Area Code 28 – Bekaa

Geographic Overview

The +961 28 area code is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the Bekaa Valley region in eastern Lebanon. This area code covers the administrative governorate of Beqaa, including its capital Zahle, as well as major towns such as Baalbek, Hermel, and Rachaya. The region is known for its agricultural significance and historical sites, including the Roman ruins at Baalbek. The Bekaa Valley is a key area for both residential and business communications, with the +961 28 code serving as the primary PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) identifier for fixed-line services in this jurisdiction.

Dialing Formats and Procedures

For callers within Lebanon, dialing a Bekaa fixed-line number requires the trunk prefix '0' followed by the area code '28' and the subscriber number. The local format is: 0 28 XXX XXX (where X represents the 6-digit subscriber number). For example, a local call to a number in Zahle would be dialed as 0 28 123 456.

For international callers, the Lebanese country code (+961) replaces the trunk prefix. The international format is: +961 28 XXX XXX. Thus, a caller from abroad would dial +961 28 123 456. It is important to note that the leading '0' is omitted when dialing from outside Lebanon.

Numbering Plan and Overlay Considerations

Lebanon's national numbering plan follows ITU-T E.164 recommendations. Fixed-line numbers in the Bekaa region are 8 digits long when including the leading '0' (0-28-XXXXXX) and 7 digits when dialed internationally (+961-28-XXXXXX). Currently, there are no overlay codes in effect for the Bekaa area; the 28 code is exclusively used for geographic fixed-line services in this region. However, as Lebanon continues to expand its telecommunications infrastructure, future numbering plan adjustments may occur, and users should stay informed via the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of Lebanon.

Caller Instructions

Local callers within Lebanon should always use the trunk prefix '0' when dialing any fixed-line number in the Bekaa, even if they are calling from a mobile phone. Foreign callers must use the +961 country code and drop the initial '0'. For example, a caller from France would dial 00 961 28 123 456 (using the international access code '00' from most European countries).

It is also worth noting that calls to Bekaa fixed lines are typically charged at standard national rates when dialed from within Lebanon, while international rates apply for calls originating from abroad. For any discrepancies or updated dialing procedures, users are advised to consult their service provider or the TRA Lebanon.