Understanding Phone Numbers in Sweden
Quick Reference
- Country: Sweden
- Country Code: +46
- International Prefix: 00
- National Prefix: 0
Overview
Discover the intricacies of Sweden's telephone numbering plan with our comprehensive guide. This resource is essential for telecom experts, developers, or anyone interested in Sweden's phone system. Learn about number formats, dialing procedures, and regulatory insights.
Number Formats
General Structure
Sweden's phone numbers adhere to the ITU-T Recommendation E.164, with a maximum length of 15 digits including the country code. Here's the typical format:
Format: +46 [Area Code] [Subscriber Number]
- Country Code:
+46 - Area Code: 1-3 digits (for geographic numbers)
- Subscriber Number: 5-8 digits
Geographic Numbers
Geographic numbers are region-specific. Dial the area code after the national prefix 0 for domestic calls.
Format: 0[Area Code] [Subscriber Number]
| Region | Area Code | Subscriber Number Length | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stockholm | 8 | 6-8 digits | 08 123 4567 |
| Gothenburg | 31 | 6-8 digits | 031 123 4567 |
| Malmö | 40 | 6-8 digits | 040 123 4567 |
| Uppsala | 18 | 6-8 digits | 018 123 4567 |
| Other Areas | 2-3 digits | 5-8 digits | 026 123 4567 |
Mobile Numbers
Mobile numbers in Sweden start with 7 and are usually 9 digits long.
Format: 07[0-9] [Subscriber Number]
Regular Expression: /^07[02369]\d{7}$/
| Prefix | Operator | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 070 | Telia | 070 123 4567 |
| 073 | Tele2 | 073 123 4567 |
| 076 | Telenor | 076 123 4567 |
| 072 | Telia | 072 123 4567 |
| 079 | Various | 079 123 4567 |
Toll-Free Numbers
Toll-free numbers begin with 020 and range from 6 to 9 digits.
Format: 020 [Subscriber Number]
Regular Expression: /^020\d{4,7}$/
| Example |
|---|
| 020 123 456 |
| 020 1234 |
Premium Rate Numbers
Premium rate numbers, often starting with 0900, are used for special services.
Format: 0900 [Subscriber Number]
Regular Expression: /^0900\d{4,6}$/
| Example |
|---|
| 0900 123 456 |
| 0900 1234 |
Shared Cost Numbers
Shared cost numbers start with 077 and share call costs.
Format: 077[0-9] [Subscriber Number]
Regular Expression: /^077[0-7]\d{6}$/
| Example |
|---|
| 0771 123 456 |
| 0772 123 456 |
Dialing Procedures
Domestic Calls
- Landline to Landline: Dial
0+ [Area Code] + [Subscriber Number] - Landline to Mobile: Dial
0+ [Mobile Number] - Mobile to Mobile: Dial [Mobile Number] directly
Example: To call a Stockholm landline from another city: 08 123 4567
International Calls
- Outgoing: Dial
00+ [Country Code] + [Area Code or Mobile Prefix] + [Subscriber Number] - Incoming: Callers from abroad dial
+46+ [Area Code or Mobile Prefix] + [Subscriber Number] (omit the leading0)
Example: To call Sweden from the US: 00 46 8 123 4567
Recent and Upcoming Changes
As of 2023, Sweden's numbering plan remains stable, managed by the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS).
Number Portability
Implemented since 2001, number portability allows users to keep their numbers when switching operators, applicable to both mobile and landline numbers.
Major Telecom Operators and Number Ranges
| Operator | Mobile Number Prefixes |
|---|---|
| Telia | 070, 072 |
| Tele2 | 073 |
| Telenor | 076 |
| Hi3G Access | 071, 079 |
Regulatory and Management Information
- Regulatory Body: Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS)
- Website: PTS.se
- ITU-T Standard: E.164
Technical Considerations
Regular Expressions for Validation
For developers, these regex patterns validate Swedish phone numbers:
- Geographic Numbers:
/^0[1-9]\d{1,2}\d{5,8}$/ - Mobile Numbers:
/^07[02369]\d{7}$/ - Toll-Free Numbers:
/^020\d{4,7}$/ - Premium Rate Numbers:
/^0900\d{4,6}$/ - Shared Cost Numbers:
/^077[0-7]\d{6}$/
Number Allocation and Management
The PTS oversees number allocation, ensuring compliance with ITU-T standards.
Technical Restrictions and Special Cases
There are no specific restrictions like golden numbers in Sweden, but PTS ensures proper number distribution.
For the most current telecom regulations in Sweden, visit the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) website.