Gibraltar Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide

This guide provides a detailed overview of Gibraltar's phone number system, essential for developers, telecom professionals, and anyone working with telecommunications systems related to Gibraltar. We'll cover number formats, validation, emergency numbers, best practices, and regulatory considerations.

Quick Reference

• Country: Gibraltar
• Country Code: +350
• International Prefix: 00
• National Prefix: None
• Emergency Numbers: 999 (Unified - Police, Fire, Ambulance), 112 (European Standard)
• Regulatory Authority: Gibraltar Regulatory Authority (GRA) (http://www.gra.gi)

Number Format Specifications

Gibraltar uses an 8-digit closed numbering plan without area codes. This simplifies dialing within Gibraltar but requires careful validation for international calls.

Number Types and Formats

• 200 Prefix: Primarily used by Gibtelecom.
• 222 Prefix: Used by U-mee for fixed-line services, often associated with fiber broadband.
• 225 Prefix: Used by Gibfibrespeed, specializing in high-speed internet and offering free landline service to residential customers.

Validation with Regular Expressions

Robust validation is crucial. Here are updated regex patterns for JavaScript:

// Individual number type validation
const landlinePattern = /^(200|222|225)\d{5}$/;
const mobilePattern = /^5[4-8]\d{6}$/;
const specialPattern = /^8\d{7}$/;

// Combined validation (allowing any valid Gibraltar number type)
const gibraltarNumberPattern = /^((?:200|222|225)\d{5}|5[4-8]\d{6}|8\d{7})$/;

function isValidGibraltarNumber(number) {
  // Remove whitespace and non-digit characters for consistent validation
  const cleanedNumber = number.replace(/\D/g, ''); 
  return gibraltarNumberPattern.test(cleanedNumber);
}

// Example usage
console.log(isValidGibraltarNumber("20012345")); // true
console.log(isValidGibraltarNumber("54012345")); // true
console.log(isValidGibraltarNumber("+35020012345")); // true (after cleaning)
console.log(isValidGibraltarNumber("invalid")); // false

Emergency Services

Gibraltar has transitioned to a unified emergency number, 999, for all emergency services (Police, Ambulance, and Fire). The European standard emergency number, 112, also functions in Gibraltar. Older emergency numbers (190, 199) are now deprecated but may still be functional in some cases.

const EMERGENCY_NUMBERS = ['999', '112'];

function isEmergencyNumber(number) {
  const cleanedNumber = number.replace(/\D/g, '');
  return EMERGENCY_NUMBERS.includes(cleanedNumber);
}

Number Portability

Number portability is in effect in Gibraltar. This means a number originally assigned to one operator might now belong to another. You should consult a number portability database if you need to determine the current operator for a mobile number. For fixed lines, the prefix now indicates the operator, simplifying routing.

Technical Best Practices

Formatting for International Calls

function formatInternationalNumber(number) {
  const cleanedNumber = number.replace(/\D/g, '');
  if (isValidGibraltarNumber(cleanedNumber)) {
    return `+350${cleanedNumber}`;
  }
  return null; // Or handle the invalid number appropriately
}

Error Handling

Always include robust error handling:

function formatGibraltarNumber(number) {
  try {
    const cleaned = number.replace(/\D/g, '');
    if (!isValidGibraltarNumber(cleaned)) {
      throw new Error('Invalid Gibraltar number format');
    }
    return `+350 ${cleaned}`; // E.164 format
  } catch (error) {
    console.error(`Number formatting error: ${error.message}`);
    return null; // Or another appropriate error response
  }
}

Telecom Infrastructure and Operators

Gibraltar's telecom market is primarily served by Gibtelecom, U-mee, and Gibfibrespeed. Gibtelecom is the incumbent operator, providing a full range of services. U-mee and Gibfibrespeed focus on fixed-line broadband and offer competitive landline options.

• Gibtelecom: Landline (200 prefix), Mobile (54-58 prefixes)
• U-mee: Landline (222 prefix)
• Gibfibrespeed: Landline (225 prefix)

Regulatory Framework and Compliance

The Gibraltar Regulatory Authority (GRA) oversees the telecommunications sector. Key regulations include:

• Communications Act 2006: Establishes the regulatory framework.
• Numbering plan management: The GRA manages number allocation and portability.
• Service quality monitoring: Operators are subject to service quality standards.
• Consumer protection: Regulations are in place to protect consumer rights.

Operators must comply with GRA regulations, including reporting number assignments and changes. Refer to the GRA website (http://www.gra.gi) for the latest regulatory information and updates. It's important to stay informed about any changes to numbering plans, emergency service protocols, or other relevant regulations.