Comprehensive Guide to Phone Numbers in Belgium

Quick Reference

• Country: Belgium
• Country Code: +32
• International Prefix: 00
• National Prefix: 0
• Regulatory Body: Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications (BIPT)
• ITU Standard: E.164

Overview

This guide provides an in-depth look at Belgium's telephone numbering plan, covering structure, dialing procedures, and regulatory framework. It's tailored for telecom professionals, developers, and system administrators seeking precise information on Belgium's numbering system.

Number Formats

Belgium uses a closed numbering plan with fixed-length area codes and subscriber numbers, compliant with the ITU's E.164 standard.

General Number Structure

• Country Code: +32
• National Numbering Format: 0XX XXX XXX (landlines), 04XX XXX XXX (mobiles)
• Number Length: 8 to 9 digits (excluding country code)

Geographic (Landline) Numbers

Geographic numbers in Belgium are typically 8 digits long, including a 1- or 2-digit area code.

Regular Expression:

^0[1-9]{1,2}[0-9]{6}$

Mobile Numbers

Mobile numbers in Belgium consist of 9 digits, starting with the prefix '04'.

Regular Expression:

^04[5-9][0-9]{6}$

Toll-Free Numbers

Toll-free numbers in Belgium start with the prefix '0800' and are 7 digits long.

Regular Expression:

^0800[0-9]{4}$

Premium Rate Numbers

Premium rate numbers are prefixed with '090X' and are typically 7 digits long.

Regular Expression:

^090[0-9][0-9]{4}$

Shared Cost Numbers

Shared cost numbers in Belgium begin with '078' and are 7 digits long.

Regular Expression:

^078[0-9]{4}$

Dialing Procedures

Domestic Calls

• Landline to Landline: Dial the national prefix 0, followed by the area code and subscriber number.
  • Example: 02 123 4567
• Landline to Mobile: Dial the national prefix 0, followed by the mobile code 04 and subscriber number.
  • Example: 0478 123 456
• Mobile to Mobile: Dial the mobile number directly, starting with 04.
  • Example: 0478 123 456

International Calls

• Outgoing: Dial the international prefix 00, followed by the country code, area code (if applicable), and subscriber number.
  • Example (to US): 00 1 555 123 4567
• Incoming: Dial the Belgian country code +32, followed by the area code (without the leading 0) and subscriber number.
  • Example: +32 2 123 4567

Number Portability

Belgium supports both mobile and fixed-line number portability, allowing users to retain their phone numbers when switching between service providers. This system, managed by the BIPT, was implemented in 2006.

Major Telecom Operators and Number Ranges

ITU-T Recommendations

Belgium's numbering plan adheres to the ITU-T E.164 standard, defining the structure for international telephone numbers to ensure global recognition and interoperability.

Number Allocation and Management

The allocation and management of telephone numbers in Belgium are overseen by the BIPT. The BIPT ensures that the numbering plan meets the telecommunications sector's needs while maintaining international compliance.

Technical Restrictions and Special Cases

Belgium's numbering plan does not currently include special restrictions such as golden numbers or number blocking. All number allocations are subject to BIPT regulations.

Technical Considerations for Developers

When developing systems that interact with Belgian phone numbers, consider the following:

• Validation: Implement regex patterns to validate the format of Belgian phone numbers.
• International Compatibility: Ensure systems can handle the +32 country code and strip the leading 0 from area codes when dialing internationally.
• Portability: Account for number portability, especially when integrating with telecom services or databases.