Frequently Asked Questions
Nauru uses a 7-digit phone number system. Landlines typically start with 444, while mobile numbers begin with 555, 666, or 88X. The full international format includes the +674 country code before the 7-digit local number.
Use regular expressions to validate Nauru phone numbers. A general pattern is /^(?:444|555|666|88\d)\d{4}$/. For service-specific validation, use /^444\d{4}$/ for landlines and /^(555|666|88\d)\d{4}$/ for mobile numbers. Always clean the input by removing non-digit characters before validation.
Format Nauru numbers as XXX XXXX locally. For international format, prepend +674 followed by a space and the local format (e.g., +674 444 1234). This ensures consistency and readability.
Nauru's 7-digit system reflects its compact telecommunications infrastructure and closed numbering plan. This standardized approach simplifies number validation and processing.
The country code for Nauru is +674. This code is essential for international dialing and should always precede the 7-digit local number.
The E.164 format for Nauru phone numbers is +674XXXXXXX, where XXXXXXX represents the 7-digit local number. Storing numbers in this format ensures consistency and facilitates international communication.
Using the provided NauruPhoneNumber class offers a structured approach to managing Nauru phone numbers within your applications. This class encapsulates validation, formatting, and number type determination, providing a cleaner and more maintainable solution.
Always validate for length and correct prefixes, handle both international and local formats, store in E.164 format (+674XXXXXXX), clean input before validation, maintain updated prefix mappings, and implement robust error handling.
Nauru's telecommunications infrastructure consists of a mobile network managed by Digicel Nauru and a fixed-line network operated by the Nauru Utilities Corporation (NUC). The network employs a closed numbering plan under the international code +674.
Nauru has high coverage across the island, ranging from 90% in interior regions to 98% in urban areas. Voice service availability averages 99.5%, but data speeds can vary depending on location, so developers should consider fallback mechanisms.
The Nauru government is actively investing in ICT infrastructure improvements. The planned submarine cable connection, funded partly by the AIFFP, will significantly boost international connectivity. Stay informed about these developments and design adaptable applications.
You can implement Nauru phone number validation using the provided Javascript regular expressions. Ensure to remove non-digit characters first. Consider using the example NauruPhoneNumber class for a more structured approach.
Mobile prefixes in Nauru include 555, 666, and the 88X range. The 88X prefix was introduced to accommodate increased demand for mobile services.
Yes, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of Nauru phone numbers, including format, validation, best practices, and information about the underlying telecommunications infrastructure.
Nauru Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide
Validate Nauru phone numbers using the +674 country code and 7-digit mobile format with active operator prefixes: Digicel (556-558) and Neotel (222/777/888/999). This comprehensive guide covers phone number validation regex patterns, E.164 international formatting, operator detection, and integration best practices for Nauru's dual-operator telecommunications infrastructure launched in January 2025.
Nauru Phone Number Format & Structure
Nauru phone numbers use a streamlined 7-digit numbering system with the +674 international country code. The country employs a closed numbering plan: all national calls use the same dialing procedure without trunk prefixes. This eliminates local vs. long-distance distinctions and simplifies implementation. You always validate exactly 7 digits, making regex patterns straightforward and reducing edge cases in your code.
Quick Reference
Service Status: As of August 2011, Nauru's Director of Telecommunications confirmed that "no landlines are in service" and only mobile numbers in the ranges 556xxxx, 557xxxx, and 558xxxx were actively in use. The 444 prefix historically designated landline services, now discontinued.
2025 Update: In January 2025, Neotel (Nauru Telikom) launched Nauru's first nationwide 5G+ network, introducing new mobile prefixes (222, 777, 888, 999) and reviving landline services (888 prefix). Nauru now has two competing mobile operators: Digicel (legacy 556-558 ranges) and Neotel (new prefixes). Support both operator ranges in your validation logic.
Understanding the Structure
Nauru's closed numbering plan simplifies validation and processing:
Service-Specific Prefixes
Prefixes distinguish between service types and operators. Understand these prefixes for accurate number routing and validation. The Nauru Communications Authority (Part 10, Communications and Broadcasting Act 2018) manages the national numbering plan, allocates number blocks to licensed operators (currently Digicel and Neotel), and introduces new prefixes as needed for network expansion or new service types.
Note: Neotel's 5G+ network represents Nauru's most significant telecommunications infrastructure change since 2011. Update your validation logic to support the new Neotel prefixes (222, 777, 888, 999) alongside existing Digicel ranges (556-558). The 888 prefix serves dual purposes for both Neotel mobile and landline services.
How to Validate Nauru Phone Numbers: Regex & Implementation
Use these validation patterns, formatting functions, and best practices in your projects.
