Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Trinidad and Tobago is +1 868. This code is required when dialing a Trinbagonian number from another country. Remember to include the plus sign (+) before the country code for international calls.
For police, dial 999. For fire and ambulance services, dial 990. You can also dial 811 for ambulance services only. These numbers are prioritized for immediate response in emergencies.
To report a non-emergency crime, dial 555. This number connects you to the appropriate authorities for reporting incidents that do not require an immediate police response.
For customer service inquiries at T&TEC (electricity), dial 800-BULB (2852). To report a power outage or other electrical emergency, dial 800-TTEC. You can also check their status portal online.
The WASA (Water) regional contact number for South/Central Trinidad is 790-5286. Other regional numbers are available for North-East, North West, and Tobago.
Store emergency numbers in your application's code in a prioritized list for quick identification and routing. Also, consider using a multi-tiered fallback system and quick-dial buttons.
Storing numbers in E.164 format (+1868XXXXXXX) ensures consistency and international compatibility. This format is essential for seamless communication across different carriers and countries.
MNP lets users switch carriers while keeping their existing phone number. Launched in 2016 after thorough testing, MNP enhances competition and consumer choice in the telecommunications market.
The system uses a central database, including a Real-Time Database (RTDB) and Verification Engine, to manage number porting, verify eligibility, and ensure compliance with NANP.
Major operators include TSTT (bmobile) and Digicel. TSTT has a significant market share and a long history in the country, while Digicel offers robust competition.
Store numbers in E.164 format, maintain both the original and formatted versions, and store carrier information if available. This allows for better routing and functionality.
The Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) governs the sector, overseeing number allocation, usage, NANP compliance, and the porting process.
Compliance with TATT's rules and regulations is mandatory for developers. Failing to comply can result in penalties. Regularly audit your number handling systems.
The porting process comprises initiation (customer request, verification), validation (eligibility checks), and implementation (database updates, network reconfiguration).
Use a validation function that removes non-numeric characters, checks for the correct +1 868 prefix, and verifies the number length. More comprehensive validation can distinguish between landline and mobile numbers.
Trinidad and Tobago Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide
Learn how to format, validate, and integrate Trinidad and Tobago phone numbers using E.164 formatting, mobile number portability (MNP), and TATT regulatory compliance. This guide covers the +1-868 numbering system, mobile operators (bmobile/TSTT and Digicel), programmatic validation, emergency service routing, and carrier verification under the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). Use this resource whether you're building SMS applications, implementing authentication systems, or processing international calls.
Quick Reference: Trinidad and Tobago Phone Number Essentials
Essential information for Trinidad and Tobago phone numbers and the +1-868 country code:
Trinidad and Tobago Emergency Numbers: 999, 990, 811
Implement robust handling for Trinidad and Tobago emergency numbers (999 for police, 990 for fire/ambulance, 811 for ambulance) to ensure immediate response capabilities.
Emergency Response
Public Safety and Non-Emergency Contacts
Include these non-emergency numbers to provide users with comprehensive safety resources.
Trinidad and Tobago Utility Contact Numbers
Integrate utility service numbers including T&TEC, WASA, bmobile, and Digicel customer service for convenient user access.
Electricity and Water
T&TEC (Electricity):
WASA (Water) Regional Contacts:
Additional Telecommunications Services
Store these numbers in a structured format for easy access and updates.
Implementing Emergency Service Handling
Implement these best practices to route emergency calls correctly and comply with Trinidad and Tobago telecommunications regulations.
Priority Routing
Create a prioritized list of Trinidad and Tobago emergency numbers to quickly identify and route emergency calls to the correct services (999 for police, 990 for fire and ambulance).
Remove formatting characters (like hyphens) when storing numbers for comparison.
Fallback Mechanisms
Implement a multi-tiered fallback system to ensure emergency calls connect even under adverse conditions:
Integration Best Practices
How to Validate Trinidad and Tobago Phone Numbers (+1-868 Format)
Implement accurate phone number validation for Trinidad and Tobago using E.164 formatting (+1868XXXXXXX) to ensure data integrity. These validation patterns work with the +1-868 country code and 7-digit local numbers.
