Phone Numbers in Latvia: Formats and Dialing Rules

Quick Reference

• Country: Latvia
• Country Code: +371
• International Prefix: 00
• National Prefix: None

Overview

This guide offers an in-depth look at Latvia's telephone numbering plan, detailing number structures, dialing procedures, and recent updates. Essential for telecom professionals, developers, and businesses, this information facilitates effective communication within Latvia's telecom network.

Number Formats

General Number Structure

Latvia employs an 8-digit numbering system without area codes. The first digit signifies the service type:

• Mobile Numbers: Start with 2
• Fixed/Geographic Numbers: Start with 6
• Toll-Free Numbers: Start with 80
• Premium Rate Numbers: Start with 90
• Shared Cost Numbers: Start with 81

Detailed Number Formats

Regular Expressions for Number Validation

Use these regex patterns to validate Latvian phone numbers:

# Mobile Numbers
^2\d{7}$

# Fixed-Line Numbers
^6\d{7}$

# Toll-Free Numbers
^80\d{6}$

# Premium Rate Numbers
^90\d{6}$

# Shared Cost Numbers
^81\d{6}$

These patterns ensure compliance with Latvia's numbering standards.

Dialing Procedures

Domestic Calls

• Landline to Landline: Dial the full 8-digit number (e.g., 61234567).
• Landline to Mobile: Dial the full 8-digit number (e.g., 21234567).
• Mobile to Mobile: Dial the full 8-digit number (e.g., 21234567).

International Calls

• Outgoing International Calls: Dial 00 followed by the country code and local number. Example: 00 371 XXXX XXXX.
• Incoming International Calls: Dial the international access code, +371, and the 8-digit number.

Number Portability

Latvia supports number portability for both mobile and fixed numbers, allowing users to retain numbers when switching providers. This process is overseen by the Public Utilities Commission (Sabiedrisko pakalpojumu regulēšanas komisija).

Major Telecom Operators and Number Ranges

Key telecom operators in Latvia include:

• Lattelecom: Focuses on fixed-line services.
• Latvian Mobile Telephone (LMT): Largest mobile operator.
• Tele2: Major mobile operator.
• Bite Latvija: Significant mobile operator.

Number ranges align with the standard prefixes.

Recent or Upcoming Changes to the Numbering Plan

In 2008, Latvia transitioned to an 8-digit system, adding a '6' to existing 7-digit fixed-line numbers. No major changes have occurred in the past five years.

Number Allocation and Management

The Public Utilities Commission manages number allocation, ensuring compliance with ITU-T recommendations, including E.164.

Technical Restrictions or Special Cases

No specific technical restrictions or special cases like golden numbers are noted in Latvia's numbering plan.

Technical Considerations

For developers handling Latvian phone numbers:

• Validation: Use regex patterns for validation.
• Formatting: Follow ITU-T E.164 standards (e.g., +371 21234567).
• Portability: Support number portability.
• Dialing Rules: Ensure accurate handling of dialing rules.