What is the country code for Mali?

The country code for Mali is +223.

How are mobile numbers structured in Mali?

Mobile numbers in Mali are structured with 8 digits and typically begin with the digits 6, 7, or 9. For example, a valid mobile number could be 61234567, 72345678, or 93456789.

What are the dialing procedures for international calls to Mali?

To call a Mali number from abroad, you need to dial the international access code (e.g., + or 00), followed by Mali's country code (+223), and then the 8-digit local number. For example, to call the number 61234567 in Mali, you would dial +223 61234567.

Does Mali support mobile number portability (MNP)?

No, Mali currently does not support mobile number portability (MNP). Once a number is assigned to a subscriber by a telecom operator, it cannot be transferred to another operator.

Which major telecom operators are active in Mali, and what are their number ranges?

The major telecom operators in Mali are Orange Mali and Malitel. Orange Mali uses the number ranges starting with 6XXXXXXX and 7XXXXXXX, while Malitel uses the number range starting with 9XXXXXXX.

What is the country code for Mali?

The country code for Mali is +223.

How many digits are in a Mali phone number?

A Mali phone number consists of 8 digits.

What is the format for landline numbers in Mali?

Landline numbers in Mali typically start with the digit '2' and follow the format 2XXXXXXX.

Can I transfer my mobile number to another operator in Mali?

No, Mali does not support mobile number portability.

What prefixes do mobile numbers in Mali start with?

Mobile numbers in Mali usually begin with '6', '7', or '9'.

How do I make an international call from Mali?

To make an international call from Mali, dial '00', followed by the country code and the subscriber number.

Which authority manages phone number allocation in Mali?

The Autorité Malienne de Régulation des Télécommunications/TIC et des Postes (AMRTP) manages phone number allocation in Mali.

What are golden numbers in Mali?

Golden numbers are premium numbers that are easier to remember and available for purchase at a higher cost.

What is the format for toll-free numbers in Mali?

Toll-free numbers in Mali start with '80' and follow the format 80XXXXXX.

Are there any recent changes to Mali's numbering plan?

No, there are currently no significant changes to Mali's numbering plan.

What is the dialing procedure for calling a landline from a mobile in Mali?

To call a landline from a mobile in Mali, dial the 8-digit landline number directly.

What regular expression can be used to validate a Mali landline number?

The regular expression to validate a Mali landline number is ^2\d{7}$.

What is the international prefix for dialing out of Mali?

The international prefix for dialing out of Mali is '00'.

Which telecom operators are major in Mali?

The major telecom operators in Mali are Orange Mali and Malitel.

How do I call a Mali mobile number from abroad?

To call a Mali mobile number from abroad, dial '+223' followed by the 8-digit local number.

What is the format for special services numbers in Mali?

Special services numbers in Mali have a shorter format, typically '1XX', such as 112 for emergency services.

What number range does Orange Mali use?

Orange Mali uses the number ranges starting with '6' and '7'.

How should phone numbers be stored for international compatibility?

Phone numbers should be stored in E.164 format for international compatibility.

What is the national prefix for Mali?

Mali does not use a national prefix.

What should developers consider when implementing Mali's numbering system?

Developers should use regular expressions to validate numbers, store them in E.164 format, and handle both domestic and international dialing formats.

Mali Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide

This guide provides a detailed overview of Mali's telecommunications landscape, focusing on phone number formats, dialing procedures, network operators, infrastructure, and regulatory considerations crucial for developers building applications for the Malian market.

Understanding Mali's Telecommunications Infrastructure

Mali's telecommunications sector is a dynamic and evolving market in West Africa, overseen by the Autorité Malienne de Régulation des Télécommunications/TIC et des Postes (AMRTP). While historically underdeveloped, the sector has seen significant growth and investment in recent years, driven by the increasing demand for mobile services. Despite challenges posed by its landlocked geography and security concerns, Mali is striving to improve its communication infrastructure to bridge the digital divide and foster economic growth.

