Saint Helena Phone Numbers: Format, Validation & Integration Guide (2025)

Learn how to call Saint Helena using the +290 country code and integrate phone numbers into your applications. This complete guide covers international dialing from the US, UK, and worldwide, phone number formats (5 digits), E.164 validation, SMS capabilities, and the Equiano fiber cable infrastructure serving Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha. Updated with current regulations through July 2025.

Quick Reference

Number Format:

• Country Code: +290
• Number Length: 5 digits
• E.164 Format: +290XXXXX
• Example Landline: +290 22012 (Jamestown)
• Example Mobile: +290 51234

Service Type Patterns:

• Landline: 2[0-57-9]XXXX (starts with 2, except 21, 26)
• Mobile: [5-6]XXXX (starts with 5 or 6)
• Special Services: 8XXXX (starts with 8)

Key Facts:

• Time Zone: GMT (UTC+0) for all territories, no DST
• Operator: Sure South Atlantic (exclusive until July 1, 2025)
• Connectivity: Equiano submarine cable (100 Gbit/s, activated October 1, 2023)
• Latency: 131ms from London (down from 657ms pre-cable)
• International Prefix: 00
• Local Dialing: 5 digits, no prefix required

Special Case – Tristan da Cunha: While allocated +290 8xxxx, Tristan da Cunha uses UK London +44 20 numbers in practice.

Saint Helena Telecommunications Overview

How Do You Call Saint Helena from the US, UK, or Internationally?

From the United States:

• Dial 011 (US exit code) + 290 (Saint Helena country code) + 5-digit local number
• Example: 011-290-22012 (Jamestown landline)
• Alternative format: +290 22012 (works from mobile phones)

From the United Kingdom:

• Dial 00 (UK exit code) + 290 (Saint Helena country code) + 5-digit local number
• Example: 00-290-51234 (mobile number)
• Alternative format: +290 51234 (works from mobile phones)

From Any Country:

• Use the international format: +290 followed by the 5-digit local number
• The + symbol replaces your country's international exit code
• Mobile phones automatically recognize the + prefix

Quick Dial Examples:

Cost Considerations:

• International calling rates apply (check with your provider)
• Calls connect via the Equiano submarine cable (131ms latency from Europe since October 2023)
• VoIP services often offer lower rates than traditional carriers

Time Zone for Calling:

• Saint Helena operates on GMT (UTC+0) year-round with no Daylight Saving Time
• Best calling times from US Eastern: 7 AM - 5 PM ET = 12 PM - 10 PM in Saint Helena
• Best calling times from UK: Anytime (same time zone)

What is the Background of Saint Helena's Phone System?

These remote South Atlantic territories present unique telecommunications challenges. The Eastern Telegraph Company established infrastructure between Saint Helena and Ascension Island in 1899, creating a telecommunications foundation that has evolved significantly.

Sure South Atlantic operates the modern digital network serving all three territories under an exclusive license running until July 1, 2025 (extended from January 2024 with 18-month rollover periods subject to six-month notice). The St Helena Government launched public consultation on the Communications Bill 2025 in March 2025 to replace the outdated Telecommunications Ordinance 1989.

On October 1, 2023, Saint Helena connected to the Google Equiano submarine cable, ending decades of satellite-only connectivity. This fiber optic connection provides 100 Gbit/s bandwidth to Portugal and 10 Gbit/s of internet capacity, dramatically improving from the previous ~50 Mbit/s satellite connection. Network latency dropped from 657ms to 131ms from London, though a February 2025 independent audit found the island utilizes only a fraction of the cable's potential capacity.

Impact on your implementation: You can now design applications expecting 131ms latency from Europe instead of 657ms. However, implement timeout handling for edge cases where satellite backup may still be used.

Sources: Saint Helena Government official announcements (2024-2025), Wikipedia "Communications in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha" (verified 2024), Kentik Internet Analysis (October 2023), IEEE Spectrum technical analysis (2023)

What are the Phone Number Formats for Saint Helena?

