Eritrean Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Eritrean phone numbers, covering their format, validation, and best practices for developers working with Eritrean telecommunications systems. We'll explore the telecommunications landscape in Eritrea, delve into the numbering plan structure, and provide practical implementation guidance with code examples.

Eritrea's Telecommunications Landscape

Eritrea's telecommunications sector is under the authority of the Eritrean government and operates under a state-managed model. All telecommunications services are provided by the state-owned operator, EriTel (Eritrean Telecommunication Services Corporation). While EriTel holds a monopoly over fixed-line and mobile services, internet service provision is open to a limited number of other providers.

Key characteristics of Eritrea's telecommunications landscape include:

• Centralized Management: EriTel manages all fixed-line, mobile, and a significant portion of internet services.

• Developing Infrastructure: While infrastructure is continually being modernized, particularly with the expansion of 3G coverage, the overall telecommunications infrastructure remains less developed compared to other African countries. Investment is ongoing to extend services to remote areas and improve service quality.

• Urban-centric Coverage: Coverage is primarily focused on urban centers and major transportation corridors. Rural areas have limited coverage, although expansion efforts are underway.

• Limited Competition: The lack of competition in the mobile and fixed-line sectors contributes to the slower development of the telecommunications market.

• Low Penetration Rates: Mobile penetration is estimated at around 20%, while fixed-line and internet penetration remain significantly lower. This is partly due to limited access to technology and restricted SIM card availability.

Understanding Eritrea's Numbering Plan

Eritrea uses a closed numbering plan that conforms to international standards. The total length of an Eritrean phone number (excluding the country code) is consistently 7 digits, simplifying validation and processing.

• Country Code: +291
• International Prefix: 00
• National Prefix: 0

Number Format

The general structure of an Eritrean phone number is:

+291 [Area/Service Code] [Subscriber Number]

Landline Numbers

• Format: +291 [1-2 Digit Area Code] [5-6 Digit Subscriber Number]

Examples:

Asmara: +291 1 234567
Other regions: +291 2 123456

Area Codes:

Mobile Numbers

All mobile numbers are provided by EriTel and follow a specific format:

• Format: +291 7XX XXXX

Examples:

+291 721 2345
+291 731 6789

While older sources may reference prefixes like 71X, 72X, and 73X for different service types, current information suggests a simplified 7XX XXXX format. It's crucial to validate against the most up-to-date information available from EriTel.

Implementation Guide for Developers

This section provides practical guidance and code examples for developers working with Eritrean phone numbers.

Validation

Use regular expressions for efficient validation:

// Landline validation
const landlineRegex = /^(\+291)?[12]\d{5,6}$/;

// Mobile validation
const mobileRegex = /^(\+291)?7\d{6}$/; // Updated regex

// Combined validation
function validateEritreanNumber(phoneNumber) {
  return landlineRegex.test(phoneNumber) || mobileRegex.test(phoneNumber);
}

Formatting

Consistent formatting improves readability and data handling:

function formatEritreanNumber(phoneNumber) {
  // Strip non-numeric characters
  const cleaned = phoneNumber.replace(/\D/g, '');

  // Add country code if missing
  const withCountryCode = cleaned.startsWith('291') ? cleaned : `291${cleaned}`;

  // Format based on number type
  if (withCountryCode[3] === '7') {
    return `+${withCountryCode.slice(0, 3)} ${withCountryCode.slice(3, 6)} ${withCountryCode.slice(6)}`;
  } else {
    return `+${withCountryCode.slice(0, 3)} ${withCountryCode.slice(3, 4)} ${withCountryCode.slice(4)}`;
  }
}

Error Handling

Implement robust error handling to manage invalid input:

function validateAndFormatNumber(input) {
  try {
    if (!input) throw new Error('Phone number is required.');
    const formatted = formatEritreanNumber(input);
    if (!validateEritreanNumber(formatted)) {
      throw new Error('Invalid Eritrean phone number format.');
    }
    return formatted;
  } catch (error) {
    console.error(`Validation error: ${error.message}`);
    return null;
  }
}

Additional Considerations

• Data Services: EriTel offers 3G and is expanding its network. ADSL internet access is also available.
• International SMS: Outbound international SMS may be restricted. Confirm with EriTel for the latest information.
• SIM Card Restrictions: Access to SIM cards is controlled by the government and may require an application process.

Best Practices

• Consult Official Sources: Refer to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (http://www.mtc.gov.er) and EriTel's website (https://www.eritel.com.er) for the most up-to-date information on regulations and numbering plans.
• Handle Edge Cases: Consider scenarios like invalid input, missing area codes, and variations in formatting.
• Test Thoroughly: Test your implementations with a variety of valid and invalid phone numbers to ensure accuracy.

By following these guidelines, developers can effectively work with Eritrean phone numbers, ensuring accurate validation, formatting, and integration with their applications.