What is the country code for the British Indian Ocean Territory?

The country code for the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) is +246.

How are phone numbers structured in the British Indian Ocean Territory?

Phone numbers in the British Indian Ocean Territory are 7 digits long. Geographic numbers start with '37' (e.g., 3755555), and mobile numbers start with '38' (e.g., 3815555).

What are the dialing procedures for international calls to the British Indian Ocean Territory?

To make an international call to the British Indian Ocean Territory, dial the international access code (e.g., 00), followed by the country code +246 and the 7-digit local number.

Is there mobile number portability (MNP) in the British Indian Ocean Territory?

No, mobile number portability is not available in the British Indian Ocean Territory. Subscribers cannot retain their phone numbers when switching between service providers.

Are there any recent changes or technical considerations for phone numbers in the British Indian Ocean Territory?

There are no recent changes in the phone number system. However, developers should implement regex-based validation for geographic and mobile numbers, and ensure systems support the +246 country code and the fixed 7-digit numbering plan.

What is the country code for the British Indian Ocean Territory?

The country code for the British Indian Ocean Territory is +246.

How many digits are in a phone number in the British Indian Ocean Territory?

Phone numbers in the British Indian Ocean Territory consist of 7 digits.

What is the format for geographic phone numbers in the British Indian Ocean Territory?

Geographic phone numbers in the British Indian Ocean Territory have the format 37X{5}, where X represents any digit.

What is the format for mobile phone numbers in the British Indian Ocean Territory?

Mobile phone numbers in the British Indian Ocean Territory have the format 38X{5}, where X represents any digit.

Is there a national prefix for dialing within the British Indian Ocean Territory?

No, there is no national prefix for dialing within the British Indian Ocean Territory.

How do I make an international call from the British Indian Ocean Territory?

To make an international call from the British Indian Ocean Territory, dial 00 followed by the country code, area code (if applicable), and the local number.

Is mobile number portability available in the British Indian Ocean Territory?

No, mobile number portability is not available in the British Indian Ocean Territory.

Who manages the telecommunications infrastructure in the British Indian Ocean Territory?

The telecommunications infrastructure in the British Indian Ocean Territory is primarily managed by government and military entities.

What is the international prefix for dialing out of the British Indian Ocean Territory?

The international prefix for dialing out of the British Indian Ocean Territory is 00.

What ITU-T standard does the British Indian Ocean Territory adhere to for phone numbers?

The British Indian Ocean Territory adheres to the ITU-T E.164 standard for phone numbers.

Are there any technical restrictions on phone numbers in the British Indian Ocean Territory?

There are no widely recognized technical restrictions or special cases such as golden numbers or number blocking in the British Indian Ocean Territory.

How can I validate a geographic phone number in the British Indian Ocean Territory?

You can validate a geographic phone number in the British Indian Ocean Territory using the regex /^37\d{5}$/.

How can I validate a mobile phone number in the British Indian Ocean Territory?

You can validate a mobile phone number in the British Indian Ocean Territory using the regex /^38\d{5}$/.

What time zone does the British Indian Ocean Territory operate in?

The British Indian Ocean Territory operates on UTC+6.

Can subscribers retain their phone numbers when switching providers in the British Indian Ocean Territory?

No, subscribers cannot retain their phone numbers when switching providers in the British Indian Ocean Territory due to the lack of mobile number portability.

What should developers consider when working with BIOT phone numbers?

Developers should consider implementing regex-based validation, ensuring systems handle the +246 country code and fixed 7-digit numbering plan, and accounting for the lack of number portability.

What is the format for dialing a landline number from another landline within the British Indian Ocean Territory?

To dial a landline number from another landline within the British Indian Ocean Territory, simply dial the 7-digit local number directly.

What is the format for dialing a mobile number from another mobile within the British Indian Ocean Territory?

To dial a mobile number from another mobile within the British Indian Ocean Territory, simply dial the 7-digit local mobile number directly.

Is there any publicly available information about telecom operators in the British Indian Ocean Territory?

As of the latest data, specific information about telecom operators and their number ranges in the British Indian Ocean Territory is not publicly available.

Where can I find the most up-to-date information on BIOT telecommunications regulations?

For the most up-to-date information on telecommunications regulations in the British Indian Ocean Territory, consult the official website of the national telecommunications authority or the ITU.

British Indian Ocean Territory Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) telephone numbering system, designed for developers, telecom professionals, and system administrators. It covers number formats, validation, dialing procedures, security considerations, best practices, and regulatory compliance.

