Area Code 1117 – Addis Ababa

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The Ethiopian country code +251, followed by the National Destination Code (NDC) 1117, designates a specific geographic numbering area within Addis Ababa, the capital and largest city of Ethiopia. As a geographic prefix, 1117 is allocated to fixed-line PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) services within a defined zone of the city. Addis Ababa is administratively structured into sub-cities, and this prefix typically serves central and southern districts, including areas such as Bole, Kirkos, and Yeka, though exact boundaries may vary with network expansions. The Ethiopian Communications Authority (ECA) oversees the allocation of these codes, ensuring that each geographic prefix corresponds to a specific exchange area.

Dialing Formats and Caller Instructions

For local callers within Ethiopia, the number is dialed as 1117 XXX XX (where X represents the subscriber number), omitting the country code and the trunk prefix. For international callers, the full E.164 format is required: +251 1117 XXX XX. When dialing from abroad, replace the leading zero (if any) with the +251 country code. For example, a landline number in this area might be +251 1117 123 45. It is crucial to note that Ethiopian fixed-line numbers are typically 9 digits long, including the NDC (1117) and a 5-digit subscriber number, but the total length after the country code is 9 digits (excluding the +251).

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

Addis Ababa has experienced significant telecommunications growth, leading to the introduction of overlay codes to meet demand. The 1117 prefix is part of a broader numbering plan that includes other NDCs for the city, such as 1111, 1112, and 1116. Overlay codes allow multiple NDCs to serve the same geographic area, requiring ten-digit dialing (including the NDC) for local calls in some cases. However, as of the latest ECA guidelines, local calls within the same NDC may still be dialed without the area code, but it is advisable to use the full national number (NDC + subscriber) to ensure connectivity across all networks.

Service Providers and Usage

Ethio Telecom, the state-owned incumbent, is the primary provider of fixed-line services in Ethiopia. The 1117 prefix is predominantly used by residential and business customers, including government offices and commercial enterprises. With the liberalization of the telecom sector, new operators may eventually offer services, but as of now, Ethio Telecom manages all PSTN infrastructure. For businesses, having a geographic number in Addis Ababa enhances local presence and trust, and it is essential for services like fax, alarm systems, and traditional voice communications.

Practical Tips for Callers

When calling an Ethiopian landline from a mobile phone within Ethiopia, it is often necessary to include the NDC even for local calls, depending on the mobile operator's routing. For international callers, always use the +251 country code and drop any leading zero. If you encounter difficulties, verify the number length: after +251, there should be 9 digits (e.g., 1117XXXXX). For VoIP or internet-based calls, ensure that your provider supports termination to Ethiopian PSTN numbers, as some may have restrictions.