Understanding Phone Numbers in Benin

Quick Reference Guide

• Country: Benin
• Country Code: +229
• International Prefix: 00
• National Prefix: None
• Typical Number Length: 8 digits
• Regulatory Body: Office des Postes et Télécommunications (OPT)

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Overview of Benin's Telephone Numbering Plan

Benin utilizes a closed numbering plan with an 8-digit format for all phone numbers, including both geographic and mobile services. The absence of area codes simplifies the structure, with the first digit of the subscriber number indicating the service type, such as landline or mobile. This guide is tailored for telecom professionals, developers, and systems administrators seeking accurate information on handling Benin's phone numbers.

Detailed Numbering Structure

Geographic Numbers

Geographic numbers in Benin are designated for landline services and typically begin with the digit 2.

• Format: 2XXXXXXX
• Example: 229XXXXXX

Mobile Numbers

Mobile numbers in Benin start with digits 9, 6, 5, or 4, depending on the mobile operator.

• Format: [9|6|5|4]XXXXXXX
• Example: 9XXXXXXX

Special Service Numbers

Special service numbers, used for emergency and toll-free services, are shorter.

• Format: 1XX, 12X, 16X, 73XX, 74XX, 75XX
• Example: 112 (emergency services)

Number Formats Table

Service Type	Number Format	Example
Geographic (Landline)	2XXXXXXX	229XXXXXX
Mobile	`[9	6
Emergency Services	11X	112
Toll-Free Numbers	73XX, 74XX, 75XX	7300
OPT Operator	12X	120

Validating Benin Phone Numbers

To ensure the accuracy of Benin phone numbers, use the following regular expressions:

• Geographic (Landline) Numbers:
  /^2\d{7}$/
  

• Mobile Numbers:
  /^[9|6|5|4]\d{7}$/
  

• Emergency Services:
  /^11\d$/
  

• Toll-Free Numbers:
  /^7[3-5]\d{2}$/
  

Dialing Procedures

Domestic Calls

• Within Benin: Dial the 8-digit subscriber number directly.
  • Landline to Landline: 2XXXXXXX
  • Landline to Mobile: [9|6|5|4]XXXXXXX
  • Mobile to Mobile: [9|6|5|4]XXXXXXX

International Calls

• From Benin: Dial 00, followed by the country code, area code (if applicable), and the subscriber number.
  • Example: 00 + [Country Code] + [Area Code] + [Subscriber Number]
• To Benin: Dial your international prefix, followed by +229 and the 8-digit subscriber number.
  • Example: +229 9XXXXXXX

Number Portability

Currently, Benin does not support mobile number portability (MNP), and there are no plans to implement this feature in the near future.

Major Telecom Operators and Number Ranges

Operator	Number Range Start	Service Type
Libercom	9001XXXX	Mobile
Telecel	28XXXXXX	Mobile
Spacetel/Areeba	76XXXXXX	Mobile
OPT	80100000	Internet

Compliance with ITU-T Recommendations

Benin's telephone numbering system adheres to the ITU-T Recommendation E.164, which outlines the international public telecommunication numbering plan.

Number Allocation and Management

The Office des Postes et Télécommunications (OPT) oversees the allocation and regulation of telephone numbers in Benin. For the latest updates, visit the official OPT website.

Technical Considerations for Developers

1. Validation: Utilize the provided regular expressions for number validation.
2. Storage: Store numbers in the international format (+229XXXXXXXX).
3. Number Formatting: Ensure compliance with the ITU-T E.164 standard.
4. Dialing Procedures: Implement logic for both domestic and international calls.
5. Regulatory Updates: Stay informed of changes from OPT to maintain compliance.