Area Code 1196 – Bitam

Overview of Gabon's Geographic Numbering Plan

Gabon's national numbering plan adheres to the ITU-T E.164 recommendation, with a country calling code of +241. Geographic numbers are structured with a two-digit National Destination Code (NDC) that identifies a specific geographic area, followed by a subscriber number. The prefix 1196 is allocated to the Bitam region, located in the Woleu-Ntem Province in the northern part of the country, near the border with Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon. Bitam serves as an important commercial and administrative hub for the surrounding area.

Format and Dialing Procedures

When dialing a Bitam landline from within Gabon, subscribers must use the full national number, which includes the NDC and the subscriber number. The national significant number (NSN) for geographic numbers in Gabon is typically 8 digits long, including the leading '1' of the NDC. For example, a Bitam number might be formatted as 1196 XX XX when dialed locally. To call from abroad, international callers must dial the international access prefix (e.g., 00 or +), followed by the country code 241, and then the NDC and subscriber number, omitting any leading trunk prefix. The international format would be +241 1196 XX XX.

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The 1196 prefix covers the city of Bitam and its surrounding areas, including smaller towns and villages within the Bitam Department. As a geographic code, it is tied to the physical location of the fixed-line infrastructure. Calls to these numbers are routed over the PSTN to the specific exchange serving the area. The administrative jurisdiction falls under the Ministry of Digital Economy and the regulatory authority, ARCEP Gabon, which oversees numbering assignments and telecom services.

Overlay and Number Portability Considerations

Currently, there is no overlay code for Bitam; the 1196 prefix is unique to this region. However, Gabon has implemented mobile number portability, but fixed-line geographic numbers are generally not portable outside their designated geographic area. This means that a number starting with 1196 will always be associated with the Bitam region, even if the subscriber moves within the country, unless specific regulatory provisions allow otherwise. Callers should be aware that calling a Bitam number from outside the region will incur national long-distance charges, while international calls will be billed according to the caller's international tariff.

Practical Guidance for Callers

For local callers within Gabon, simply dial the 8-digit national number (e.g., 1196 XX XX). For international callers, always use the plus sign (+) or the international access code of your country, followed by 241 and the full national number. Ensure you drop any leading '0' if present, though Gabon's numbering does not use a trunk prefix. For example, to call a Bitam number, dial +241 1196 XX XX. Always confirm the correct number length and format with your telecom provider if you encounter issues.