Nauru Phone Number Validation: Regex Patterns for +674 Numbers
Prevent invalid data from entering your system by validating Nauru phone numbers. Use these validation patterns, updated for the January 2025 Neotel launch:
Important: Use
nauruActiveNumbersRegex
to validate both Digicel (556-558) and Neotel (222/777/888/999) ranges in applications deployed in 2025 and beyond. The broader patterns for historical prefixes support legacy data only.Edge Case Handling:
E.164 Phone Number Formatting for Nauru (+674)
Format Nauru numbers consistently to improve user experience and data consistency:
Store numbers in E.164 international phone number format (+674XXXXXXX) for consistency and easy internationalization. Learn more about E.164 format standards for global telecommunications.
Best Practices for Your Applications
Follow these guidelines for Nauru phone numbers:
Example Class Implementation
This class demonstrates a structured approach to handling Nauru phone numbers with operator detection:
This class encapsulates validation, formatting, operator detection, and type determination for a cleaner, more maintainable solution. It handles unknown number types gracefully and provides operator-specific metadata.
Unit Testing Example:
Nauru's Telecommunications Landscape
Nauru's telecommunications infrastructure features a dual-operator, mobile-first network designed for its island environment. The closed numbering plan with country code +674 simplifies dialing and integration. In January 2025, Nauru transitioned from a monopoly (Digicel) to a competitive market with the launch of Neotel's 5G+ network.
Network Architecture
The telecommunications backbone now consists of two competing mobile networks and emerging fixed-line services:
Digicel Nauru Mobile Infrastructure: Acquired by Telstra on July 14, 2022, Digicel operates a digital GSM network providing 2G, 3G, and 4G services in major settlements. The network operates on 900 MHz for 2G/GSM and 3G/UMTS/HSPA+, with 4G/LTE service launched in 2016 on band 3 at 1800 MHz. The infrastructure includes redundant systems for increased reliability. Digicel operates on legacy mobile prefixes (556, 557, 558) and offers prepaid data packages and roaming options.
Neotel 5G+ Mobile Infrastructure: Launched in January 2025, Neotel (Nauru Telikom) deployed Oceania's first nationwide 5G+ network, bringing 4G LTE and 5G+ services to Nauru's population of over 12,000. The network operates on new mobile prefixes (222, 777, 888, 999) and offers competitive prepaid plans with "huge data benefits" designed for affordability. Neotel also revived fixed-line services using the 888 prefix. CEO Seiuli Deepak Khanna, formerly of Digicel Pacific, leads the operation.
Fixed-Line Infrastructure: Historically operated by the Nauru Utilities Corporation (NUC), the copper-based landline network was discontinued in August 2011. However, Neotel revived landline services in January 2025 using the 888 prefix alongside mobile services. The NUC continues to play a role in telecommunications regulatory compliance and quality of service monitoring under the Communications and Broadcasting Act 2018.
Developer Considerations for SMS/Voice Applications:
Coverage and Quality
Network coverage across Nauru (based on Digicel historical data; Neotel coverage data not yet available):
Service quality metrics (Digicel): 99.5% average voice service availability, 98% network reliability target.
Data Speed and Latency Expectations:
Developer Timeout Recommendations:
Developer Considerations: Incorporate fallback mechanisms for areas with variable coverage and implement robust error handling for network transitions. Monitor both Digicel and Neotel network status for service disruptions. Design applications to degrade gracefully when 5G is unavailable, falling back to 4G/3G.
Future Considerations and the Evolving Landscape
Nauru's telecommunications sector is undergoing rapid transformation with the January 2025 launch of competition and 5G+ services. The Nauru government, through the Department of ICT and the Nauru Fibre Cable Corporation, is actively investing in the nation's ICT infrastructure to improve service delivery, upgrade infrastructure, and expand coverage.
East Micronesia Cable Project: Nauru's first international submarine cable connection reached a major milestone when the East Micronesia Cable landed in Nauru on August 9, 2024, following successful landings in Kiribati (July 2024) and Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia. Civil works for the cable connection were launched on November 1, 2024. The cable is now months away from being ready for service, which will provide faster, higher quality, and more reliable internet connectivity to over 100,000 people across Nauru, Kiribati, and FSM.
Funding: This AUD 135 million project is a collaboration between Nauru, Kiribati, FSM, and funding partners Australia (via the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific with an AUD 65 million grant), Japan, and the United States. Once operational, this submarine cable will significantly enhance Nauru's international connectivity and may enable additional telecommunications services and operators.
