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. <\/p>\n
The remarkable growth seen in the South African market – especially from Vodacom and MTN – necessitated a significant increase in the numbers assigned to operators.<\/p>\n
Vodacom, South Africa’s leading cellular network, now services more than 23.3 million customers, representing an estimated 58% market share. <\/p>\n
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).<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
MTN has also grown rapidly over the last few years, and currently has the number ranges 083, 073 and 078.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n