Phone Numbers in Senegal: A Comprehensive Guide

Quick Reference

• Country: Senegal
• Country Code: +221
• International Prefix: 00
• National Prefix: None
• Regulatory Authority: Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications et des Postes (ARTP)

Overview

Senegal's telephone numbering plan is meticulously managed by the Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications et des Postes (ARTP). Following the ITU-T Recommendation E.164, it ensures international compatibility. This guide is an essential resource for telecom professionals, developers, and systems administrators, offering insights into Senegal's phone number formats, dialing procedures, and regulatory framework.

Number Formats

Senegal's phone numbers vary based on the service type, such as landline, mobile, and toll-free. Below is a detailed breakdown:

General Number Structure

• Total Digits: 9 (excluding the country code)
• Format: NXX XXXX XXX
  • N: Service identifier (e.g., 3 for landlines, 7 for mobile)
  • X: Subscriber number

Landline Numbers

• Format: 3XX XXX XXX

• Structure:

  • 3: Indicates a landline number
  • XX: Area or city code
  • XXX XXX: Subscriber number

• Examples:

  • 301 202 802
  • 338 219 903

Mobile Numbers

• Format: 7XX XXX XXX

• Structure:

  • 7: Indicates a mobile number
  • XX: Mobile network identifier
  • XXX XXX: Subscriber number

• Examples:

  • 706 068 521
  • 778 688 219

Toll-Free Numbers

• Format: 800 XXX XXX

• Structure:

  • 800: Prefix for toll-free services
  • XXX XXX: Subscriber number

• Examples:

  • 800 123 456
  • 800 987 654

Premium Rate Numbers

• Format: 88X XXX XXX

• Structure:

  • 88X: Prefix for premium rate services
  • XXX XXX: Subscriber number

• Examples:

  • 884 689 123
  • 886 789 456

Shared Cost Numbers

• Format: 81X XXX XXX

• Structure:

  • 81X: Prefix for shared cost services
  • XXX XXX: Subscriber number

• Examples:

  • 810 246 802
  • 812 468 076

Dialing Rules

Domestic Calls

• Landline to Landline: Dial the 9-digit number directly.
• Landline to Mobile: Dial the 9-digit mobile number directly.
• Mobile to Mobile: Dial the 9-digit mobile number directly.

International Calls

• Outgoing: Dial 00 + Country Code + National Number (e.g., 00 33 1 23456789 for France).
• Incoming: Callers from abroad should dial +221 followed by the 9-digit local number.

Number Allocation and Management

The ARTP is tasked with the allocation and management of phone numbers in Senegal. Number ranges are assigned to telecom operators based on service type (e.g., mobile, landline, toll-free).

Number Portability

Senegal supports mobile number portability (MNP), allowing users to retain their mobile numbers when switching between different service providers. This feature is vital for customer retention and fostering a competitive market.

Major Telecom Operators and Number Ranges

Senegal's telecom market is served by several major operators:

Operator	Number Range	Service Type
Orange Senegal	70X, 76X	Mobile
Free Senegal	78X, 77X	Mobile
Expresso Senegal	70X, 75X	Mobile
Sonatel	33X	Landline

Technical Considerations

Regular Expressions for Number Validation

Below are example regular expressions for validating Senegalese phone numbers:

• Landline Numbers:
  ^3\d{2}\d{6}$
  

• Mobile Numbers:
  ^7[0678]\d{7}$
  

• Toll-Free Numbers:
  ^800\d{6}$
  

• Premium Rate Numbers:
  ^88[4689]\d{6}$
  

• Shared Cost Numbers:
  ^81[02468]\d{6}$
  

ITU-T Recommendations

Senegal's numbering plan adheres to ITU-T Recommendation E.164, ensuring all numbers are globally unique and can be dialed internationally.

Technical Restrictions

• Golden Numbers: Specific high-value numbers may be reserved or sold at a premium.
• Number Blocking: Certain prefixes may be blocked for specific services or due to regulatory actions.