The territories use a straightforward 5-digit numbering system for both local and international calls.

Numbering System Breakdown

Since October 2013, telephone numbers follow a fixed 5-digit format with the country calling code +290. The following table outlines the number formats for different service types:

Important Note on Tristan da Cunha: While the +290 8xxxx range is allocated to Tristan da Cunha, telephones there use UK London 020 numbers and connect via the UK telephone numbering plan, not through +290.

Key takeaway: Include the +290 country code for international compatibility when working with Saint Helena and Ascension numbers. For Tristan da Cunha, use UK +44 20 numbering.

Sources: Wikipedia "Telephone numbers in Saint Helena and Tristan da Cunha" (verified 2024), ITU national numbering plan documentation

How Do You Validate Saint Helena Phone Numbers with Regex?

Why Phone Number Validation Matters: Proper validation ensures your application accepts only legitimate Saint Helena numbers, preventing errors in international calling and SMS delivery.

Use these regular expression patterns to validate Saint Helena phone numbers:

// Landline validation (Saint Helena/Ascension)
const landlinePattern = /^2[0-57-9]\d{4}$/;

// Mobile validation (Saint Helena/Ascension)
const mobilePattern = /^[5-6]\d{4}$/;

// Special services validation (Saint Helena only)
const specialPattern = /^8\d{4}$/;

// Full E.164 format validation with country code
const e164Pattern = /^\+2902[0-57-9]\d{4}$|^\+290[5-6]\d{4}$/;

Why these patterns reject invalid numbers:

• "220123" (6 digits) – Exceeds 5-digit format
• "71234" – Invalid starting digit (must be 2, 5, 6, or 8)
• "21234" or "26234" – Reserved ranges not used for standard landlines

Multi-language examples:

# Python validation
import re

landline_pattern = re.compile(r'^2[0-57-9]\d{4}$')
mobile_pattern = re.compile(r'^[5-6]\d{4}$')
e164_pattern = re.compile(r'^\+2902[0-57-9]\d{4}$|^\+290[5-6]\d{4}$')

def validate_number(number, number_type):
    clean = number.replace('+290', '')
    if number_type == 'landline':
        return bool(landline_pattern.match(clean))
    elif number_type == 'mobile':
        return bool(mobile_pattern.match(clean))
    return False

// PHP validation
function validateSaintHelenaNumber($number, $type) {
    $clean = str_replace('+290', '', $number);

    $patterns = [
        'landline' => '/^2[0-57-9]\d{4}$/',
        'mobile' => '/^[5-6]\d{4}$/',
        'special' => '/^8\d{4}$/'
    ];

    return isset($patterns[$type]) && preg_match($patterns[$type], $clean);
}

// Java validation
import java.util.regex.Pattern;

public class SaintHelenaValidator {
    private static final Pattern LANDLINE = Pattern.compile("^2[0-57-9]\\d{4}$");
    private static final Pattern MOBILE = Pattern.compile("^[5-6]\\d{4}$");

    public static boolean validate(String number, String type) {
        String clean = number.replace("+290", "");

        return switch(type) {
            case "landline" -> LANDLINE.matcher(clean).matches();
            case "mobile" -> MOBILE.matcher(clean).matches();
            default -> false;
        };
    }
}

What Are the Best Ways to Send SMS to Saint Helena?

Saint Helena supports SMS (text messaging) through Sure South Atlantic's mobile and 4G network:

SMS Capabilities:

• Service Type: SMS and MMS supported on 4G network
• Delivery Time: Expect 30-60 seconds for message delivery
• Mobile Prefixes: Numbers starting with 5 or 6 (format: +290 5XXXX or +290 6XXXX)
• Connectivity: Enhanced by Equiano submarine cable since October 2023

Sending SMS Internationally:

1. Use international format: +290 5XXXX or +290 6XXXX
2. Include the + and country code 290 for reliable delivery
3. Most SMS gateways and APIs support the +290 country code
4. Implement retry logic with 60-second timeouts for delivery confirmation

SMS Integration for Developers:

• Store numbers in E.164 format (+290XXXXX) for compatibility
• Set delivery expectations to 30-60 seconds (not instant)
• Implement exponential backoff for failed deliveries
• Test thoroughly as infrastructure is still optimizing post-Equiano cable

Tristan da Cunha Exception: For Tristan da Cunha, use UK-based SMS services with +44 20 numbers (satellite connectivity via UK system).

