Cellular number ranges
The initial 082, 083 and 084 number ranges – assigned to Vodacom, MTN and Cell C respectively – made it easy to establish which network a certain call is coming from. This has however changed with new number ranges being added to the mix.
The remarkable growth seen in the South African market – especially from Vodacom and MTN – necessitated a significant increase in the numbers assigned to operators.
Vodacom, South Africa’s leading cellular network, now services more than 23.3 million customers, representing an estimated 58% market share.
Taking this growth into account, Vodacom has recently been allocated sub-ranges of the 071 NDC (National/Network Destination Code), by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).
In addition to their current 082, 072, 076 and 079 number ranges, the 071 1, 071 2, 071 3, 071 4, 071 5 and 071 6 sub-number-ranges of the 071 NDC have been allocated for use and are active on the Vodacom network.
MTN has also grown rapidly over the last few years, and currently has the number ranges 083, 073 and 078.
Cell C, the ‘new kid on the block’, is also starting to grow at an increasing rate with its free on-net call promotions. It currently has the 084 and 074 number ranges.
To complicate matters slightly mobile number portability means that any of the above number ranges may come from a different operator completely if the individual has ported, but this accounts for only a very small number of cellular subscribers.
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