Comprehensive Guide to Isle of Man Phone Numbers

Quick Reference


Overview

This guide provides an in-depth look at the Isle of Man's telephone numbering system, dialing procedures, and telecommunications framework. It is essential for telecom professionals, developers, and businesses interacting with Isle of Man phone numbers.

Number Formats and Structure

General Number Structure

Isle of Man phone numbers are composed of a country code, area code, and subscriber number:

  • Country Code: +44
  • Area Code: 1624
  • Subscriber Number: 6 to 8 digits

Detailed Number Formats

TypeFormatExample
Geographic (Landline)+44 1624 XXXX[XXX]+44 1624 230123
Mobile+44 7624 XXXXXX+44 7624 123456
Toll-Free+44 808 162 XXXX+44 808 162 1234
Premium Rate+44 844 049 XXXX or +44 72299 XXXX+44 844 049 1234

Numbering Scheme (Regular Expressions)

Use these regular expressions to validate Isle of Man phone numbers:

  • Geographic (Landline):
    ^\+44\s1624\s\d{4,6}$
    
  • Mobile:
    ^\+44\s7624\s\d{6}$
    
  • Toll-Free:
    ^\+44\s808\s162\s\d{4}$
    
  • Premium Rate:
    ^\+44\s(844049|72299)\s\d{4}$
    

Dialing Procedures

Domestic Calls

  • Landline to Landline: Dial 0 + 1624 + subscriber number.
  • Landline to Mobile: Dial 0 + mobile number starting with 7624.
  • Mobile to Mobile: Dial the mobile number starting with 7624.

International Calls

  • Outgoing: Dial 00 + country code + local number (e.g., 00 44 1624 XXXX).
  • Incoming: Dial +44 + local number without the leading 0 (e.g., +44 1624 XXXX).

Number Portability

The Isle of Man supports Mobile Number Portability (MNP), allowing users to keep their mobile numbers when changing providers. Landline number portability is not available.

Major Telecom Operators and Number Ranges

OperatorTypeNumber Range
Manx TelecomLandline+44 1624 2XXX, 5XXX
SureMobile+44 7624 1XXXXX
BlueWaveMobile+44 7624 2XXXXX

ITU Standards and Recommendations

The Isle of Man adheres to the ITU-T E.164 standard for international telecommunication numbering, ensuring global compatibility.

Number Allocation and Management

The Isle of Man Communications Commission manages phone number allocation, ensuring compliance with ITU standards and addressing the needs of residents and businesses.

Technical Restrictions and Special Cases

  • Golden Numbers: Memorable sequences may be reserved or sold at a premium.
  • Number Blocking: Some ranges may be restricted for regulatory reasons.

Technical Considerations for Developers

When integrating Isle of Man phone numbers, consider:

  1. Validation: Use regular expressions for validation.
  2. Formatting: Ensure the use of international format (+44) for compatibility.
  3. Portability: Check for mobile number portability if your service requires carrier identification.
  4. Dialing Rules: Be aware of national (0) and international (00 + country code) dialing requirements.

For the latest telecommunications regulations in the Isle of Man, visit the Isle of Man Communications Commission.