Second Phase of Converting the Kingdom's Fixed-Line Area Codes by Adding the Digit 1 Begins

The Communications and Information Technology Commission announces the start of the second phase of converting the remaining fixed-line area codes in the Kingdom, starting from Sunday 11/10/1434H, the 18th of August 2013, whereby the digit 1 will be added to area codes 02, 03, 04, 06, and 07, to become (012, 013, 014, 016, 017).

It should be noted that the old and new codes for each area will operate side by side for 4 weeks from the date the change begins, after which the old code will no longer be active, and only the new code will be used. For more information about the new amendment, please visit the Commission's website www.cst.gov.sa, and visit the page dedicated to the topic of amending fixed-line area codes in the Kingdom.

It should be noted that adding the digit 1 to all area codes in the Kingdom will increase the number range available for next-generation services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, by extending the validity of the plan for the longest possible period, so that future demand for numbers can be accommodated and met without the need to modify it. This change will also increase the number of numbers available for communications services by (500 million numbers) as a minimum, by freeing up the initial digits (02), (03), (04), (06), and (07), which were previously allocated to fixed-line telephones. This will contribute to serving the communications market in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the future, by enhancing the provision of communications services in the Kingdom in general, and mobile phone services and the continuous demand for the numbering resources of those services in particular, as well as making the plan compatible with the changes and developments imposed by the challenges of the communications market and its natural dynamics.