Area Code 35 – Butaritari

Overview of Kiribati Area Code 35

Area code 35 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) within the Kiribati national numbering plan, assigned to the northern Gilbert Islands region, specifically the island of Butaritari. Butaritari is an atoll located in the Pacific Ocean, part of the Gilbert Islands chain, and serves as the administrative center for the surrounding islets. This code is used for fixed-line (PSTN) services within the atoll, connecting residential, governmental, and business subscribers.

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The 35 code covers Butaritari Atoll, which includes the main islet of Butaritari and nearby islets such as Makin (though Makin may have its own code). The atoll is part of the Northern Gilbert Islands group, and the code is administered by the Telecommunications Authority of Kiribati (TAK) and the national operator, Amalgamated Telecom Holdings (ATH) subsidiary, Kiribati Fisheries and Telecommunications Services (KFTS). The region is primarily rural, with the main settlement being Butaritari village, known for its historical significance during World War II.

Dialing Formats

To call a fixed-line number in Butaritari from abroad, dial the international access prefix (e.g., 00 or +), followed by the Kiribati country code 686, then the area code 35, and the local subscriber number. For example, a local number might be 35001, and the full international format would be +686 35 001. When dialing domestically from another island in Kiribati, you would typically dial the area code and subscriber number without the country code, e.g., 35 001. Local calls within Butaritari may require only the subscriber number, depending on the local dialing plan.

Caller Instructions

• International callers: Dial your country's exit code (e.g., 011 from the US/Canada), then 686, then 35, then the local number. For example, from the US, dial 011 686 35 001.
• Domestic callers (outside Butaritari): Dial 35 followed by the local number. For instance, 35 001.
• Local callers (within Butaritari): If the network supports local dialing, you may dial only the subscriber number (e.g., 001). However, it is safer to use the full area code and number.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

Currently, there is no overlay code for Butaritari; the 35 code is unique to this region. However, as Kiribati's telecommunications infrastructure evolves, especially with the expansion of mobile and VoIP services, number portability and potential overlay codes may be introduced. Fixed-line numbers under this code are typically 5 to 7 digits long, including the area code, but the exact length may vary. Always verify the number with the recipient to ensure correct dialing.

Technical Notes

The Kiribati numbering plan follows ITU-T E.164 recommendations. The country code +686 is used for all international calls to Kiribati. Area code 35 is a geographic NDC, meaning it is tied to a physical location. Calls to this code are routed via the international gateway and then through the national PSTN network. For VoIP users, ensure that your service provider supports calls to Kiribati and that you use the correct international format.