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
Type
Format
Example
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
Operator
Type
Number Range
Manx Telecom
Landline
+44 1624 2XXX, 5XXX
Sure
Mobile
+44 7624 1XXXXX
BlueWave
Mobile
+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:
Validation: Use regular expressions for validation.
Formatting: Ensure the use of international format (+44) for compatibility.
Portability: Check for mobile number portability if your service requires carrier identification.
Dialing Rules: Be aware of national (0) and international (00 + country code) dialing requirements.