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

Phone Numbers in British Indian Ocean Territory

Quick Reference

  • Country: British Indian Ocean Territory
  • Country Code: +246
  • International Prefix: 00
  • National Prefix: None

Overview

Discover the comprehensive telephone numbering system in the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). This guide covers phone number structures, dialing procedures, and telecommunications regulations. It's an essential resource for telecom professionals, developers, and systems administrators seeking detailed insights into BIOT's phone number formats and dialing conventions.

Number Formats

General Number Structure

The BIOT telephone numbering plan uses a fixed-length format. All phone numbers consist of 7 digits, with the first digit indicating the service type.

  • Country Code: +246
  • Subscriber Number Length: 7 digits
  • Format: 3X{6}

Number Types and Format

TypeFormatExample
Geographic37X{5}3755555
Mobile38X{5}3815555

Regular Expressions for Number Validation

Validate BIOT phone numbers using these regular expressions:

  • Geographic Numbers: 
    /^37\d{5}$/
  • Mobile Numbers: 
    /^38\d{5}$/

Dialing Procedures

Domestic Calls

  • Landline to Landline: Dial the 7-digit local number directly.
  • Landline to Mobile: Dial the 7-digit mobile number directly.
  • Mobile to Mobile: Dial the 7-digit mobile number directly.

International Calls

  • Outgoing: Dial 00 (international prefix), followed by the country code, area code (if applicable), and the local number.
    • Example: To call a number in the United States, dial 00 1 [Area Code] [Local Number].
  • Incoming: International callers should dial +246 followed by the 7-digit local number.

Number Portability

Currently, there is no mobile number portability (MNP) available in the British Indian Ocean Territory. Subscribers cannot retain their phone numbers when switching between service providers.

Major Telecom Operators

As of the latest data, information about specific telecom operators and their number ranges in the British Indian Ocean Territory is not publicly available. The telecommunications infrastructure is primarily managed by the government and military entities.

ITU-T Standards

The British Indian Ocean Territory adheres to the ITU-T E.164 standard, which is the international public telecommunication numbering plan. This standard defines the format for telephone numbers and ensures global interoperability.

Number Allocation and Management

The numbering plan and allocation of phone numbers in the British Indian Ocean Territory are managed by the relevant local telecommunications authority, in coordination with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The authority ensures that numbers are allocated efficiently and in accordance with international standards.

Technical Restrictions and Special Cases

There are no widely recognized technical restrictions or special cases such as golden numbers or number blocking in the British Indian Ocean Territory. However, due to the limited population and infrastructure, the availability of numbers may be restricted.

Technical Considerations

For developers and systems administrators working with BIOT phone numbers, consider the following:

  • Validation: Implement regex-based validation to ensure the correct format for geographic and mobile numbers.
  • Internationalization: Ensure that systems can handle the +246 country code and the fixed 7-digit numbering plan.
  • No MNP: Be aware that number portability is not supported, which may affect user experience in terms of retaining numbers across providers.
  • Time Zone: The British Indian Ocean Territory operates on UTC+6. Ensure that time-sensitive services account for this time zone.

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