Comprehensive Guide to Phone Numbers in Vanuatu

Quick Reference

• Country: Vanuatu
• Country Code: +678
• International Prefix: 00
• National Prefix: None
• Regulatory Authority: Vanuatu Telecommunications and Radiocommunications Regulator (TRR)

Overview

This guide provides an in-depth look at Vanuatu's telephone numbering plan, detailing number formats, dialing procedures, and regulatory insights. Ideal for telecom professionals, developers, and business operators, this guide ensures you can effectively manage and utilize Vanuatu's phone numbers.

Number Formats

Vanuatu's telephone numbering system is designed to support various services, including landline, mobile, and special services. Here's a detailed breakdown of the number formats used in Vanuatu.

General Number Structure

• Total Length: 5 to 7 digits
• Country Code: +678

Landline Numbers

• Format: 2[02-9]XXXX | 3[4-7]XXXX | 38[0-8]XXX | 48[4-9]XXX
• Length: 5 to 7 digits
• Example: 2001234, 3405678

Mobile Numbers

• Format: [57]XXXXXX | 7[013-7]XXXXX
• Length: 6 to 7 digits
• Example: 5712345, 7012345

Toll-Free Numbers

• Format: 81[18]XX
• Length: 5 digits
• Example: 81181

Emergency Numbers

• Format: 11X
• Length: 3 digits
• Example: 112, 111

Number Format Table

Regular Expressions for Number Validation

To programmatically validate Vanuatu phone numbers, use the following regular expressions:

Landline Numbers

/^([2][02-9]\d{4}|[3][4-7]\d{4}|38[0-8]\d{3}|48[4-9]\d{3})$/

Mobile Numbers

/^([5-7]\d{6}|7[013-7]\d{5})$/

Toll-Free Numbers

/^81[18]\d{2}$/

Emergency Numbers

/^11\d$/

Dialing Procedures

Domestic Calls

• Landline to Landline: Dial the 5 to 7-digit number directly.
• Landline to Mobile: Dial the 6 to 7-digit mobile number directly.
• Mobile to Mobile: Dial the 6 to 7-digit mobile number directly.

International Calls

• Outgoing: Dial 00 (International Prefix) + 678 (Country Code) + Local Number.
• Incoming: Dial your International Access Code + 678 + Local Number.

Number Portability

Vanuatu supports number portability, allowing users to keep their phone numbers when switching service providers. This service is primarily available for mobile numbers and is regulated by the Vanuatu Telecommunications and Radiocommunications Regulator (TRR).

Major Telecom Operators

Vanuatu's telecom market is served by several operators, each with specific number ranges:

ITU-T Standards

Vanuatu adheres to the following ITU-T recommendations:

• E.164: Defines the international public telecommunication numbering plan.
• E.123: Provides guidelines for the notation of national and international telephone numbers.

Number Allocation and Management

The Vanuatu Telecommunications and Radiocommunications Regulator (TRR) is responsible for the allocation and management of telephone numbers in Vanuatu, ensuring numbers are assigned according to the national numbering plan and that adequate numbers are available for future growth.

Technical Restrictions and Special Cases

• Golden Numbers: Vanuatu does not have a formal policy on "golden numbers" (i.e., numbers with special significance or value).
• Number Blocking: Number blocking is available for certain services, as regulated by the TRR.

Technical Considerations for Developers

When integrating Vanuatu phone numbers into systems or applications, consider the following:

1. Validation: Use the provided regular expressions to validate phone numbers.
2. Number Formatting: Ensure numbers are stored in E.164 format for consistency.
3. Portability: Implement logic to handle number portability, especially for mobile numbers.
4. Time Zones: Vanuatu operates on VUT (UTC+11); adjust time-sensitive operations accordingly.