Area Code 173 – Mobile Network
The phone area code for Mobile Network is 173 (international format +49173). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.
📞 Exchange Codes (NXX) for Area Code 173
Select a central office code to view local carrier data and detailed information
Overview of Germany’s +49 173 Mobile Prefix
The +49 173 prefix is a non-geographic mobile code assigned within Germany’s national numbering plan, as defined by the Bundesnetzagentur (Federal Network Agency). It is part of the country’s E.164 numbering structure, where the full international dialing format is +49 173 XXXXXXX. This prefix is not tied to any specific city or region; instead, it is allocated to mobile network operators (MNOs) and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) that provide nationwide coverage. The code 173 is historically associated with E-Plus, which merged into the O2 Telefónica network, but number portability allows subscribers to retain their 173 numbers even if they switch to other carriers such as Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, or 1&1 Drillisch.
German mobile numbers using the 173 prefix have a total length of 11 digits when dialed nationally (including the leading zero, e.g., 0173 1234567) and 12 digits when dialed from abroad (including the country code, e.g., +49 173 1234567). The prefix is followed by a seven-digit subscriber number, making the entire national significant number (NSN) 10 or 11 digits long, depending on whether the trunk prefix is included. This structure complies with ITU-T E.164 recommendations, ensuring global interoperability.
For international callers, it is essential to replace the leading zero with the German country code +49 and then dial the 173 prefix without any additional separators. For example, a German mobile number written as 0173 9876543 becomes +49 173 9876543 when dialed from outside Germany. Within Germany, callers can simply dial the 10-digit number starting with 0173, regardless of their own location, as mobile numbers are not area-code dependent.
From a technical standpoint, calls to +49 173 numbers are routed via the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and mobile switching centers, with interconnection agreements ensuring seamless voice and SMS delivery. Mobile number portability (MNP) is fully supported, meaning that the prefix does not guarantee a specific operator; routing is determined by a central number portability database. This allows users to switch providers while keeping their familiar 173 number, a practice common across the European Union.
For businesses and individuals, understanding the non-geographic nature of the 173 prefix is crucial for cost planning. Calls to German mobiles are typically charged at higher rates than landline calls, and international roaming charges may apply when the subscriber is outside Germany. However, many modern mobile tariffs include unlimited calls to national mobile numbers, making the distinction less relevant for domestic users.