In the next few months, a new numbering procedure will be implemented in the Kingdom. One more digit, the number (1), will be added to the six geographic zone codes.
Eventually all land line numbers in the Kingdom will be modified by adding the digit (1) to the current zone codes. The zone codes 01, 02, 03, 04, 06 and 07 will become 011, 012, 013, 014, 016 and 017; for example, Riyadh 011425xxx5, Jeddah 012278xxx5, etc.
The change experienced by subscribers will be limited to adding one digit to the six geographic zone codes. Adding this digit will change only the method of dialing to numbers outside the local calling area.
It is important to note that this change will not include the way of dialing among fixed lines within the same city, which will remain as it is now. However, when dialing from mobiles to fixed lines, the new digit will have to be added.
This change will be carried out in phases rather than all at once. By end of H1 2013, Riyadh geographic area will be the first stage of application, and three months later this change will be applied to all other geographic areas of the Kingdom.
Among the most important reasons for this change is the need to increase the range of numbers available for public mobile communications services, as well as for fixed services, and to contribute to the ability to introduce new services and to adopt new technologies and applications. In addition, this change will enhance the ability of the National Numbering Plan to accommodate new developments in services and growth in the number of subscriptions and users.
A media campaign will be launched later to publicize and explain the changes, including making the public aware of the objectives, and to identify the key aspects.
Most Important Features of the New Change
- One more digit, the number (1), will be added to the six geographic zone codes
- The new digit will be inserted after zero
- Zone codes 01, 02, 03, 04, 06 and 07 will become 011, 012, 013, 014, 016 and 017
- Adding this digit will change only the method of dialing to numbers outside the local calling area.
- This change will not include the way of dialing among fixed lines within the same city which will remain as it is now
- When dialing from mobiles to fixed lines, the new digit will have to be added
