Understanding Phone Numbers in Oman
Quick Reference Guide
- Country: Oman
- Country Code: +968
- International Prefix: 00
- National Prefix: None
Overview of Oman's Phone Number System
Oman adheres to the ITU-T Recommendation E.164 for its telephone numbering plan. This guide offers a comprehensive look at Oman's phone number structure, dialing procedures, and regulatory framework, aimed at assisting telecom professionals, developers, and system administrators.
Phone Number Formats
General Number Structure
Oman's fixed-length numbering plan includes:
- Country Code: +968
- National Significant Number (NSN): 8 digits
The NSN is divided into:
- Area Code: 1 digit (for fixed-line numbers)
- Subscriber Number: 7 digits
Number Formats by Type
| Type | Format | Example(s) | Regular Expression |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geographic | 2[1-6]XXXXXX | 21123456, 26123456 | ^2[1-6]\d{6}$ |
| Mobile | 9[1-9]XXXXXX | 91123456, 95123456 | ^9[1-9]\d{6}$ |
| Toll-Free | 800XXXXXX | 800123456 | ^800\d{6}$ |
| Premium Rate | 900XXXXXX | 900123456 | ^900\d{6}$ |
Geographic Numbers (Landline)
- Format: 2[1-6]XXXXXX
- Description: Fixed-line numbers start with '2', followed by a digit from 1 to 6, and six more digits.
- Example: 21123456, 26123456
- Regex:
^2[1-6]\d{6}$
Mobile Numbers
- Format: 9[1-9]XXXXXX
- Description: Mobile numbers start with '9', followed by a digit from 1 to 9, and six more digits.
- Example: 91123456, 95123456
- Regex:
^9[1-9]\d{6}$
Toll-Free Numbers
- Format: 800XXXXXX
- Description: Toll-free numbers start with '800' and have six more digits.
- Example: 800123456
- Regex:
^800\d{6}$
Premium Rate Numbers
- Format: 900XXXXXX
- Description: Premium rate numbers start with '900' and have six more digits.
- Example: 900123456
- Regex:
^900\d{6}$
Dialing Procedures
Domestic Calls
- Landline to Landline: Dial the full 8-digit number.
- Example:
21123456
- Example:
- Landline to Mobile: Dial the full 8-digit mobile number.
- Example:
91123456
- Example:
- Mobile to Mobile: Dial the full 8-digit mobile number.
- Example:
95123456
- Example:
International Calls
- Outgoing: Dial
00, the country code, and the full number.- Example:
00 1 212 555 1234
- Example:
- Incoming: Dial
+968followed by the 8-digit Omani number.- Example:
+968 21123456
- Example:
Number Portability
Oman supports mobile number portability (MNP), allowing users to retain their numbers when switching providers, regulated by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA).
Major Telecom Operators and Number Ranges
| Operator | Service Type | Number Range(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Omantel | Fixed-Line | 2[1-6]XXXXXX |
| Mobile | 9[1-9]XXXXXX | |
| Ooredoo Oman | Fixed-Line | 2[1-6]XXXXXX |
| Mobile | 9[1-9]XXXXXX | |
| Vodafone Oman | Mobile | 9[1-9]XXXXXX |
Regulatory Body
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) manages telecommunications in Oman, overseeing number allocation and compliance with ITU-T standards.
Number Allocation and Management
The TRA allocates numbers to operators based on demand and guidelines, ensuring efficient use of numbering resources in line with ITU-T Recommendation E.164.
Technical Considerations
Regular Expressions for Validation
Developers can use these regex patterns to validate Omani numbers:
// Geographic Numbers (Landline)
const landlineRegex = /^2[1-6]\d{6}$/;
// Mobile Numbers
const mobileRegex = /^9[1-9]\d{6}$/;
// Toll-Free Numbers
const tollFreeRegex = /^800\d{6}$/;
// Premium Rate Numbers
const premiumRateRegex = /^900\d{6}$/;
Special Cases
- Golden Numbers: Premium numbers with memorable sequences are available for purchase.
- Number Blocking: Users can request number blocking through their provider, subject to approval.
For the latest telecommunications regulations in Oman, visit the TRA's official website.
This guide equips you with essential information on Oman's telephone numbering system, including number formats, dialing procedures, and regulatory insights.