How Do You Dial Phone Numbers in Saint Helena?

Local Calling within the Territories

Local calling within and between the territories is simple:

• Within a Territory: Dial 5 digits directly.
• Between Territories: Dial the same 5-digit format, regardless of the island.
• Mobile to Fixed: No prefix required.

Emergency Numbers:

• 999 – Primary emergency number (Saint Helena)
• 911 – Alternative emergency number (recognized)
• Direct Services: Dial specific 5-digit numbers for police, fire, or medical services

Example call flows:

1. Local landline to landline (same island):

   • Pick up phone → Dial 22012 → Connect

2. Mobile to landline:

   • Open dialer → Enter 22012 → Press call → Connect

3. Between territories (Saint Helena to Ascension):

   • Pick up phone → Dial 5-digit number → Connect (no prefix needed)

4. Emergency call:

   • Dial 999 → Connect to emergency services

Ensure your application recognizes and handles these short-code formats for local calls.

International Calling Procedures

Outgoing calls from Saint Helena:

• Dial 00 (international prefix) + country code + number

Incoming calls to Saint Helena:

• Dial +290 + 5-digit local number

Example international call formatting:

Time Zone Considerations: All three territories – Saint Helena, Ascension Island, and Tristan da Cunha – observe GMT (UTC+0) year-round with no Daylight Saving Time. The IANA time zone identifier is Atlantic/St_Helena. Factor this into scheduling applications, especially for appointment reminders, event notifications, or time-critical communication.

Sources: TimeAndDate.com "Time Zones in Saint Helena" (verified 2024), IANA Time Zone Database

What is the Telecommunications Infrastructure Like?

Understanding the underlying infrastructure is key to building robust and reliable applications.

Network Coverage and Availability

Sure South Atlantic provides coverage across the islands:

• Saint Helena: Full island coverage with 2G/4G mobile service, ADSL2 broadband (enhanced by Equiano cable since October 2023). Population: ~4,500.
• Ascension Island: Coverage in strategic locations. Population: ~800.
• Tristan da Cunha: Coverage around settlements, using UK-based telephony via satellite. Population: ~250.

The Equiano submarine cable (activated October 1, 2023) transformed Saint Helena's connectivity:

• Bandwidth: 100 Gbit/s lit capacity to Portugal, 10 Gbit/s internet capacity
• Latency: Reduced from 657ms to 131ms (London to Saint Helena)
• Data Plans: First-time availability of unlimited data plans
• Infrastructure: 1,140km branch connection, physically landed September 2021

As of February 2025, an independent audit found that while residents experience faster speeds and lower prices, the island utilizes only a fraction of the cable's potential capacity.

Common connectivity issues and solutions:

Implementation recommendations:

• Include offline capabilities or cached data for areas with less reliable coverage
• Implement graceful degradation for connectivity issues
• Add connection status monitoring and user feedback
• Set realistic timeout values: 5 seconds for fiber-connected islands, 30 seconds for satellite connections

Sources: Saint Helena Government "St Helena connects to the Subsea Cable" (October 2023), Kentik Blog (October 2023), IEEE Spectrum technical analysis (2023), Saint Helena Government audit report (February 2025)

Key Technical Considerations for Your Development Workflow

When developing telecommunications systems for these territories, consider:

1. Validation Requirements:

• Validate numbers against the provided regex patterns
• Include country code handling for international calls
• Account for lack of number portability
• Important: For Tristan da Cunha, implement UK +44 20 number validation instead of +290

