Botswana) | 72123456 |
| 73XXXXXX | Mobile Numbers (BTC Mobile) | 73123456 |
| 74XXXXXX | Mobile Numbers (Various) | 74123456 |
Toll-Free Numbers
Toll-free numbers use the prefix '0800' and are 7 digits long.
| Prefix | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 0800XXXX | Toll-Free Numbers | 08001234 |
Premium Rate Numbers
Premium rate numbers start with '90' and are 7 digits long.
| Prefix | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 90XXXXX | Premium Rate Numbers | 9001234 |
Dialing Procedures
Domestic Calls
- Landline to Landline: Dial the 7-digit number directly.
- Landline to Mobile: Dial the 8-digit mobile number directly.
- Mobile to Mobile: Dial the 8-digit mobile number directly.
International Calls
- Outgoing International Calls: Dial 00 followed by the country code and the local number.
- Incoming International Calls: Callers from abroad should dial +267 followed by the 7 or 8-digit local number.
Number Portability
Botswana offers mobile number portability, allowing users to retain their numbers when switching between mobile operators. The process is overseen by BOCRA.
Major Telecom Operators and Number Ranges
| Operator | Service Type | Number Range |
|---|---|---|
| Mascom Wireless | Mobile | 71XXXXXX |
| Orange Botswana | Mobile | 72XXXXXX |
| BTC | Fixed Line & Mobile | 2XXXXXX, 73XXXXXX |
ITU-T Standards
Botswana adheres to the ITU-T E.164 standard, ensuring international phone numbers do not exceed 15 digits, including the country code, for global interoperability.
Number Allocation and Management
BOCRA is responsible for the allocation and management of phone numbers in Botswana, ensuring efficient assignment and no overlap between services.
Technical Considerations
Regular Expressions for Validation
Developers can use the following regular expressions to validate Botswana phone numbers:
// Landline Numbers
/^2[0-9]{6}$/
// Mobile Numbers
/^7[1-8][0-9]{6}$/
// Toll-Free Numbers
/^0800[0-9]{4}$/
// Premium Rate Numbers
/^90[0-9]{5}$/
Number Blocking and Special Cases
BOCRA may implement number blocking or restrictions for certain prefixes, particularly for premium rate services. Developers should consider these restrictions when designing systems for phone number input or validation.
For the most current information on telecommunications regulations and numbering plans in Botswana, please visit the official BOCRA website.