Phone Numbers in Sao Tome and Principe: A Complete Guide
Quick Reference
- Country: Sao Tome and Principe
- Country Code: +239
- International Prefix: 00
- National Prefix: None
Overview
Gain a thorough understanding of the telephone numbering plan in Sao Tome and Principe. This guide is essential for telecom professionals, developers, and business analysts seeking detailed insights into the structure, regulations, and practical usage of phone numbers in this region.
Numbering Plan Structure
General Number Structure
All phone numbers in Sao Tome and Principe adhere to a fixed-length format:
- Country Code: +239
- Subscriber Number: 7 digits
Number Breakdown
| Type | Format | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geographic | 22X{5} | 2245001 | Standard landline numbers. |
| Mobile | 9XX{5} | 9001234 | Mobile numbers. |
| Special | X{6} | 118 | Short codes for emergency services and other special services. |
Regular Expressions
Use the following regular expressions to validate phone numbers in Sao Tome and Principe:
- Geographic Numbers:
/^22\d{5}$/ - Mobile Numbers:
/^9\d{6}$/ - Special Numbers:
/^\d{3}$/
Dialing Procedures
Domestic Dialing
- Landline to Landline: Dial the 7-digit subscriber number directly.
- Landline to Mobile: Dial the 7-digit mobile number directly.
- Mobile to Mobile: Dial the 7-digit mobile number directly.
International Dialing
- Outgoing International Calls: Dial
00followed by the country code, area code, and the subscriber number. - Incoming International Calls: International callers should dial
+239followed by the 7-digit subscriber number.
Recent Changes to the Numbering Plan
Currently, there are no significant updates to the numbering plan in Sao Tome and Principe. The existing structure remains stable, with no new prefixes or number ranges introduced recently.
Number Portability
Mobile number portability is not available in Sao Tome and Principe. Subscribers cannot retain their phone numbers when switching between different mobile network operators.
Major Telecom Operators and Number Ranges
| Operator | Number Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| CST | 22XXXXXX | The primary telecom operator for landlines. |
| Unitel STP | 9XXXXXXX | The main mobile network operator. |
ITU-T Recommendations
Sao Tome and Principe's numbering plan complies with ITU-T Recommendation E.164, which defines the international public telecommunication numbering plan.
Number Allocation and Management
The Autoridade Geral de Regulação (AGR) is the regulatory body responsible for the allocation and management of phone numbers in Sao Tome and Principe. They ensure compliance with national and international standards and manage the assignment of number ranges to telecom operators.
Technical Considerations
For Developers and System Administrators
- Validation: Ensure your system validates phone numbers using the regular expressions provided above.
- Storage: Store phone numbers in a normalized format, including the country code (
+239), to facilitate international operations. - Internationalization: If your application handles international calls, ensure it supports the dialing procedures outlined above.
Special Cases
- Golden Numbers: There are no publicly available details on golden numbers or special number allocations in Sao Tome and Principe.
- Number Blocking: No specific information is available on number blocking or restrictions.
For the most up-to-date information on telecommunications regulations in Sao Tome and Principe, please consult the official website of the Autoridade Geral de Regulação (AGR).
Conclusion
Understanding the phone numbering plan in Sao Tome and Principe is crucial for anyone involved in telecommunications or international business. This guide provides the essential technical details, ensuring effective work with phone numbers in this region. Always refer to official sources for the most current information and regulations.