2. Storage and Display:

• Store numbers in E.164 format (+290XXXXX)
• Display locally as 5-digit numbers for user convenience
• Include territory identifier in metadata

3. System Integration:

• Implement proper international dialing logic
• Post-Equiano (October 2023): Network latency is 131ms from London (down from 657ms)
• Plan for continued infrastructure evolution as the island optimizes cable usage

4. Database Schema Recommendations:

CREATE TABLE phone_numbers (
    id UUID PRIMARY KEY,
    e164_format VARCHAR(15) NOT NULL,  -- +290XXXXX
    local_format VARCHAR(5) NOT NULL,   -- XXXXX
    territory VARCHAR(20) NOT NULL,     -- 'saint-helena' | 'ascension' | 'tristan-da-cunha'
    number_type VARCHAR(10) NOT NULL,   -- 'landline' | 'mobile' | 'special'
    is_valid BOOLEAN DEFAULT true,
    validated_at TIMESTAMP,
    created_at TIMESTAMP DEFAULT NOW(),
    CONSTRAINT valid_e164 CHECK (e164_format ~ '^\+290[2-8]\d{4}$' OR e164_format ~ '^\+4420\d{8}$'),
    CONSTRAINT valid_local CHECK (local_format ~ '^\d{5}$'),
    CONSTRAINT valid_territory CHECK (territory IN ('saint-helena', 'ascension', 'tristan-da-cunha'))
);

CREATE INDEX idx_e164 ON phone_numbers(e164_format);
CREATE INDEX idx_territory ON phone_numbers(territory);

5. API Rate Limiting:

• Implement rate limiting for validation endpoints: 100 requests/minute per IP
• SMS sending limits: 10 messages/minute per number to prevent spam
• Batch validation: Maximum 1,000 numbers per request
• Implement exponential backoff for retry logic

6. Security Best Practices:

• Never log phone numbers in plain text – hash or mask in logs
• Store phone numbers encrypted at rest using AES-256
• Implement role-based access control for phone number data
• Sanitize input before validation to prevent injection attacks
• Use parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection
• Implement audit logging for phone number access and modifications
• Comply with data protection regulations (GDPR considerations for UK territories)
• Set retention policies – delete inactive numbers after defined period

What are the Regulatory Requirements for Saint Helena Telecommunications?

Stay current with regulatory changes to maintain compliance.

Recent Regulatory Updates (2024-2025)

Significant regulatory changes are underway in Saint Helena's telecommunications landscape:

• Licensing Status (2024): Sure South Atlantic's exclusive license was extended from January 1, 2024, for a minimum 18-month period, continuing indefinitely with six-month notice requirements. The license runs until July 1, 2025, with potential for new providers afterward.

• Communications Bill 2025: In March 2025, the Saint Helena Government launched public consultation on the proposed Communications Bill 2025, which will:

  • Replace the outdated Telecommunications Ordinance 1989
  • Establish a modern regulatory framework
  • Implement the Policy for Communications, Networks and Services (approved 2020, reaffirmed 2024)

• Equipment Licensing (2023-2024): Enhanced monitoring of unauthorized telecommunications equipment, with stricter licensing requirements under new regulations approved by Executive Council.

• Regulatory Oversight: The Electronic Communications Consultative Committee (ECCC) monitors Sure's license compliance and advises government on policy matters including pricing.

Warning: Non-compliance can result in significant penalties. Always verify current requirements with the Saint Helena Government Communications, Networks and Services division at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/communications-networks-services/.

Sources: Saint Helena Government official press releases (2024-2025), Saint Helena Government "Communications Bill 2025 Public Consultation" (March 2025), Telecommunications Ordinance Cap 106 (1989)

What Future Developments Should You Expect?

