Comprehensive Guide to Phone Numbers in Namibia

Quick Reference

• Country: Namibia
• Country Code: +264
• International Prefix: 00
• National Prefix: 0

Overview

This guide provides an in-depth look at Namibia's telephone numbering system, including number formats, dialing rules, and regulatory details. Tailored for telecom experts and developers, it covers basic to advanced topics like number portability and compliance.

Number Formats

Namibia's phone numbers are regulated by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN). The numbering plan includes landline, mobile, toll-free, and premium rate numbers.

General Number Structure

Namibian phone numbers are structured as follows:

• Country Code: +264
• National Significant Number (NSN): 8 to 9 digits
  • Area Code: 2 to 3 digits (for landlines)
  • Subscriber Number: 5 to 7 digits

Landline Numbers

Landline numbers include an area code followed by a subscriber number, indicating geographic regions.

• Format: 0X{2,3} X{5,6}
• Examples: 061 234567, 064 412345
• Regular Expression:
  ^0[2-6]\d{1,2}\d{5,6}$
  

Mobile Numbers

Mobile numbers have specific prefixes and no geographic area code.

• Format: 0[68]X{7}
• Examples: 081 2345678, 085 1234567
• Regular Expression:
  ^0[68]\d{7}$
  

Toll-Free Numbers

Toll-free numbers start with 080 followed by a seven-digit number.

• Format: 080 X{7}
• Examples: 080 0123456
• Regular Expression:
  ^080\d{7}$
  

Premium Rate Numbers

Premium rate services use the prefix 0900 followed by five digits.

• Format: 0900 X{5}
• Examples: 0900 12345
• Regular Expression:
  ^0900\d{5}$
  

Dialing Procedures

Domestic Calls

• Landline to Landline: Dial the full number with area code, e.g., 061 234567.
• Landline to Mobile: Dial the mobile number directly, e.g., 081 2345678.
• Mobile to Mobile: Direct dialing, e.g., 081 2345678.

International Calls

• Outgoing: Dial 00 + country code + area code + subscriber number, e.g., 00 1 212 5551234 for the USA.
• Incoming: Dial +264 + NSN, omitting the leading 0, e.g., +264 81 2345678.

Number Portability

Namibia supports mobile number portability (MNP), allowing users to switch providers without changing numbers. However, fixed-line portability is not available.

Major Telecom Operators

• MTC Namibia: Leading mobile network operator.
• Telecom Namibia: Main fixed-line provider, also offers mobile services.
• Paratus Telecom: Growing in both mobile and fixed-line sectors.

Number Allocation and Management

CRAN oversees number allocation, ensuring compliance with international standards and meeting demand.

ITU-T Recommendations

Namibia follows ITU-T standards like:

• E.164: International numbering plan.
• E.123: Guidelines for telephone number notation.

Technical Considerations

Regular Expressions for Validation

• Landline: ^0[2-6]\d{1,2}\d{5,6}$
• Mobile: ^0[68]\d{7}$
• Toll-Free: ^080\d{7}$
• Premium Rate: ^0900\d{5}$

Number Portability Implementation

Systems should handle ported numbers by querying a central database for the current operator.

Special Cases

• Emergency Numbers: Dial 112 from any mobile network.
• Golden Numbers: Not formally recognized, but some memorable numbers may be sold at a premium.

Recent and Upcoming Changes

Currently, there are no major changes to Namibia's numbering plan. CRAN may introduce new prefixes or area codes as necessary.