E.164 Number Format Instructions

E.164 is an international standard for public telecommunication numbering that defines a globally unique format for phone numbers.

This format ensures that calls and text messages can be accurately routed to individual devices worldwide.

What is E.164?

E.164 is a recommendation by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) that standardizes telephone numbers on the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).

An E.164 number is formatted as [+][country code] [subscriber number including area code] and can have a maximum length of fifteen digits.

Key Characteristics of E.164 Numbers

• Global Uniqueness: Each number is unique and recognizable worldwide.
• Format: The format consists of a ‘+’ symbol followed by the country code and the subscriber number.
• Digit Limit: The total length of an E.164 number, including the country code, must not exceed fifteen digits.

E.164 Number Structure

• Country Code: 1 to 3 digits.
• Subscriber Number: Up to 12 digits, including the area code.

Examples of E.164 Numbers

Understanding and Using E.164 Numbers

Formatting

To ensure the correct delivery of calls and SMS, follow these guidelines when formatting numbers:

• No Spaces: Do not include spaces between the elements of the number.
• Remove Leading Zeros: If a number starts with a ‘0’ (often used in national formats), remove it when converting to E.164 format.
• Consistent Format: Always use the ‘+’ symbol before the country code.

Example Conversion to E.164

A local US number such as (415) 555-2671 would be converted to +14155552671 in E.164 format.

Validating E.164 Numbers

Accurate validation of phone numbers in E.164 format is crucial for preventing fraud and ensuring successful communication.

Here are some key points:

• API Validation: Use Ocamba’s API to validate phone numbers. This approach is more reliable than relying solely on regular expressions (RegEx).
• RegEx for Basic Validation: While not foolproof, the following RegEx can be used for basic validation:

{
  - ^\+[1-9]\d{1,14}$
}

• This pattern ensures the number starts with a ‘+’ followed by up to 15 digits, with the first digit after the ‘+’ being between 1 and 9.

Benefits of Using E.164 Format

• Global Reach: Ensures that phone numbers can be used internationally without modification.
• Consistency: Provides a standardized format for storing and processing phone numbers.
• Reliability: Reduces errors in call and SMS routing, enhancing deliverability and user experience.

How to Integrate E.164 Formatting in Ocamba’s Hood Platform

When configuring SMS settings on Ocamba’s Hood platform, you will need to input phone numbers in E.164 format.

Follow these steps to ensure correct formatting and validation:

1. Input Number: Enter the phone number in the designated field.
2. Validation: Use the Validate function to check the number’s format and ensure it meets E.164 standards.
3. Save Configuration: After successful validation, save the configuration to finalize the setup.