Basic Validation
Filter out obviously invalid inputs with this initial check:
Use basic validation for quick input filtering during form submission or real-time user input. Use comprehensive validation when determining number type for routing decisions, carrier identification, or applying type-specific business logic (e.g., different SMS pricing for mobile vs. landline).
Comprehensive Validation
Categorize numbers by type (landline, mobile, etc.) with this robust approach:
Test your validation functions with various inputs, including edge cases and invalid formats. Mobile numbers in Trinidad and Tobago typically start with 7 (such as 72X for Digicel mobile numbers), while landline numbers use ranges 2XX through 6XX.
Trinidad and Tobago Mobile Number Portability (MNP): bmobile and Digicel
Mobile Number Portability (MNP) in Trinidad and Tobago allows subscribers to switch carriers between bmobile (TSTT) and Digicel while keeping their existing phone numbers. TATT (Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago) regulates the MNP system to promote competition and consumer choice.
Overview and Implementation
The MNP system launched on January 1, 2017 after rigorous testing to ensure a robust and reliable system.
Recent Developments (2024-2025): Fixed-line number portability launched on May 1, 2025 (Trinidad Express, January 28, 2025), allowing landline subscribers to switch providers while keeping their numbers. This expansion provides comprehensive portability across all telecommunications services.
System Architecture
The MNP system uses a centralized database for real-time number management:
Porting Process Workflow
The porting process typically completes within 24 hours for prepaid accounts and 2-3 business days for postpaid accounts with contractual obligations (Reddit user experience, November 2023).
Initiation Phase (Day 1):
Validation Phase (Hours 2-12):
Implementation Phase (Hours 12-24):
Porting Failures and Rollback: Common rejection reasons include outstanding payments, active contracts, incorrect customer information, or technical incompatibilities. If a porting request is rejected, the customer receives an SMS notification with the rejection reason. The customer must resolve the issue with the donor operator before resubmitting. No rollback is needed as the original service remains active during failed porting attempts.
Customer Requirements:
Trinidad and Tobago Mobile Operators: bmobile (TSTT) vs Digicel Comparison
Understand Trinidad and Tobago's two major mobile carriers – bmobile (operated by TSTT, the state-owned provider) and Digicel – to optimize carrier routing, number validation, and network technology integration in your applications.
Market Context (2024-2025): Trinidad and Tobago had 2.02 million cellular mobile connections at the start of 2024, equivalent to 131.6% of the total population. Mobile connections increased by 24,000 (+1.2%) between early 2023 and early 2024. The country operates within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), using country code +1 with area code 868 that covers the entire nation.
Major Operators
Mobile Country Codes (MCC/MNC) are used in GSM, UMTS, and LTE networks to identify the country and specific mobile network operator. Applications can use MCC/MNC codes for SIM-based routing, roaming detection, carrier identification without relying on number prefixes (important post-MNP), and network selection in multi-SIM devices:
Market Dynamics and Network Evolution
bmobile/TSTT: Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) is the state-owned telecom provider and the country's largest provider of communications solutions. bmobile's LTE network launched on December 9, 2016, initially covering Port of Spain, San Fernando, and select Tobago locations on LTE Band 2 (1900 MHz). The network expanded with LTE Band 28 (700 MHz) in October 2020 alongside LTE-Advanced, and LTE Band 4 (1700 MHz) in late 2022 with 3-carrier aggregation and 4×4 MIMO. Voice over LTE (VoLTE) services launched on January 29, 2025 (bmobile official announcement), enabling high-definition voice calls over the LTE network with simultaneous voice and data usage. bmobile has conducted 5G trials and partnerships with international technology firms, though widespread 5G deployment is still pending proper licensing.
Digicel: Digicel provides widespread 4G LTE coverage across Trinidad and Tobago and launched 4G/LTE on the 1900 MHz band (B2) in July 2018. Digicel's 5G network is available in several locations including Marabella, Debe, San Fernando, and Penal. Digicel decommissioned its 2G network at the end of 2024, focusing resources on 4G and 5G infrastructure.
