Area Code 322 – Osh

Geographic Overview and Administrative Jurisdiction

The +996 322 country and area code combination is assigned to the geographic numbering area of Osh, the second-largest city in the Kyrgyz Republic. Administratively, Osh is a city of republican significance, distinct from the surrounding Osh Region (oblast), although the code serves the urban core and its immediate metropolitan environs. The numbering area falls under the jurisdiction of the State Communications Agency under the Ministry of Digital Development of the Kyrgyz Republic, which oversees the National Numbering Plan in accordance with ITU-T E.164 recommendations.

Dialing Formats and Caller Instructions

For local callers within the Kyrgyz Republic, the national significant number (NSN) for Osh landlines is eight digits, comprising the trunk prefix '0', the area code '322', and a five-digit subscriber number. The complete national dialing format is 0 322 XX XX XX. For example, a local call to a subscriber number 12 34 5 would be dialed as 0 322 12 34 5.

International callers must replace the trunk prefix with the Kyrgyz country code +996, omitting the leading '0'. The international format is +996 322 XX XX XX. For instance, from abroad, you would dial +996 322 12 34 5 to reach the same subscriber. When calling from a mobile phone, it is advisable to use the international format (+996 322...) to ensure proper routing, especially when roaming.

Geographic Coverage and Major Localities

The +996 322 code is primarily associated with the city of Osh, a major cultural and economic hub in the Fergana Valley. The code also serves neighboring settlements within the Osh city administration, including the towns of Kara-Suu and Uzgen, which are part of the wider Osh agglomeration. Subscriber numbers are allocated to fixed-line services provided by Kyrgyz Telecom and alternative licensed operators. As of the latest numbering plan updates, no overlay code has been introduced for Osh; the 322 code remains the sole geographic code for the area.

Technical Considerations and Number Portability

Fixed-line numbers in Osh are primarily used for PSTN and VoIP services. While geographic codes are traditionally associated with physical locations, the Kyrgyz regulator has implemented number portability for fixed lines, allowing subscribers to retain their numbers when changing operators within the same geographic area. However, geographic portability (moving the number to a different area code) is not permitted. Callers should note that while VoIP providers may offer numbers with the +996 322 code, the service is still tied to the Osh numbering area for routing purposes.