Tanzania Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide - phone-number-standards -

Frequently Asked Questions

The country code for Tanzania is +255. This code is required when dialing Tanzanian phone numbers from outside the country. It uniquely identifies Tanzania in the global telecommunications network, ensuring calls are routed correctly.
Tanzanian phone numbers follow the E.164 international standard, with a maximum length of fifteen digits, and include a country code +255. Domestically, the national prefix is 0, while for international format the national prefix is omitted when dialing internationally. The structure looks like this: +255 [National Significant Number (9 digits)]
The article provides a JavaScript function using regular expressions to validate different Tanzanian number formats, including geographic, mobile, toll-free, premium, shared-cost, and emergency numbers. For production, using a dedicated phone number validation library or API is recommended for more comprehensive validation.
The article includes a Python function using regular expressions to validate various Tanzanian number types, including geographic, mobile, toll-free, premium, shared cost, and emergency numbers. For enhanced validation, consider using a specialized library or API, especially when dealing with user-supplied data.
Tanzania uses various number ranges for different services: geographic (landlines), mobile, toll-free, premium, shared cost, and emergency numbers. Each type has a specific format, detailed in the article's table, which is crucial for accurate validation and routing.
MNP allows subscribers to switch operators while keeping their number, which affects validation and routing. Systems handling Tanzanian numbers should use operator-agnostic validation and real-time operator lookup to ensure accurate call routing, as prefixes may not reflect the current operator.
The TCRA regulates the Tanzanian communications sector. They manage Mobile Number Portability (MNP) and set technical specifications for number handling. Developers should consult TCRA resources for compliance and accurate operator information.
As of June 2023, the major operators are Vodacom, Airtel, and Tigo (merged with Zantel). While prefixes typically indicate the original assigned operator, MNP means the actual operator might differ. Number portability databases or APIs are crucial for accurate routing.
Always consider MNP. Relying only on number prefixes to identify the operator can lead to incorrect routing. Real-time operator lookup through a database or API is crucial for accurate routing in applications handling Tanzanian phone numbers.
Key laws include the Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority Act of 2003, the Electronic and Postal Communications Act (EPOCA) of 2010 (revised in 2022), and the Universal Communications Service Access Act, 2006. These laws regulate aspects like licensing and operations.
Due to Mobile Number Portability (MNP), prefixes don't reliably indicate the current operator. It's essential to integrate with a number portability database or API or utilize services provided by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) to determine the actual operator for a given number.
Key technical considerations include scalability for the growing market, compliance with TCRA regulations, supporting both legacy and modern telecommunication protocols, and implementing real-time number status verification to manage changes like porting.
While prefixes traditionally indicate the original assigned operator, Mobile Number Portability (MNP) allows users to switch operators while retaining their number. Therefore, relying solely on prefixes isn't reliable for determining the current operator.
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