Honduras Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Honduras's telephone numbering system. Whether you're validating phone numbers, managing telecom systems, or expanding your business into Honduras, this guide offers the essential information you need.

Quick Reference

• Country: Honduras
• Country Code: +504
• International Prefix: 00
• National Prefix: None
• National Significant Number (NSN) Length: 8 digits

Understanding the Honduran Numbering System

Honduras has maintained a consistent 8-digit numbering plan for its National Significant Numbers (NSNs) since 2004, simplifying number management and portability. This standardization has contributed to a relatively stable telecommunications environment in Central America. This 8-digit structure applies to both landlines and mobile numbers, creating a unified system.

Number Format

All Honduran phone numbers adhere to the following international format:

+504 [NSN]

Where [NSN] represents the 8-digit National Significant Number.

More specifically:

Number Format Evolution

Prior to 2010, landline numbers in Honduras were only seven digits long. A leading "2" was added to all existing 7-digit landline numbers, bringing the total to eight digits. This change standardized the length of both landline and mobile numbers. You can find a detailed list of fixed-line allocations and their historical changes on Wikipedia. [1] This historical context is important for developers working with legacy systems or databases.

Implementation Guide for Developers

Validation

Accurate phone number validation is crucial for any application dealing with Honduran numbers. Here are regular expressions you can use for validation:

^\+5042\d{7}$     // Landline
^\+504[3789]\d{7}$ // Mobile
^\+5048002\d{4}$  // Toll-free

A more robust validation function in JavaScript, returning both validity and number type:

const validateHonduranNumber = (phoneNumber) => {
  const cleanNumber = phoneNumber.replace(/\D/g, ''); // Remove non-digits
  const patterns = {
    landline: /^5042\d{7}$/,
    mobile: /^504[3789]\d{7}$/,
    tollFree: /^5048002\d{4}$/
  };
  return {
    isValid: Object.values(patterns).some(pattern => pattern.test(cleanNumber)),
    type: Object.keys(patterns).find(key => patterns[key].test(cleanNumber))
  };
};

Best Practices

• Storage: Always store numbers in E.164 format (+504XXXXXXXX), removing any formatting characters. This ensures international compatibility and simplifies data processing.
• Display: Present numbers with appropriate spacing for readability (+504 XXXX XXXX). Consider local conventions and always include the country code in international contexts.

Dialing Procedures

• Domestic Calls: Dial the 8-digit NSN directly.
• International Calls (Outbound): Dial 00 + Country Code + Number. For example, to call the US: 00 1 [US Number].
• International Calls (Inbound): Dial +504 + Local Number.

Important Numbers

• Emergency: 911 (General), 199 (Police), 195 (Fire Department)
• Services: 102 (Information), 109 (Directory Assistance) - Customer service numbers vary by operator.

Number Portability

Honduras implemented mobile number portability (MNP) in 2014. [2] This allows users to switch carriers while keeping their existing number. MNP introduces complexities for developers and businesses.

Technical Implementation

• Database Design: Store number and provider information separately. Include timestamps for porting actions and maintain historical porting records.
• Validation Logic: Verify number format and check against a current provider database. Regularly update your database to reflect ported numbers. Consider using a number lookup service for real-time validation.

Number Portability in Honduras

Honduras utilizes a centralized database managed by SITEL (Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones) for number portability. Integration with this database is crucial for accurate routing and service provisioning. Key aspects include real-time database access, secure API endpoints, and robust error handling. For more information, consult the official CONATEL (Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones) website. [4]

Market Analysis and Operator Information

The Honduran mobile market is dominated by several key players: Tigo, Claro, Hondutel, and Digicel. Each operator has its own technical requirements for integration, including different API protocols and authentication methods. Refer to their respective developer documentation for specific details.

Additional Considerations

• Consult official regulatory websites (CONATEL, SITEL) for the latest information on telecommunications regulations and numbering plan updates.
• Numbering plans can evolve, so regular verification is recommended.
• Be aware of security requirements when integrating with operator systems.

This enhanced guide provides a more in-depth understanding of the Honduran telephone numbering system, addressing key considerations for developers and businesses. By following the best practices and guidelines outlined here, you can ensure accurate number handling, efficient integration, and a smooth user experience.