Communications regulator introduces new mobile number prefix

You could soon own a mobile phone number with the prefix 01********** in addition to or as opposed to the traditional 07********** following the decision by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to introduce a new mobile numbering prefix.

CA Director General Francis Wangusi on Tuesday said that the mobile numbering system will be effected immediately and has been necessitated by the increasing demand for sim cards, mobile data and emerging technologies that require telecommunication numbers.

“The introduction of the new mobile numbering prefix 01****** is in line with the National Numbering Plan developed in 2002 by the authority in consultation with ICT industry operators, the public and other stakeholders,”

” The plan provides for all existing and emerging services like Internet of Things (IoT), Machine to Machine communications services,” said Wangusi in a statement.

According to the regulator’s plan, each of the prefix provides for a capacity of 1 million numbers.

Leading telcos Safaricom and Airtel have already been issued with 2 million and 3 million numbers respectively under the prefix.

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The Director General says that the new mobile phone prefix will come at no extra cost.

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In addition to the numbering plan, CA has also laid down procedures and guidelines for the proper management of numbering resources such as an online platform to ease application for the numbers.