Regulatory Framework: The Communications and Broadcasting Act 2018 governs all telecommunications operations in Nauru. Key provisions relevant to developers and businesses:
Compliance Requirements for Businesses: Companies operating telecommunications services in Nauru must:
Developer Considerations: Monitor announcements from the Department of ICT, Digicel Nauru, and Neotel for updates to the numbering plan or service availability. Design flexible applications to accommodate:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the country code for calling Nauru?
The country code for Nauru is +674. Include this prefix when dialing Nauru phone numbers from international locations. To call the Digicel mobile number 556 1234 from outside Nauru, dial +674 556 1234.
What phone number format does Nauru use?
Nauru uses a 7-digit phone number format (XXX XXXX). The complete international format is +674 XXX XXXX. All Nauru numbers have exactly 7 digits, making validation straightforward compared to countries with variable-length numbering plans.
Which mobile number prefixes are currently active in Nauru?
Active mobile prefixes as of January 2025:
The 444 prefix (historical landlines), 555, 666, and 88X prefixes appear in historical documentation but are either discontinued or unconfirmed for current operations.
How do I validate Nauru phone numbers using regex patterns?
Use the regex pattern
/^(?:55[6-8]|222|777|888|999)\d{4}$/
to validate all currently active Nauru mobile numbers (both Digicel and Neotel). This pattern matches exactly 7 digits starting with valid operator prefixes. For E.164 international format validation, use/^\+674(?:55[6-8]|222|777|888|999)\d{4}$/
.How do I convert Nauru numbers to E.164 international format?
Convert Nauru phone numbers to E.164 format by adding the +674 country code before the 7-digit local number. For example, the Digicel mobile number 556 1234 becomes +6745561234 in E.164 format, and the Neotel mobile number 222 1234 becomes +6742221234. Store all numbers in this format for consistency and internationalization support.
Are landline phone numbers still operational in Nauru?
Traditional landlines (444 prefix) were discontinued in August 2011. However, Neotel revived landline services in January 2025 using the 888 prefix. The 888 prefix serves dual purposes for both Neotel mobile and landline services.
Who provides mobile services in Nauru?
As of January 2025, Nauru has two mobile telecommunications providers:
Digicel Nauru: The legacy operator (acquired by Telstra on July 14, 2022) operating GSM networks with 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE services on prefixes 556, 557, 558.
Neotel (Nauru Telikom): Launched January 2025 with Oceania's first nationwide 5G+ network, operating on prefixes 222, 777, 888, 999. Offers 4G LTE and 5G+ services with competitive prepaid plans.
What is the Digicel Nauru network coverage?
Digicel Nauru provides 98% coverage in urban areas, 95% coverage in coastal regions, and 90% coverage in interior regions. Maritime coverage extends up to 12 nautical miles. The network achieves 99.5% average voice service availability with a 98% network reliability target. Neotel coverage data is not yet publicly available following its January 2025 launch.
What is Neotel's 5G+ network?
Neotel launched Nauru's first nationwide 5G+ network in January 2025, making Nauru one of the first Pacific island nations with 5G technology. The network offers 4G LTE and 5G+ services with faster data speeds, lower latency, and expanded capacity compared to legacy 3G/4G networks. Neotel positions itself as offering "the most affordable and customer-friendly mobile plans" with competitive data benefits.
When will the East Micronesia Cable improve Nauru's connectivity?
The East Micronesia Cable landed in Nauru on August 9, 2024, and is months away from being operational. This AUD 135 million project (with AUD 65 million from Australia's AIFFP) will significantly improve internet connectivity for over 100,000 people across Nauru, Kiribati, and the Federated States of Micronesia when service begins in 2025. Once operational, the submarine cable will enhance both operators' international connectivity and may enable new telecommunications services.
How do I route SMS messages to Nauru numbers?
Detect the operator from the prefix and route to the appropriate SMS gateway:
Implement fallback logic to retry via alternate gateway if primary delivery fails. Monitor delivery reports closely as dual-operator environments may experience initial routing issues.
Can users port their numbers between Digicel and Neotel?
Number portability information is not currently available for Nauru. As of January 2025, users likely need to obtain new numbers when switching operators. Monitor announcements from the Nauru Communications Authority for potential number portability regulations under Part 10 of the Communications and Broadcasting Act 2018.
Conclusion
You now have the knowledge to implement Nauru phone number handling effectively in the dual-operator environment. Validate numbers using both Digicel ranges (556-558) and new Neotel ranges (222/777/888/999), format consistently in E.164, and implement operator detection for proper message routing. Monitor the Department of ICT, Digicel Nauru, and Neotel for infrastructure developments as the East Micronesia Cable becomes operational in 2025 and the competitive telecommunications market matures.
Key Implementation Checklist: