Comprehensive Guide to Phone Numbers in Tuvalu

Quick Reference

• Country: Tuvalu
• Country Code: +688
• International Prefix: 00
• National Prefix: None
• Regulatory Body: Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation (TTC)

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Overview

This guide provides an in-depth look at Tuvalu’s telephone numbering plan, detailing number formats, dialing procedures, and recent updates. It is aimed at telecom professionals, developers, and system administrators seeking precise information on Tuvalu’s telecommunications infrastructure.

Numbering Plan Structure

Tuvalu’s numbering system is straightforward, reflecting its small population and geographic size. The country employs a closed numbering plan, meaning all numbers are dialed in full, regardless of the caller's location within Tuvalu.

General Number Structure

• Country Code: +688
• Subscriber Number Length: 5 to 7 digits
• Area Codes: Not applicable
• Special Prefixes:
  • Mobile Numbers: Begin with a 7
  • Landline Numbers: Begin with a 2
  • Premium/Service Numbers: Begin with a 9

Number Format Examples

Type	Format	Example
Landline	2XXXX	29029
Mobile	7XXXX	70101
Premium/Service	9XXXX	90001

Regular Expressions for Number Validation

• Landline:
  ^2\d{4}$
  

• Mobile:
  ^7\d{4}$
  

• Premium/Service:
  ^9\d{4}$
  

Dialing Procedures

Domestic Calls

• Landline to Landline: Dial the 5-digit number directly (e.g., 29029).
• Landline to Mobile: Dial the 5-digit number directly (e.g., 70101).
• Mobile to Mobile: Dial the 5-digit number directly (e.g., 70101).

International Calls

• Outgoing: Dial 00 followed by the country code and the subscriber number (e.g., to call Australia: 00 61 XXXXXXXXX).
• Incoming: Callers from abroad should dial +688 followed by the 5-digit local number (e.g., +688 70101).

Number Portability

Currently, Tuvalu does not support number portability, meaning subscribers cannot retain their phone numbers when switching between service providers.

Major Telecom Operators and Number Ranges

Tuvalu’s telecommunications services are managed by the Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation (TTC), the sole operator. Below is the general allocation of number ranges:

Operator	Service Type	Number Range
TTC	Landline	2XXXX
TTC	Mobile	7XXXX
TTC	Premium/Service	9XXXX

ITU-T Recommendations

Tuvalu adheres to ITU-T Recommendation E.164 for its international public telecommunication numbering plan, ensuring global recognition and interoperability of its phone numbers.

Number Allocation and Management

The Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation (TTC) is responsible for the allocation and management of phone numbers, ensuring efficient distribution and meeting current and future needs.

Technical Restrictions and Special Cases

Golden Numbers

Tuvalu does not have a formal system for "golden numbers," which are typically easy-to-remember or vanity numbers.

Number Blocking

Telecom operators may offer number blocking services, allowing customers to block specific numbers from contacting them.

Technical Considerations for Developers

When developing systems that interact with Tuvaluan phone numbers, consider:

• Validation: Use the provided regular expressions to validate phone numbers.
• Internationalization: Ensure systems can handle the +688 country code.
• No Area Codes: Simplifies dialing but requires full number entry.
• Number Length: Account for the 5-digit length in databases or forms.

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References

• Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation (TTC): www.ttc.tv
• ITU-T Recommendation E.164: www.itu.int

This guide serves as a detailed resource for understanding and working with Tuvalu’s phone numbers, ensuring compliance with local and international standards.