A mobile number prefix! also known as an operator code or network code! is a sequence of digits that forms the beginning of a mobile phone number! directly after the national access code (usually ‘0’ in Bangladesh). These prefixes are allocat by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to different mobile network operators. They serve to identify the originating network of a call or message! which is crucial for routing and billing purposes within the telecommunications infrastructure.
For example! a typical mobile phone number in japan phone number list Bangladesh! when dial domestically! follows the format where 0 is the national access code! 1X is the operator prefix! and is the unique subscriber number.
Major Mobile Network Operators and Their Prefixes in Bangladesh
Bangladesh currently has four major active mobile network operators! each assign specific prefixes:
- Grameenphone (GP): Grameenphone is the largest mobile operator in Bangladesh. Its primary and oldest prefix is 017. More recently! with the expansion of its subscriber base! Grameenphone was allocat an additional prefix: 013.
- Robi Axiata Limit (Robi): Robi is the second-largest mobile operator. It absorb Airtel Bangladesh! and now operates with prefixes that were originally us by both Robi and Airtel.
- Robi’s original prefix: 018
- Airtel’s original prefix (now under Robi): 016
- Example numbers:
- Banglalink: Banglalink is another significant azerbaijan business directory player in the Bangladeshi mobile market.
- Its primary and older prefix: 019
- A newer prefix allocat to Banglalink: 014
- Example numbers:
- Teletalk Bangladesh Limit (Teletalk): Teletalk is the state-own mobile phone company in Bangladesh.
- Its primary prefix: 015
- Example numbers:
Impact of Mobile Number Portability (MNP)
It is crucial to understand the impact of Mobile Number Portability (MNP)! which was introduc in Bangladesh in 2018. MNP allows mobile subscribers to retain their existing phone number (including its original prefix) even when they switch to a different mobile network operator.
This means that while the prefixes list above indicate the original network a number belong to! the number might now benefits of t mobile marketing solutions for businesses be active on a different network. For instance! a number starting with 017 might actually be a Robi subscriber if they port their number from Grameenphone to Robi.
While MNP slightly complicates immiate network identification by prefix alone! the prefixes remain fundamental to the numbering plan and are still widely associat with the original operators by the general public.
Why Prefixes Matter
Knowing the mobile carrier prefixes can be useful for several reasons:
- Identifying the Original Network: It helps in knowing which network the number was initially register with.
- Understanding Call Rates: Historically! call rates were often differentiat between on-net (same network) and off-net (different network) calls. While inter-operator call rates are more standardiz now! some legacy plans or specific promotions might still have subtle differences.
- Customer Service: If you ne to contact a specific operator’s customer service regarding a number! knowing its original prefix can sometimes streamline the process.
In summary! mobile carrier prefixes are the initial digits that identify the original mobile network operator of a phone number in Bangladesh. While MNP allows numbers to move between networks! these prefixes remain a key part of the national numbering plan.
