Area Code 8 – Mobile Network
The phone area code for Mobile Network is 8 (international format +918). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.
📞 Exchange Codes (NXX) for Area Code 8
Select a central office code to view local carrier data and detailed information
Overview of India's Mobile Prefix 8
In the Indian numbering plan, the country calling code +91 is followed by a ten-digit national significant number (NSN). The first digit of this NSN, which is 6, 7, 8, or 9, designates a mobile service. Specifically, numbers beginning with the digit 8 are non-geographic and are allocated to mobile network operators (MNOs) and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) across the country. This means that the prefix 8 does not indicate a specific city or region; rather, it is a nationwide identifier for mobile services.
Number Structure and Formatting
An Indian mobile number starting with 8 is always ten digits long, with the format 8XXXXXXXXX. When dialed from abroad, the number is written as +91 8XXXXXXXXX, where +91 is the country code and the following ten digits are the national number. For example, a typical number would be +91 8123456789. Within India, callers can dial the ten-digit number directly without any trunk prefix, as India uses a closed numbering plan for mobile numbers.
Mobile Operators and Portability
The prefix 8 is shared by all major MNOs, including Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea (Vi), and state-owned BSNL/MTNL, as well as various MVNOs. The specific operator can be identified by the first few digits of the number, but due to mobile number portability (MNP), a subscriber may retain their number when switching operators. Therefore, the prefix alone does not guarantee a particular carrier. This is important for businesses and individuals when routing calls or sending SMS, as interconnection rates may vary.
Dialing Instructions
For local callers within India, simply dial the ten-digit mobile number. For international callers, the format is: international access code (e.g., 00 or +) followed by 91 and then the ten-digit number. For example, from the US, you would dial 011 91 8123456789. From most European countries, you would dial 00 91 8123456789. When saving numbers in a phone's contact list, it is recommended to use the international format +91 8XXXXXXXXX to ensure proper dialing both domestically and internationally.
Regulatory and Technical Notes
The allocation of the 8 prefix is managed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the National Numbering Plan. These numbers are used for voice, SMS, and data services. In recent years, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has mandated the use of 10-digit mobile numbers for all services, including machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, which also begin with 8. This ensures a consistent and scalable numbering resource for the growing telecommunications landscape in India.