The telecommunications landscape in these territories continues to evolve. Key developments include:

• Regulatory Modernization: The Communications Bill 2025 will create a contemporary legal framework for the post-Equiano era
• License Competition: Possibility of new telecommunications providers after Sure's exclusive license expires (July 2025)
• Infrastructure Optimization: Ongoing work to maximize utilization of the Equiano submarine cable's capacity (currently underutilized per February 2025 audit)
• Expanded Services: Potential for enhanced mobile services and improved emergency communications systems

Stay informed about these developments to ensure your applications remain compatible and future-proof.

How Do You Implement Phone Number Validation?

Robust Number Validation Function

Use this JavaScript function for robust number validation:

function validateNumber(number, type, territory = 'saint-helena') {
  // Handle Tristan da Cunha separately (uses UK +44 20 format)
  if (territory === 'tristan-da-cunha') {
    // Validate UK London number format
    const ukPattern = /^\+44\s?20\s?\d{4}\s?\d{4}$/;
    return ukPattern.test(number);
  }

  // Remove international prefix if present for Saint Helena/Ascension
  const cleanNumber = number.replace(/^\+290/, '');

  // Validate length (must be exactly 5 digits)
  if (!/^\d{5}$/.test(cleanNumber)) {
    return false;
  }

  switch(type) {
    case 'landline':
      return landlinePattern.test(cleanNumber);
    case 'mobile':
      return mobilePattern.test(cleanNumber);
    case 'special':
      return specialPattern.test(cleanNumber);
    default:
      return false;
  }
}

// Example usage:
console.log(validateNumber('+29022012', 'landline')); // Returns true (Jamestown)
console.log(validateNumber('51234', 'mobile')); // Returns true
console.log(validateNumber('8123', 'special')); // Returns false – incorrect length
console.log(validateNumber('+44 20 1234 5678', 'landline', 'tristan-da-cunha')); // Returns true

This function cleans the input number and validates it against the appropriate regex pattern. It includes error handling for invalid input types and special logic for Tristan da Cunha's UK-based numbering. If the input includes non-numeric characters, enhance this function by adding a pre-processing step to sanitize the input, removing any non-digit characters before validation.

Display Formatting Best Practices

When displaying phone numbers, follow these best practices:

• International Context: Always include the country code (+290 for Saint Helena/Ascension, +44 20 for Tristan da Cunha).
• Readability: Use consistent spacing for improved readability (e.g., +290 220 12 or +290 5 1234).
• Local vs. International: Adhere to local display conventions (5-digit format) while ensuring international compatibility.
• Territory Identification: Clearly indicate which territory the number belongs to, especially when handling Tristan da Cunha numbers.

These practices enhance the user experience and prevent confusion.

Effective Error Handling

Implement robust error handling in your telecommunications applications:

Error Message Best Practices:

Network Latency Handling:

• Post-Equiano: Expect ~131ms latency from Europe
• Implement timeout handling for satellite backup connections (30+ seconds)
• Tristan da Cunha calls may require extended timeouts due to satellite routing

Retry Logic Examples:

async function sendSMSWithRetry(number, message, maxRetries = 3) {
  let attempt = 0;
  let delay = 1000; // Start with 1 second

  while (attempt < maxRetries) {
    try {
      const result = await sendSMS(number_ message);
      return result;
    } catch (error) {
      attempt++;
      if (attempt >= maxRetries) {
        throw new Error(`Failed after ${maxRetries} attempts: ${error.message}`);
      }

      // Exponential backoff
      await new Promise(resolve => setTimeout(resolve, delay));
      delay *= 2; // Double the delay for next attempt

      console.log(`Retry ${attempt}/${maxRetries} after ${delay/1000}s delay`);
    }
  }
}

Connection Fallback:

• Since the Equiano cable is still being optimized, implement graceful degradation
• Provide clear status feedback to users
• Consider queue-based messaging for Tristan da Cunha (satellite-only)

Logging and Monitoring:

• Log validation failures with sanitized numbers (mask middle digits)
• Monitor timeout rates to identify infrastructure issues
• Track retry attempts and success rates
• Set up alerts for abnormal failure rates (>5%)
• Use structured logging for easier analysis

Follow these guidelines to create robust and user-friendly applications that seamlessly integrate with the telecommunications infrastructure of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha.

