Belize Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide
Quick Reference
- Country: Belize
- Country Code: +501
- International Prefix: 00
- National Prefix: None
- Regulatory Authority: Public Utilities Commission (PUC) - Visit PUC Belize
Overview
Discover the intricacies of Belize's telephone numbering plan. This guide covers phone number structures, dialing procedures, and regulatory insights, making it essential for telecom professionals, developers, and business operators navigating Belize's telecommunications landscape.
Number Structure
Belize employs a 7-digit national numbering plan without area codes for domestic calls. The format is straightforward:
- Country Code: +501
- Subscriber Number: 7 digits
Number Format by Type
Type | Format | Example | Regular Expression |
---|---|---|---|
Landline | 2[02]XXXX | 2020123 | ^2[02]\d{5}$ |
Mobile | 6[0-35-7]XXXXX | 6241234 | ^6[0-35-7]\d{5}$ |
Toll-Free | 0800XXXXXXX | 0800123456 | ^0800\d{7}$ |
Premium Rate | 0900XXXXX | 090012345 | ^0900\d{5}$ |
Emergency | 911 | 911 | ^911$ |
Numbering Scheme Explanation
- Landline Numbers: Start with
2
, followed by0
or2
, and five additional digits. - Mobile Numbers: Begin with
6
, followed by a digit in[0-3, 5-7]
, and five more digits. - Toll-Free Numbers: Use the prefix
0800
followed by seven digits. - Premium Rate Numbers: Begin with
0900
and have five more digits. - Emergency Numbers:
911
is the universal emergency number.
Dialing Procedures
Domestic Calls
- Landline to Landline: Dial the 7-digit number directly (e.g., 2020123).
- Landline to Mobile: Dial the 7-digit mobile number directly (e.g., 6241234).
- Mobile to Mobile: Dial the 7-digit mobile number directly (e.g., 6241234).
International Calls
- Outgoing: Dial
00
, the country code, and the subscriber number. For example, to call the US, dial00 1 5551234567
. - Incoming: International callers should dial their access code,
501
, and the 7-digit number (e.g., +501 6241234).
Number Portability
Belize supports mobile number portability, allowing users to switch providers without changing numbers. This is overseen by the Public Utilities Commission.
Major Telecom Operators and Number Ranges
Operator | Service Type | Number Ranges |
---|---|---|
Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) | Mobile (GSM) | +501 620XXXX, +501 621XXXX |
SpeedNet Communications | Mobile (GSM) | +501 624XXXX, +501 625XXXX |
ITU-T Recommendations
Belize adheres to the ITU-T E.164 standard, ensuring global interoperability and unique international number allocation.
Number Allocation and Management
The Public Utilities Commission manages the allocation and regulation of phone numbers, ensuring efficient use and infrastructure support.
Technical Restrictions and Special Cases
- Collect Calls: Not available to prepaid mobiles or payphones.
- Golden Numbers: No public information on easily memorable numbers.
- Number Blocking: No specific details provided.
Technical Considerations for Developers
- Validation: Ensure numbers match the formats and regex provided.
- Internationalization: Properly handle the
+501
code for global compatibility. - Portability: Consider number portability in systems using operator-specific ranges.
For the latest telecom regulations and numbering plans, visit the Public Utilities Commission's official website.