Understanding Icelandic Phone Numbers: Formats, Dialing Rules, and Telecom Standards

Quick Reference

  • Country: Iceland
  • Country Code: +354
  • International Prefix: 00
  • National Prefix: None

Overview

This guide offers a comprehensive look at Iceland's telephone numbering system, detailing formats, dialing procedures, and telecommunications regulations. It's essential for telecom professionals, developers, and system administrators working with Icelandic phone numbers.

Number Formats

General Number Structure

Iceland adheres to the E.164 international numbering standard, allowing up to 15 digits, including the country code. Typically, Icelandic phone numbers are 7 digits long, with no area codes.

Number Format Table

TypeFormatExampleDescription
Geographic[4-9]XXXXXX4861234Landline numbers
Mobile[6-8]XXXXXX6623456Mobile numbers
Toll-Free80[0-8]XXXX8001234Toll-free numbers
Premium Rate90[0-9]XXXX9001234Premium rate services
Emergency112112Emergency services

Regular Expressions for Number Validation

  • Geographic Numbers:
    ^[4-9]\d{6}$
    
  • Mobile Numbers:
    ^[6-8]\d{6}$
    
  • Toll-Free Numbers:
    ^80[0-8]\d{4}$
    
  • Premium Rate Numbers:
    ^90\d{5}$
    
  • Emergency Numbers:
    ^112$
    

Dialing Procedures

Domestic Calls

  • Landline to Landline: Dial the 7-digit 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 followed by the country code and the subscriber number. Example: 00 1 212 5551234 for the USA.
  • Incoming: Callers should dial +354 followed by the 7-digit number. Example: +354 4861234.

Number Portability

Iceland supports mobile number portability (MNP), allowing users to keep their numbers when switching mobile operators, enhancing competition and consumer choice.

Major Telecom Operators and Number Ranges

OperatorService TypeNumber RangeDescription
SíminnMobile, Landline[4-9]XXXXXXLargest telecom operator in Iceland
Vodafone IcelandMobile, Landline[6-8]XXXXXXMajor competitor in mobile services
NovaMobile[6-8]XXXXXXFocuses on mobile services

ITU-T Standards and Recommendations

Iceland follows the E.164 standard for its numbering plan, as advised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), ensuring global interoperability.

Number Allocation and Management

The Icelandic Communications Authority (ICAO) manages phone number allocation, ensuring compliance with international standards.

Technical Considerations

For Developers

  • Number Validation: Use provided regex patterns to validate Icelandic numbers in applications.
  • Formatting: Store or transmit numbers in E.164 format.
  • Number Portability: Implement checks for number portability in systems interacting with mobile numbers.

Special Cases

  • Golden Numbers: No specific regulations for golden numbers in Iceland.
  • Number Blocking: Standard procedures apply, with no unique restrictions.

For the latest telecom regulations in Iceland, visit the Icelandic Communications Authority (ICAO).

Recent or Upcoming Changes

Currently, there are no significant changes to Iceland's numbering plan. The structure remains consistent with the E.164 standard.

Emergency Numbers

  • Emergency Services: 112
    This number is used for all emergency services in Iceland, including police, fire, and medical assistance.

Conclusion

Understanding Icelandic phone numbers' structure and regulations is vital for telecommunications professionals. This guide offers the necessary technical details for compliance and proper handling. For more information, refer to the Icelandic Communications Authority (ICAO) and ITU-T recommendations.