Frequently Asked Questions
Dial the full 8-digit mobile number directly, which always starts with '9'. For example, if the mobile number is 91123456, dial 91123456 from your landline. No area code is needed for domestic calls within Oman.
The country code for Oman is +968. When sharing your Omani number internationally, always include +968 before the 8-digit number. This ensures compatibility with international dialing formats, regardless of the recipient's location.
To call internationally from Oman, dial 00 (the international prefix), followed by the country code, area code (if applicable), and the recipient's number. Wait for the dial tone after dialing "00" before proceeding. Be mindful of any specific dialing rules for the destination country you are calling.
Due to Mobile Number Portability (MNP), the initial digits of a mobile number no longer reliably indicate the specific operator. MNP allows subscribers to switch operators while keeping their existing numbers. Always verify operator information through official channels if crucial for your application.
Always include the Oman country code (+968) when sharing your number internationally. This ensures that anyone outside Oman can correctly dial your number regardless of their location or dialing conventions.
MNP in Oman lets subscribers switch mobile operators while keeping their number. Implemented in 2006, it promotes competition and consumer choice. This process, regulated by the TRA, is available for both prepaid and postpaid subscriptions and generally completes within 24-48 hours.
You can use regular expressions for validating Omani phone numbers. For landlines, use /^2[1-6]\d{6}$/. For mobile numbers, use /^9[1-9]\d{6}$/. These expressions enforce the correct structure for Omani numbers.
While not required for domestic calls, area codes help identify a landline's location. Muscat's area code is 24. A'Dakhliyah, Al Sharqiya & A???Dhahira share the area code 25. Al Batinah and Musandam's area code is 26. Dhofar's area code is 23.
Yes, you can keep your existing mobile number when switching operators in Oman thanks to Mobile Number Portability (MNP). You'll need to submit a request to your new provider, who will guide you through the process. Make sure to settle any outstanding bills with your current operator to avoid delays.
Oman has three primary telecom operators: Omantel (incumbent with the largest fixed-line market share), Ooredoo Oman (strong competitor in mobile and 5G services), and Vodafone Oman (newest entrant, focusing on mobile and internet with growing coverage).
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) publishes telecommunications statistics, including metrics on service penetration rates, network availability, and call success rates. These can be found on the TRA's official website.
The TRA regulates Oman's telecommunications sector, ensuring market development, consumer protection, technical standards compliance, and fair competition among operators. They manage number allocation and define valid number ranges.
Domestic calls in Oman require dialing the full 8-digit number directly, regardless of whether you are calling a landline or mobile. Area codes are not necessary for calls within Oman.
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Oman Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide
This guide provides a detailed overview of Oman's phone number system, including number formats, area codes, dialing procedures, number portability, and regulatory information relevant for developers building applications that interact with Omani phone numbers.
Number Formats and Dialing Procedures
Oman's phone number system is regulated by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA). Understanding the structure of Omani phone numbers is crucial for developers. Here's a breakdown:
Domestic Calls
Making calls within Oman is straightforward due to the consistent 8-digit format for all number types.
21123456
.91123456
) or mobile to mobile (95123456
).Best Practice: Always dial the full 8-digit number for any domestic call, regardless of your location or the call recipient's number type. This ensures accurate routing and connection.
International Calls
International calling involves specific prefixes and country codes.
00
(international prefix) followed by the country code, area code (if applicable), and the recipient's number. For example, to call a US number:00 1 212 555 1234
. Ensure you wait for the dial tone after dialing "00" before proceeding. Be aware of any specific dialing rules for the destination country.+968
before the 8-digit number. For example,+968 21123456
. Using the "+" ensures compatibility with international dialing formats.Area Codes
While not required for domestic calls, Area Codes is helpful for identifying the general location of a fixed line. Here's a list of area codes for major cities/regions:
Important Note: Due to Mobile Number Portability (MNP), the initial digits of a mobile number no longer reliably indicate the specific operator. Always verify the current operator through official channels if this information is critical for your application.
Mobile Number Portability (MNP)
Oman implemented MNP in 2006, allowing subscribers to switch operators while retaining their existing mobile number. This system, regulated by the TRA, promotes competition and consumer choice.
Key Features of MNP
MNP Process
Important: Settle any outstanding bills with your current provider before initiating the porting process to avoid delays or complications.
Telecom Operators
Oman has three primary telecom operators:
Regulatory Framework and Compliance
The TRA oversees the telecommunications sector, ensuring market development, consumer protection, technical standards compliance, competition, and service quality. Developers should be aware of the TRA's regulations when building applications related to telecommunications.
Number Resource Management
The TRA manages number allocation and defines valid number ranges. Developers can use regular expressions for validating Omani phone numbers:
Market Performance and Statistics
The TRA publishes telecommunications statistics, including service penetration rates and quality metrics. These statistics can be valuable for market research and application development. Key metrics include mobile penetration, fixed broadband penetration, network availability, and call success rates. You can find these statistics on the TRA's official website.
Additional Resources
This guide provides a solid foundation for developers working with Omani phone numbers. Always consult the TRA website for the most up-to-date information and regulations.