Phone Numbers in Burundi: A Comprehensive Guide
Quick Reference
- Country: Burundi
- Country Code: +257
- International Prefix: 00
- National Prefix: None
- Regulatory Body: Agence de Régulation et de Contrôle des Télécommunications (ARCT)
- ITU-T Standards: E.164, E.123
Overview
This guide offers a thorough exploration of Burundi's telephone numbering plan, detailing phone number structures, dialing procedures, and special considerations for developers and telecom professionals. Whether you're managing telecommunications systems, developing software that handles phone numbers, or conducting business in Burundi, this guide provides the essential information you need.
Number Structure
General Number Format
Burundi phone numbers adhere to the ITU-T E.164 standard, allowing for a maximum of 15 digits, including the country code. The general structure is:
+257 XXXXXXXXX
- +257: Country code for Burundi
- XXXXXXXXX: Subscriber number (9 digits)
Number Formats by Type
| Type | Format | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landline Numbers | 22XXXXXXX | 223456789 | Landline numbers in Burundi typically start with the digit '22' followed by 7 digits. |
| Mobile Numbers | 79XXXXXXX, 71XXXXXXX | 791234567 | Mobile numbers generally start with '79' or '71' followed by 7 digits. |
| Toll-Free | 800XXXXXX | 800123456 | Toll-free numbers start with '800' and are followed by 6 digits. |
| Premium Services | 90XXXXXXX | 901234567 | Premium-rate services start with '90' and are followed by 7 digits. |
Regular Expressions for Validation
Use the following regular expressions to validate Burundi phone numbers in your applications:
- General Format:
^\+257\d{8,9}$ - Landline Numbers:
^22\d{7}$ - Mobile Numbers:
^(79|71)\d{7}$ - Toll-Free Numbers:
^800\d{6}$ - Premium Services:
^90\d{7}$
Dialing Procedures
Domestic Calls
- Landline to Landline: Dial the 9-digit number directly (e.g.,
223456789). - Landline to Mobile: Dial the 9-digit mobile number directly (e.g.,
791234567). - Mobile to Mobile: Dial the 9-digit mobile number directly (e.g.,
791234567).
International Calls
- Outgoing: Dial
00(international prefix), followed by the country code, and then the subscriber number (e.g.,00 1 2025550123for a call to the USA). - Incoming: Callers from abroad should dial
+257followed by the 9-digit local number (e.g.,+257791234567).
Number Portability
As of the latest available data, Burundi does not support mobile number portability (MNP). This means that subscribers cannot retain their phone numbers when switching between mobile service providers.
Telecom Operators and Number Ranges
Burundi has several telecom operators, each assigned specific number ranges:
| Operator | Number Range | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Econet Leo | 79XXXXXXX | Mobile |
| Lumitel | 71XXXXXXX | Mobile |
| Onatel | 22XXXXXXX | Landline |
| Smart Mobile | 78XXXXXXX | Mobile |
Recent or Upcoming Changes
There have been no recent changes to the numbering plan in Burundi as of the latest updates. Any future changes will be announced by the Agence de Régulation et de Contrôle des Télécommunications (ARCT).
Number Allocation and Management
The Agence de Régulation et de Contrôle des Télécommunications (ARCT) is responsible for the allocation and management of phone numbers in Burundi. They ensure compliance with ITU-T standards and manage the numbering resources efficiently.
Technical Restrictions and Special Cases
- Golden Numbers: These are special numbers that may have a memorable sequence and are often sold at a premium.
- Number Blocking: Certain number ranges may be blocked or reserved for special purposes, such as government use or emergency services.
Technical Considerations for Developers
When designing systems that handle Burundi phone numbers, consider the following:
- Validation: Use the provided regular expressions to ensure that phone numbers are correctly formatted.
- Internationalization: Always store phone numbers in the E.164 format to facilitate international calling and interoperability.
- Error Handling: Implement robust error handling for scenarios where a user inputs an invalid or incomplete phone number.
- Timezone Awareness: Burundi operates on Central Africa Time (CAT), UTC+2. Ensure your systems account for this when scheduling calls or sending time-sensitive messages.
Note: For the most up-to-date information on telecommunications regulations in Burundi, please consult the official website of the Agence de Régulation et de Contrôle des Télécommunications (ARCT).