Area Code 85 – Kanton

Overview of Kiribati Area Code 85

Area code 85 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the island of Kanton (also spelled Kanton or Canton Island), part of the Phoenix Islands group in the Republic of Kiribati. Kanton is the only inhabited island in the Phoenix Islands, with a small population primarily residing in the village of Tebaronga. The code is used for fixed-line (PSTN) services on the island.

Geographic Coverage and Administration

Kanton Island is a coral atoll located approximately midway between Hawaii and Fiji. Administratively, it is part of the Phoenix Islands, which are governed by the Kiribati central government. The island has a single runway (Kanton Island Airport) and limited infrastructure. Fixed-line services are provided by the national telecommunications operator, Telecom Services Kiribati Limited (TSKL). The area code 85 is allocated exclusively to Kanton, distinguishing it from other Kiribati islands such as Tarawa (area codes 75 and 26) or Kiritimati (area code 81).

Dialing Formats

Kiribati uses a closed numbering plan with a total number length of 8 digits for fixed-line numbers, including the NDC. The format for numbers in Kanton is:

• International format: +686 85X XXXX (where X represents digits). For example, +686 85 12345.
• National format (within Kiribati): 85X XXXX (dial the NDC and subscriber number without the international prefix).
• Local dialing (within Kanton): Typically, only the subscriber number (5 digits) may be dialed, but this depends on the local network configuration.

When calling from overseas, you must dial the international access code (e.g., 00 or +), then the Kiribati country code 686, followed by the area code and subscriber number. For example, to call a fixed line in Kanton, you would dial +686 85 12345.

Caller Instructions

For international callers: Dial your country's exit code (e.g., 011 from the US, 00 from most European countries), then 686, then 85, followed by the 5-digit local number. Ensure you omit any leading trunk prefix (there is none in Kiribati).

For local callers within Kiribati: Dial the full national number (85X XXXX) even if calling from another island. If calling from a mobile phone, the same national format applies.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

There are no overlay codes in Kiribati; each geographic area has a unique NDC. Number portability is not widely implemented for fixed lines, so the area code generally reflects the physical location of the line. The numbering plan is administered by the Ministry of Communications and Transport in accordance with ITU-T E.164 recommendations.