Guinea-Bissau Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Guinea-Bissau's phone number system, including formatting, validation, and key considerations for developers building telecommunications solutions. It incorporates the most up-to-date information available, acknowledging the ongoing digital transformation within the country's telecommunications sector.

Understanding the Dialing System

Guinea-Bissau's telecommunications landscape is primarily mobile-centric. While a fixed-line infrastructure exists, it suffered significant damage during past conflicts and has not been fully restored. Therefore, mobile communication dominates, with two primary operators, Orange and MTN, providing the majority of services. This mobile-first environment is a crucial factor for developers to consider.

Domestic Calling Procedures

Calling within Guinea-Bissau uses an 8-digit system. There are no area codes, simplifying the dialing process.

• Mobile Calls: Dial the full 8-digit mobile number. The first digit will be a '9', followed by a network identifier ('5', '6', or '7'), and then the remaining six digits.

  • Orange: 95XXXXXX
  • MTN: 96XXXXXX or 97XXXXXX

• Landline Calls: While less common, landlines generally follow the 44XXXXXX format. However, due to the deteriorated state of the fixed-line network, their reliability is questionable. Developers should prioritize mobile functionality and consider landlines as a secondary communication method, if at all.

Best Practice: Store contacts using the full 8-digit format to ensure consistent dialing across networks.

International Calling Procedures

• Calling from Guinea-Bissau:

  1. Dial the international exit code: 00
  2. Dial the country code of the destination.
  3. Dial the recipient's phone number.

  Example: To call the United Kingdom (country code 44), dial 00 44 XXXX XXXXXX.

• Calling to Guinea-Bissau:

  1. Dial the international access code (e.g., '+' or '011').
  2. Dial Guinea-Bissau's country code: 245.
  3. Dial the 8-digit local number.

  Example: +245 95XXXXXX

Emergency Services

Guinea-Bissau's emergency response system is still under development. Direct dialing for emergency services may not be reliable.

Critical Recommendations:

• Pre-program essential contacts: Store direct numbers for local police, medical facilities, your embassy's emergency line, and other relevant contacts.
• Regional considerations: Response times and available services can vary significantly outside major cities. Research and store regional emergency contacts if traveling outside of Bissau.
• Backup communication: Due to potential network limitations, consider alternative communication methods (e.g., satellite phones, messaging apps) for emergencies. Developers should incorporate offline capabilities and fallback communication methods into their applications.

Network Operators and Coverage

• Orange Guinea-Bissau: Offers the strongest coverage in urban areas, particularly Bissau, with a growing 3G/4G network. Coverage along major highways is generally reliable.
• MTN Guinea-Bissau: Provides competitive coverage in metropolitan regions and is expanding its rural network. They are also focusing on digital service expansion, including mobile money.
• Guiné Telecom: Primarily a fixed-line provider with limited coverage in major urban centers, serving mainly businesses and government.

Coverage Statistics (Approximate):

• Urban areas: ~95%
• Rural areas: ~60%
• Population with mobile access: ~78%

Developers should design applications to handle variable network conditions and incorporate offline functionality where possible. Consider providing users with options to select preferred networks based on location.

Digital Services and Infrastructure

Guinea-Bissau is undergoing a digital transformation, with increasing adoption of mobile internet and digital financial services.

• Mobile Networks:
  • 2G (GSM): Extensive coverage.
  • 3G: Available in Bissau, regional centers, and major transportation corridors.
  • 4G/LTE: Currently limited to Bissau, with planned expansion.
• VoIP Services: Available through major operators, but performance is dependent on internet stability, which can vary. Developers should optimize applications for varying bandwidth conditions.
• Internet Service Providers (ISPs): Several private ISPs offer both dial-up and broadband internet access. The arrival of the ACE submarine cable is expected to significantly improve internet speeds and affordability.

Technical Implementation for Developers

• Number Validation: Use regular expressions for accurate number validation.

const patterns = {
  landline: /^44\d{6}$/,
  mobile: /^9[567]\d{6}$/,
  specialServices: /^80\d{5}$/ // Example for special services
};

function validateNumber(number, type) {
  return patterns[type].test(number);
}

• Coverage-Aware Development: Design applications to function reliably in areas with limited connectivity. Implement caching, offline modes, and data synchronization strategies.
• International Calling Integration: Support international number formats (E.164) and handle country code variations.
• Number Formatting: Standardize number formatting for display and storage (e.g., XXX XX XX XX).

Regulatory Considerations

• ARCOM (Autoridade Reguladora Nacional - ARN): The primary regulator for telecommunications in Guinea-Bissau. They manage number allocation, set technical standards, and enforce service quality.
• WATRA (West African Telecommunications Regulators Authority): Provides regional oversight, coordinating cross-border communications and harmonizing standards.

Developers should consult ARCOM's official website (https://www.arn.gw) for the latest regulatory updates and technical specifications.

Future of Telecommunications in Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau is actively pursuing digital transformation initiatives, including the development of a national digital transformation strategy. The government is also working to improve digital infrastructure and expand internet access. These developments present opportunities for developers to create innovative solutions for the Bissau-Guinean market. Staying informed about these ongoing changes is crucial for building successful and relevant telecommunications applications.