Mobile-First Market: Mali is predominantly a mobile-first market, with mobile subscriptions significantly outnumbering fixed lines. This is largely due to the challenges in deploying fixed-line infrastructure across the vast and sparsely populated regions, particularly in the north and west. Mobile penetration has grown tremendously since the 1990s, offering a more accessible and flexible communication solution for Malians.
Network Coverage Disparities: Network coverage varies considerably across the country. Urban centers enjoy relatively high coverage, including increasing access to 4G and even 5G services. Southern regions generally have standard service, while rural areas experience variable coverage, often limited to basic voice services. This disparity highlights the need for developers to consider network availability and reliability when designing applications for different regions.
Ongoing Infrastructure Development: Significant investments are being made to expand and improve network infrastructure. Orange Mali is focusing on deploying 4G/5G in urban areas, while Malitel is leveraging satellite technology to extend coverage in rural regions. Joint initiatives between operators are also underway to develop shared infrastructure in remote areas. These developments are promising for the future of connectivity in Mali, but developers should still account for potential limitations in current network capabilities.

Phone Number Formats and Dialing Procedures

Mali employs a simplified and unified dialing system, making it relatively straightforward to make calls within the country.

Domestic Calls

Landline Numbers: Landline numbers consist of 8 digits, without any area codes.
```
Example: 20234567
```
Mobile Numbers: Mobile numbers also have 8 digits, typically starting with 6, 7 (Orange Mali), or 9 (Malitel). Dialing is straightforward, regardless of the mobile network operator.
```
Example: 61234567 (Orange Mali)
Example: 91234567 (Malitel)
```
Dialing Procedure: To make a domestic call (landline or mobile), simply dial the 8-digit number directly. No additional prefixes or area codes are required.

International Calls

To call Mali from another country:

Dial the international access code (e.g., 011 from the US, 00 from many European countries).
Dial Mali's country code (+223).

Dial the 8-digit phone number.

Example (from the US): 011 + 223 + 61234567

Special Services

Toll-Free Numbers: Toll-free numbers start with 80 followed by six digits.
```
Example: 80012345
```
Emergency Numbers: The primary emergency number in Mali is 112 (for general emergencies). Other emergency numbers include 17 (police), 15 (ambulance), and 18 (fire). It's important to note that emergency services availability and responsiveness can vary, particularly in rural areas. The U.S. Embassy in Mali provides an alternative emergency number: 8000-1115. However, they caution that connection and response may not be reliable.

Mobile Network Operators

Mali's mobile market is primarily dominated by two operators:

Orange Mali: The market leader, with a larger market share and a focus on 4G/5G deployment in urban areas. Orange Mali uses number prefixes 6 and 7.
Malitel (SOTELMA): The secondary operator, with a focus on expanding rural coverage through satellite technology. Malitel uses number prefix 9.

Regulatory Framework

The AMRTP plays a crucial role in regulating the telecommunications sector, ensuring fair competition, managing spectrum allocation, and enforcing quality of service standards. They also oversee the allocation of special numbers, including premium numbers and emergency service numbers.

Key Considerations for Developers

Network Connectivity: Be mindful of the varying levels of network coverage and quality across different regions. Implement robust error handling and offline capabilities in your applications to cater to potential connectivity issues.
Mobile Optimization: Prioritize mobile optimization, given the dominance of mobile devices in the Malian market. Design responsive interfaces and optimize application performance for low-bandwidth environments.
Language Localization: Consider localizing your application into French and other local languages to enhance accessibility and user experience.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure your applications comply with the regulations and guidelines set by the AMRTP, particularly regarding data privacy and security.

Future Trends

Mali's telecommunications sector is expected to continue its growth trajectory, driven by increasing mobile data usage, expanding 4G/5G coverage, and the emergence of new technologies like mobile money and digital payment solutions. Developers should stay abreast of these trends and adapt their strategies accordingly to capitalize on the evolving opportunities in the Malian market.