Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Botswana is +267. This code is required when dialing a Botswana number from another country. It precedes the subscriber's local number.
Landline numbers in Botswana are seven digits long and start with '2'. Dial the seven-digit number directly when calling from within Botswana.
To call Botswana from internationally, dial 00 (or your country's international dialing prefix), followed by +267, then the seven or eight-digit local number. For instance, to call a Botswana mobile number: 00 +267 71 XXX XXXX.
Botswana mobile numbers are eight digits long and begin with 71, 72, 73, or 74. These prefixes often indicate the mobile operator. For example, 71XXXXXX is often a Mascom number.
The Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) manages Botswana's telephone numbering plan, oversees number portability, and allocates phone numbers. They ensure efficient assignment and prevent overlap between services. Visit the BOCRA website for the latest information.
Botswana phone numbers can be validated using regular expressions. For example, landline numbers use the regex /^2[0-9]{6}$/, mobile numbers use /^7[1-8][0-9]{6}$/, toll-free numbers use /^0800[0-9]{4}$/, and premium rate numbers use /^90[0-9]{5}$/.
Botswana phone numbers are categorized by service type including landline (starting with 2), mobile (starting with 71-74), toll-free (starting with 0800), and premium rate (starting with 90). Each type has a specific format and length.
Toll-free numbers in Botswana are seven digits long and use the prefix '0800'. They follow the format 0800 XXXX.
Botswana does not use area codes in the traditional sense. Number prefixes indicate the type of service (landline, mobile, toll-free, etc.) and suggest the geographic region.
Developers should consider number blocking or restrictions, especially for premium rate services, which may be implemented by BOCRA. When designing systems for phone number input or validation, these restrictions should be factored in.
Yes, Botswana offers mobile number portability, meaning users can retain their mobile numbers when switching between operators. The process is managed by BOCRA.
Botswana landline numbers are seven digits long. They begin with the number '2', which immediately indicates that the number represents a landline telephone connection.
Major mobile operators in Botswana include Mascom Wireless (71XXXXXX), Orange Botswana (72XXXXXX), and BTC (73XXXXXX). There are various other carriers that use number prefixes in the '74' range.
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Botswana Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide
Quick Reference
Overview
Botswana's telephone numbering plan is managed by the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) and follows the ITU-T E.164 standard. This guide offers detailed insights into the structure, formatting, and dialing procedures of phone numbers in Botswana. It is tailored for telecom professionals, developers, and anyone needing a thorough understanding of Botswana's telephone system.
Number Formats
Botswana's phone numbers are categorized by service type, such as landline, mobile, and toll-free. Below is a breakdown of the number formats:
General Number Structure
Number Format Table
^2[0-9]{6}$^7[1-8][0-9]{6}$^0800[0-9]{4}$^90[0-9]{5}$Landline Numbers
Landline numbers in Botswana are 7 digits long and start with '2'.
Mobile Numbers
Mobile numbers are 8 digits long, starting with '71', '72', '73', or '74'.
Toll-Free Numbers
Toll-free numbers use the prefix '0800' and are 7 digits long.
Premium Rate Numbers
Premium rate numbers start with '90' and are 7 digits long.
Dialing Procedures
Domestic Calls
International Calls
Number Portability
Botswana offers mobile number portability, allowing users to retain their numbers when switching between mobile operators. The process is overseen by BOCRA.
Major Telecom Operators and Number Ranges
ITU-T Standards
Botswana adheres to the ITU-T E.164 standard, ensuring international phone numbers do not exceed 15 digits, including the country code, for global interoperability.
Number Allocation and Management
BOCRA is responsible for the allocation and management of phone numbers in Botswana, ensuring efficient assignment and no overlap between services.
Technical Considerations
Regular Expressions for Validation
Developers can use the following regular expressions to validate Botswana phone numbers:
Number Blocking and Special Cases
BOCRA may implement number blocking or restrictions for certain prefixes, particularly for premium rate services. Developers should consider these restrictions when designing systems for phone number input or validation.
For the most current information on telecommunications regulations and numbering plans in Botswana, please visit the official BOCRA website.