Understanding the BIOT Telecommunications Landscape

The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) has a unique telecommunications infrastructure primarily serving military and strategic purposes. Sure (Diego Garcia) Ltd. is the exclusive telecommunications provider, operating under specific protocols and restrictions. This necessitates careful consideration of number allocation, validation, and security when integrating with BIOT phone numbers. The regulatory framework is governed by the Communications Ordinance 2018, which establishes the role of a Communications Regulator to oversee service provision and consumer interests. This role includes ensuring compliance with the electronic communication objectives outlined in the ordinance, such as promoting consumer interests, facilitating effective communication, and supporting the interests of the BIOT Administration, UK Ministry of Defence, and US Department of Defence.

Number Formats and Structure

BIOT uses a streamlined 7-digit numbering plan. All numbers adhere to the following structure:

Country Code: +246
Subscriber Number Length: 7 digits

The general format is 3X{6}, where X represents a digit defining the service type.

Number Types

Type	Format	Example	Usage
Geographic	`37X{5}`	3755555	Fixed-line services
Mobile	`38X{5}`	3815555	Mobile telecommunications

It's crucial to verify current requirements with Sure (Diego Garcia) Ltd. before any implementation due to the controlled nature of number allocation in the territory.

Validating BIOT Phone Numbers

Robust validation is essential when working with BIOT numbers. Here's a JavaScript example using regular expressions:

function validateBIOTNumber(number, type = 'any') {
  // Remove whitespace, +, and the country code if present
  const cleanedNumber = number.replace(/[\s+]/g, '').replace(/^246/, '');

  const patterns = {
    geographic: /^37\d{5}$/,
    mobile: /^38\d{5}$/,
    any: /^3[78]\d{5}$/
  };

  return patterns[type].test(cleanedNumber);
}

// Example usage:
console.log(validateBIOTNumber('+246 3712345', 'geographic')); // true
console.log(validateBIOTNumber('3898765', 'mobile')); // true
console.log(validateBIOTNumber('2463700000')); // false (incorrect prefix)

This function provides flexibility to validate against specific number types or any BIOT number. Remember to sanitize input by removing whitespace and the international prefix before validation.

Dialing Procedures

Domestic Calls

Domestic calls within BIOT use direct 7-digit dialing, regardless of whether the call is between landlines or mobiles.

International Calls

Outgoing (from BIOT): 00 + Country Code + Number (e.g., to call the US: 00 1 5551234567)
Incoming (to BIOT): +246 + 7-digit local number (e.g., +246 3755555)

Technical Implementation and Best Practices

Security

Given the military presence, security is paramount. Implement a multi-layered approach:

Input Validation: Use the provided regex and sanitize all user-supplied phone number input.
Number Authentication: Verify numbers against a trusted source if possible.
Call Logging and Monitoring: Track call activity and monitor for unusual patterns.
Encryption: Encrypt all communications involving BIOT phone numbers.
Access Controls: Restrict access to systems handling BIOT numbers based on the principle of least privilege.

System Integration

Storage: Store numbers in E.164 format (+24637X5 or +24638X5) for consistency and interoperability. Consider a database schema like this:

CREATE TABLE contact_numbers (
    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
    phone_number VARCHAR(15) CHECK (phone_number ~ '^\+246(37|38)\d{5}$'),
    number_type TEXT CHECK (number_type IN ('geographic', 'mobile'))
);

API Integration: Use validation middleware in your APIs to ensure all numbers are correctly formatted. Handle international formatting according to E.164.
Timezone: Set the system timezone to UTC+6.

Infrastructure

Limited Bandwidth: Optimize communications for potentially limited bandwidth.
Military Priority: Be aware that military communications may take precedence.
Redundancy: Design for redundancy in critical communication systems.

Regulatory Compliance

Adherence to the following is mandatory:

ITU-T E.164: The international standard for phone number formatting.
Military Communication Protocols: Consult with relevant authorities for specific requirements.
UK Overseas Territory Regulations: Stay updated on any relevant regulations.

Always verify current regulations with Sure (Diego Garcia) Ltd. and relevant authorities before implementation, as some services may be restricted.

Additional Recommendations

Number Management: Maintain separate number pools for civilian and military use. Document all number assignments meticulously.
System Design: Design systems with limited infrastructure and potential service disruptions in mind. Implement robust error handling.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your applications and systems handle BIOT phone numbers correctly, securely, and in compliance with all applicable regulations. Remember to consult the ITU-T documentation and relevant military authorities for the most up-to-date information.