Sources: Sure South Atlantic technical documentation, Saint Helena Government infrastructure reports, ITU E.164 recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the country code for Saint Helena?

The country code for Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha is +290. All phone numbers in these territories use this international dialing code, followed by a 5-digit local number. The complete E.164 format is +290XXXXX. Note that while Tristan da Cunha has the +290 8xxxx range allocated, it uses UK London +44 20 numbers in practice for telephone connectivity via satellite.

How many digits are in a Saint Helena phone number?

Saint Helena phone numbers are 5 digits long (since October 2013). When formatted internationally with the country code, the complete number is +290 followed by 5 digits, for a total of 8 digits including the country code. For example: +290 22012 (Jamestown landline) or +290 51234 (mobile). Local dialing within the territories requires only the 5-digit number without any prefix.

What is the difference between Saint Helena landline and mobile numbers?

Landline numbers start with digit 2 (except 21 and 26), following the pattern 2[0-57-9]XXXX. Example: 22012 for Jamestown. Mobile numbers start with digit 5 or 6, following the pattern [5-6]XXXX. Example: 51234. Special service numbers start with 8 (8XXXX) and are reserved for emergency and utility services in Saint Helena. This clear numbering structure makes it easy to identify the service type from the first digit.

Does Tristan da Cunha use the +290 country code?

While the +290 8xxxx range is officially allocated to Tristan da Cunha in the ITU numbering plan, Tristan da Cunha uses UK London +44 20 telephone numbers in practice. Telephone connectivity to Tristan da Cunha is provided via satellite through the UK telephone numbering plan, not through the +290 Saint Helena system. When building applications that handle Tristan da Cunha numbers, implement UK +44 20 number validation instead of +290 validation.

What time zone does Saint Helena use?

All three territories – Saint Helena, Ascension Island, and Tristan da Cunha – observe GMT (UTC+0) year-round with no Daylight Saving Time. The IANA time zone identifier is Atlantic/St_Helena. This consistent timezone simplifies scheduling for applications and eliminates the need to track seasonal time changes. When scheduling calls, messages, or appointments, always reference GMT/UTC+0 without DST adjustments.

When did the Equiano submarine cable connect to Saint Helena?

The Google Equiano submarine cable was activated on October 1, 2023, providing Saint Helena's first-ever submarine fiber optic connection. This transformative infrastructure upgrade ended decades of satellite-only connectivity, delivering 100 Gbit/s bandwidth to Portugal and 10 Gbit/s of internet capacity. Network latency dropped from 657ms to 131ms (London to Saint Helena), and unlimited data plans became available for the first time. The 1,140km branch was physically landed in September 2021 but didn't become operational until October 2023.

How do you format Saint Helena phone numbers in E.164 format?

To format Saint Helena phone numbers in E.164 format, use the pattern +290XXXXX where XXXXX is the 5-digit local number. Examples: +29022012 (Jamestown landline), +29051234 (mobile), +29081234 (special services). Remove any spaces, hyphens, or parentheses. Always include the plus sign (+) followed by country code 290, then the 5-digit number without any separators. For display purposes, you can add spacing for readability: +290 220 12 or +290 5 1234.

What regex pattern validates Saint Helena phone numbers?

Use these regex patterns to validate Saint Helena phone numbers:

• Landline: /^2[0-57-9]\d{4}$/ (starts with 2, except 21/26, followed by 4 digits)
• Mobile: /^[5-6]\d{4}$/ (starts with 5 or 6, followed by 4 digits)
• E.164 with country code: /^\+2902[0-57-9]\d{4}$|^\+290[5-6]\d{4}$/

These patterns ensure 5-digit local numbers with correct starting digits. For full validation, include length checks, country code presence verification, and territory identification for edge cases like Tristan da Cunha's UK numbering.

When does Sure South Atlantic's exclusive license expire?

