Oman Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide - phone-number-standards - Oman phone numbers, international dialing, phone-format

Oman Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide

This guide provides a detailed overview of Oman's phone number system, including number formats, area codes, dialing procedures, number portability, and regulatory information relevant for developers building applications that interact with Omani phone numbers.

Number Formats and Dialing Procedures

Oman's phone number system is regulated by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA). Understanding the structure of Omani phone numbers is crucial for developers. Here's a breakdown:

Domestic Calls

Making calls within Oman is straightforward due to the consistent 8-digit format for all number types.

  • Landline to Landline: Dial the 8-digit landline number directly. No area code is required for calls within Oman. For example, 21123456.
  • Mobile Calls: Dial the full 8-digit mobile number. All mobile numbers begin with '9'. Examples include calling from a landline to mobile (91123456) or mobile to mobile (95123456).

Best Practice: Always dial the full 8-digit number for any domestic call, regardless of your location or the call recipient's number type. This ensures accurate routing and connection.

International Calls

International calling involves specific prefixes and country codes.

  • Outgoing International Calls: Dial 00 (international prefix) followed by the country code, area code (if applicable), and the recipient's number. For example, to call a US number: 00 1 212 555 1234. Ensure you wait for the dial tone after dialing "00" before proceeding. Be aware of any specific dialing rules for the destination country.
  • Incoming International Calls: When sharing your Omani number internationally, always include the country code +968 before the 8-digit number. For example, +968 21123456. Using the "+" ensures compatibility with international dialing formats.

Area Codes

While not required for domestic calls, Area Codes is helpful for identifying the general location of a fixed line. Here's a list of area codes for major cities/regions:

  • Muscat: 24
  • A'Dakhliyah & Al Sharqiya & A’Dhahira: 25
  • Al Batinah & Musandam: 26
  • Dhofar: 23

Important Note: Due to Mobile Number Portability (MNP), the initial digits of a mobile number no longer reliably indicate the specific operator. Always verify the current operator through official channels if this information is critical for your application.

Mobile Number Portability (MNP)

Oman implemented MNP in 2006, allowing subscribers to switch operators while retaining their existing mobile number. This system, regulated by the TRA, promotes competition and consumer choice.

Key Features of MNP

  • Flexibility: Switch between any licensed Omani mobile operator (Omantel, Ooredoo, Vodafone).
  • Number Retention: Keep your existing 8-digit mobile number.
  • Service Types: Available for both prepaid and postpaid subscriptions.
  • Processing Time: Typically completed within 24-48 hours, although the TRA mandates completion within 5 working days.

MNP Process

  1. Request Submission: Submit a porting request to your new provider.
  2. Verification: Your new provider will verify your identity and current subscription details.
  3. Confirmation: Receive confirmation and a porting schedule from your new provider.
  4. Service Interruption: Experience minimal service interruption during the switch.

Important: Settle any outstanding bills with your current provider before initiating the porting process to avoid delays or complications.

Telecom Operators

Oman has three primary telecom operators:

  • Omantel: The incumbent operator, offering fixed-line, mobile, and internet services with nationwide coverage. Omantel holds the largest fixed-line market share and a significant mobile market share.
  • Ooredoo Oman: Provides fixed-line, mobile, and internet services, primarily in major cities and towns. Ooredoo is a strong competitor in the mobile market and is known for its advanced 5G services.
  • Vodafone Oman: The newest entrant, focusing on mobile and internet services with growing coverage. Vodafone is rapidly expanding its market share.

Regulatory Framework and Compliance

The TRA oversees the telecommunications sector, ensuring market development, consumer protection, technical standards compliance, competition, and service quality. Developers should be aware of the TRA's regulations when building applications related to telecommunications.

Number Resource Management

The TRA manages number allocation and defines valid number ranges. Developers can use regular expressions for validating Omani phone numbers:

// Example validation functions
function isValidLandline(number) {
  return /^2[1-6]\d{6}$/.test(number);
}

function isValidMobile(number) {
  return /^9[1-9]\d{6}$/.test(number);
}

// Example usage
console.log(isValidLandline("23123456")); // true
console.log(isValidMobile("97123456")); // true
console.log(isValidMobile("800123456")); // false - not a mobile number format

Market Performance and Statistics

The TRA publishes telecommunications statistics, including service penetration rates and quality metrics. These statistics can be valuable for market research and application development. Key metrics include mobile penetration, fixed broadband penetration, network availability, and call success rates. You can find these statistics on the TRA's official website.

Additional Resources

This guide provides a solid foundation for developers working with Omani phone numbers. Always consult the TRA website for the most up-to-date information and regulations.