Competitive Landscape: Digicel and bmobile dominate the mobile landscape, both offering extensive services and competing vigorously for market share. Consider these market dynamics when designing your application, as both operators maintain competitive positions with comparable coverage and technology capabilities.
Developer Guide: Implementing Trinidad and Tobago Phone Numbers with E.164
Implement Trinidad and Tobago phone numbers in your applications using these practical strategies for E.164 formatting (+1868XXXXXXX), carrier verification (bmobile vs Digicel), and MNP compliance with TATT regulations.
Number Storage
Best practices for storing Trinidad and Tobago phone numbers:
Carrier Verification
Verify the current carrier of a ported number:
Note: Trinidad and Tobago does not currently have a publicly accessible real-time MNP lookup API. Developers typically integrate with third-party telecommunications data providers or negotiate direct access with TATT-approved MNP database providers. Contact TATT at 675-8288 for information on approved MNP data access methods.
Porting Status Integration
Monitor porting status changes to ensure accurate routing and service delivery.
Webhook Implementation Example:
Security Considerations:
TATT Regulations: Trinidad and Tobago Telecommunications Compliance
TATT (Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago) governs all telecommunications services under the Telecommunications Act. Developers must comply with TATT regulations for number formatting, mobile number portability, emergency services, and quality standards.
Core Responsibilities of TATT
TATT, established under the Telecommunications Act, oversees:
Contact TATT:
Compliance Requirements for Developers
Adhere to these requirements when building telecommunications applications:
Technical Specifications: Comply with TATT's Technical Standards for Public Fixed Telecommunications Networks
Number Format Compliance: All systems must support E.164 format (+1868XXXXXXX) and properly handle 7-digit local numbers
Emergency Services: Applications must prioritize emergency numbers (999, 990, 811, 511) with fail-safe routing mechanisms
MNP Support: Systems processing Trinidad and Tobago numbers should account for Mobile Number Portability and not rely solely on number prefixes for carrier identification
Data Privacy: Comply with Trinidad and Tobago's data protection regulations when storing and processing phone numbers
Quality of Service: Meet TATT's consumer quality of service standards if providing telecommunications services
Equipment Certification: Telecommunications equipment must receive TATT certification before deployment
Enforcement and Penalties: Non-compliance with TATT regulations can result in warnings, fines, suspension of operating licenses, and legal action under the Telecommunications Act. TATT conducts regular audits and investigations of telecommunications operators and service providers.
Compliance Checklist for Developers:
Frequently Asked Questions: Trinidad and Tobago Phone Numbers
What is Trinidad and Tobago's country code?
Trinidad and Tobago uses country code +1-868. The country is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), sharing country code +1 with the United States, Canada, and other Caribbean nations. The area code 868 covers the entire country, including both Trinidad and Tobago islands.
How do I format Trinidad and Tobago phone numbers in E.164 format?
Format Trinidad and Tobago phone numbers as +1868XXXXXXX (where X represents the 7-digit local number). For example, a local number 622-1234 becomes +18686221234 in E.164 format. Always store numbers in E.164 format for international compatibility and consistent validation.
What are the emergency numbers in Trinidad and Tobago?
The primary emergency numbers are 999 (Police), 990 (Fire and Ambulance), and 811 (Ambulance Only). Additional emergency contacts include 634-4440 (Coast Guard) and 511 (ODPM for disaster preparedness). All emergency numbers use prefix 9 and should receive priority routing in your applications.
Who are the major mobile operators in Trinidad and Tobago?
Trinidad and Tobago has 2 major mobile operators: bmobile (TSTT) with MCC/MNC 374/12, and Digicel with MCC/MNC 374/130. As of 2024, the country has 2.02 million mobile connections. bmobile is the state-owned provider offering full-service telecommunications, while Digicel provides competitive mobile and data services.
Does Trinidad and Tobago support mobile number portability?
Yes, Trinidad and Tobago launched Mobile Number Portability (MNP) on January 1, 2017. MNP allows subscribers to switch between bmobile and Digicel while keeping their phone numbers. Fixed-line number portability launched on May 1, 2025, extending portability to landline services. The system is regulated by TATT and uses a Real-Time Database (RTDB) for instant routing verification.