Sure South Atlantic's exclusive telecommunications license runs until July 1, 2025. The license was extended from January 1, 2024, for a minimum 18-month period and continues indefinitely thereafter with six-month notice requirements. After July 2025, there's potential for new telecommunications providers to enter the market. The Saint Helena Government launched public consultation on the Communications Bill 2025 in March 2025, which will modernize the regulatory framework and potentially enable competitive licensing.

What is the Communications Bill 2025?

The Communications Bill 2025 is proposed legislation launched for public consultation by the Saint Helena Government in March 2025. It will replace the outdated Telecommunications Ordinance 1989 and establish a modern regulatory framework for the post-Equiano submarine cable era. The bill implements the Policy for Communications, Networks and Services (approved 2020, reaffirmed 2024) and addresses contemporary telecommunications challenges including infrastructure management, competitive licensing, equipment authorization, and consumer protection for the 100 Gbit/s fiber-connected future.

Does Saint Helena support SMS and MMS?

Yes, Saint Helena supports SMS (text messaging) through Sure South Atlantic's mobile network. MMS (multimedia messaging) is also supported on the 4G network. However, expect delivery times of 30-60 seconds due to limited mobile infrastructure, especially in remote areas. Post-Equiano cable activation, messaging reliability has improved significantly. For Tristan da Cunha, messaging uses UK-based services via satellite, which may experience longer delays.

Can I port my Saint Helena phone number to another provider?

Currently, number portability is not available in Saint Helena. Since Sure South Atlantic maintains the exclusive telecommunications license until July 1, 2025, there are no alternative providers to port numbers to. When the market potentially opens to competition after July 2025 with the implementation of the Communications Bill 2025, number portability may become available. Build your applications to account for this limitation – users cannot transfer their existing numbers between services.

Related Country Codes and Regional Calling

If you're working with South Atlantic telecommunications, you may also need:

Nearby British Territories:

• Ascension Island: Uses +290 (same as Saint Helena)
• Tristan da Cunha: Uses UK +44 20 in practice
• Falkland Islands: Uses +500 country code

African Coastal Countries:

• South Africa: +27 country code
• Namibia: +264 country code
• Angola: +244 country code

Other Remote Islands:

• Iceland: +354 country code
• Faroe Islands: +298 country code

What Should You Do Next?

You've learned the essential technical details for integrating Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha phone numbers into your applications. Take these implementation steps:

1. Implement Validation: Add the regex patterns provided to your phone number validation logic, ensuring you handle the 5-digit format and +290 country code correctly
2. Store in E.164 Format: Configure your database to store phone numbers as +290XXXXX for international compatibility and consistent data structure
3. Handle Tristan da Cunha Exception: Add special logic for Tristan da Cunha numbers, validating them as UK +44 20 format instead of +290
4. Account for Infrastructure: Design your application to handle 131ms latency from Europe (post-Equiano) and implement timeout logic for satellite fallback scenarios
5. Plan for Regulatory Changes: Monitor the Communications Bill 2025 progress and prepare for potential competitive licensing after Sure's exclusive license expires (July 1, 2025)
6. Test Timezone Handling: Verify your application correctly processes GMT (UTC+0) with no DST adjustments for all three territories
7. Implement Territory Detection: Add metadata fields to identify whether numbers belong to Saint Helena, Ascension, or Tristan da Cunha for proper routing and display

Key Implementation Reminders:

• Always validate numbers as exactly 5 digits with correct starting digits (2/5/6/8)
• Include country code +290 for international E.164 format storage
• Display numbers with spacing for readability: +290 220 12 or +290 5 1234
• Implement specific, actionable error messages as shown in the examples
• Account for lack of number portability in your routing logic

Additional Resources:

• Saint Helena Government Communications Division
• ITU E.164 International Numbering Standard
• E.164 Phone Format Guide
• Equiano Submarine Cable Technical Details

Start integrating Saint Helena phone numbers today with confidence, leveraging the post-Equiano fiber infrastructure and preparing for the upcoming regulatory modernization.