What is E.164 in SMS?

For public telecommunications networks, the format of phone numbers is specified by the international standard E.164. It is widely utilised throughout the world and is regarded as an essential component of the global communications infrastructure. In this article, we'll look at E.164 and how it's applied to phone number formatting.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialised organisation of the United Nations, created the E.164 standard, which has been in use since the early 1990s. It specifies a phone number format that consists of a subscriber number, an area code, and a country code. The phone number's location in a particular nation is indicated by a three-digit code called the country code. The subscriber number is the actual phone number, while the area code is a variable-length code that designates the country's geographic region.

For instance, in the United States, the subscriber number is a 7-digit phone number, the area code is a 3-digit geographic code, and the country code is +1. Therefore, a phone number with the prefix +1 212 555 1212 would be in New York City, New York, USA.

The E.164 standard has the major benefit of making phone numbers globally distinctive and recognisable. This is crucial because it makes it possible for phone numbers to be correctly and effectively routed across international borders, enabling organisations and individuals to interact with people in other nations. In addition, the standard guarantees that phone numbers may be quickly structured and interpreted by software, making them useful for a variety of services and applications.

Another benefit of E.164 is that it removes confusion and aids in spotting potential mistakes in phone numbers by making it simple to recognise the international format, which always begins with "+" and the country code.

Check out our beginner's guide to using an SMS API

The role of E.164 in standardising phone numbers for SMS APIs

E.164 plays a critical role in standardizing phone numbers globally and especially when using SMS apis. The standard is maintained by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and is used by many countries and phone companies to format phone numbers. This standardization ensures that phone numbers can be dialed and routed correctly, regardless of where the call originates from.

One of the key aspects of E.164 is that it defines a standard format for phone numbers, which includes a country code, an area code, and a subscriber number. The country code is a three-digit code that represents the country in which the phone number is located. The area code, also known as a National Destination Code (NDC), is a variable-length code that represents the geographic region within the country. The subscriber number is the actual phone number assigned to the individual or organization.

By standardizing phone numbers, E.164 makes it easier for people to dial phone numbers, as the standard format is easy to understand and use. It also makes it easier for phone companies to route calls to the correct location, reducing errors and confusion.

E.164 is also critical for international call routing, as it allows calls to be directed to the correct location without the need for additional codes or prefixes. This makes it much more convenient for people to make international calls, as they do not need to know the specific codes or prefixes required to reach a particular country.

In summary, E.164 plays a vital role in standardizing phone numbers and making global communication more efficient and convenient. It's a critical standard that ensures that phone numbers can be dialed and routed correctly, making it easy for people to connect with one another, no matter where they are in the world.

The SMS Delivery process

We recently wrote an article diving deeper into the SMS delivery process which we recommend reading in addition to this article.

How does E.164 work?

A phone number standard called E.164 is adopted globally to guarantee that phone numbers are formatted consistently and are simple enough for people and systems to understand and dial. Numerous nations and phone companies use this standard, which is maintained by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), to format phone numbers.

E.164 essentially establishes a structure for phone numbers that contains a subscriber number, an area code, and a country code. The phone number's location is indicated by a three-digit code called the country code. The area code, commonly referred to as a National Destination Code (NDC), is a variable-length code that designates a certain country's geographic region. The phone number that has been assigned to the person or business is called a subscriber number.

For instance, a phone number in the US formatted in accordance with E.164 might appear as follows: +1 650 555 1212. The subscriber number is "555 1212," the country code for the United States is "+1," and the area code for San Mateo, California is "650."

No matter where the call originates, the E.164 standard guarantees that phone numbers can be called and routed appropriately. This is crucial for international call routing since it enables calls to be routed to the right place without the use of extra prefixes or codes. E.164 also makes it simpler for users to dial phone numbers because of how simple it is to use and understand the standard format.

Overall, E.164 is an important telecommunications standard since it offers the uniformity and global acceptance necessary for the efficient operation of international communication.

Final thoughts

A phone number standard called E.164 is adopted globally to guarantee that phone numbers are formatted consistently and are simple enough for people and systems to understand and dial. Numerous nations and phone companies use this standard, which is maintained by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), to format phone numbers.

A country code, an area code, and a subscriber number are all included in the standard phone number format defined by E.164. The phone number's location is indicated by a three-digit code called the country code. The area code, commonly referred to as a National Destination Code (NDC), is a variable-length code that designates a certain country's geographic region. The phone number that has been assigned to the person or business is called a subscriber number.

The increased efficiency in call routing is one of the main benefits of using E.164. No matter where the call originates, phone numbers can be called and routed appropriately with E.164. This is crucial for international call routing since it enables calls to be routed to the right place without the use of extra prefixes or codes. E.164 also makes it simpler for users to dial phone numbers because of how simple it is to use and understand the standard format.

Additionally, E.164 lessens confusion and mistakes when dialling phone numbers. By ensuring that phone numbers can be dialled correctly, the standard format lowers the possibility of dialling a number incorrectly and contacting the incorrect person or business. E.164 also enhances support for international call routing, making it simpler for individuals to phone abroad and for businesses to interact with clients and partners abroad.

Employing the tools and resources available for implementing E.164, businesses may make sure that their phone numbers are compliant with the standard. They can also adhere to best practises for using E.164 in a professional setting, like using the uniform format for all phone numbers and instructing staff on how to dial and format numbers correctly.

In conclusion, E.164 is a crucial standard for the telecommunications industry since it offers the uniformity and global acceptance needed for the efficient operation of international communication. It is used to format phone numbers so that they are simple for systems and individuals around the world to read and call. Companies can increase the effectiveness of their communications, lower mistakes and misunderstanding, and better support international call routing by deploying E.164. No matter where we are in the globe, we can all communicate with one another thanks to this fundamental standard.