How can I distinguish between mobile and landline numbers in Trinidad and Tobago?
Mobile numbers in Trinidad and Tobago typically start with 7 (e.g., 72X for Digicel, 78X for other carriers), while landline numbers use ranges 2XX through 6XX. All numbers are 7 digits long. Use validation regex patterns to categorize numbers:
/^\+1868[2-6]\d{6}$/
for landlines and/^\+1868[7]\d{7}$/
for mobile numbers.What is TATT and what does it regulate?
TATT (Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago) is the regulatory body governing Trinidad and Tobago's telecommunications sector under the Telecommunications Act. TATT oversees number allocation, NANP compliance, mobile number portability, and ensures operators meet technical specifications and reporting requirements.
What network technologies are available in Trinidad and Tobago?
bmobile offers LTE-Advanced on Bands 2, 4, and 28, with VoLTE launched on January 29, 2025, and 5G trials in progress. Digicel provides 4G LTE on Band 2 and limited 5G availability in Marabella, Debe, San Fernando, and Penal. Digicel decommissioned its 2G network at the end of 2024.
How do I validate Trinidad and Tobago phone numbers programmatically?
Use the E.164 pattern
/^\+1868[2-9]\d{6}$/
for basic validation. For comprehensive validation, implement service-specific patterns: landlines (/^\+1868[2-6]\d{6}$/
), mobile (/^\+1868[7]\d{7}$/
), toll-free (/^\+1868800\d{4}$/
), and emergency (/^\+1868(999|990|811|511)$/
). Always test with edge cases and validate both format and number type.What is the Mobile Country Code (MCC) for Trinidad and Tobago?
Trinidad and Tobago uses MCC 374. Combined with Mobile Network Codes (MNC), the full identifiers are 374-12 for bmobile (TSTT) and 374-130 for Digicel. These codes identify the country and specific mobile network operator in GSM, UMTS, and LTE networks.
How many mobile connections does Trinidad and Tobago have?
Trinidad and Tobago had 2.02 million cellular mobile connections at the start of 2024, equivalent to 131.6% of the total population. Mobile connections increased by 24,000 (+1.2%) between early 2023 and early 2024. The high penetration rate reflects multiple SIM ownership and business accounts.
What are the number ranges for bmobile and Digicel?
bmobile (TSTT) uses number ranges including +1 868 620 XXXX to 629 XXXX. Digicel uses ranges including +1 868 300 XXXX to 399 XXXX. However, due to Mobile Number Portability (launched 2017), you cannot reliably determine the current carrier from the number prefix alone – always verify carrier information through the MNP database.
Does Trinidad and Tobago use the North American Numbering Plan?
Yes, Trinidad and Tobago is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). The country uses country code +1 with area code 868 covering the entire nation. NANP membership means Trinidad and Tobago follows standardized numbering formats used across North America and the Caribbean.
How do I implement emergency call routing for Trinidad and Tobago?
Implement a multi-tiered fallback system: (1) Direct connection to emergency services, (2) Alternative routing to backup centers, (3) SMS-based emergency notification if voice fails. Store emergency numbers locally for offline access, include automatic location detection, provide quick-dial buttons, and ensure emergency calls have priority queuing over other network requests.
How long does the mobile number porting process take in Trinidad and Tobago?
The porting process typically completes within 24 hours for prepaid accounts and 2-3 business days for postpaid accounts with contractual obligations. Customers must have no outstanding balances and valid identification. The process includes initiation, validation, and implementation phases with minimal service downtime (typically under 2 hours during the final transition).
Conclusion
This comprehensive guide has covered the essential aspects of Trinidad and Tobago's phone number system, from E.164 formatting and validation to Mobile Number Portability and TATT regulatory compliance. By implementing the validation patterns, emergency handling procedures, and carrier verification methods outlined in this guide, you can build robust telecommunications applications that properly handle +1-868 numbers.
Key Takeaways:
Next Steps:
Additional Resources: