Area Code 2082 – Antsiranana

Overview of Area Code 2082 (Antsiranana, Madagascar)

Area code 2082 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the city of Antsiranana (formerly Diego-Suarez) and its surrounding administrative district, located in the far north of Madagascar. This code is part of the national numbering plan under the ITU-T E.164 recommendation, which designates country code +261 for Madagascar. The code is used for fixed-line (PSTN) services within the Antsiranana urban area and nearby localities, including the ports and commercial zones that are vital to the region's economy.

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

Antsiranana is the capital of the Diana Region, one of Madagascar's 23 regions. The area code 2082 covers the urban commune of Antsiranana I and extends to some suburban and rural exchanges within the Antsiranana II district. Key locations served include the city center, the port area, and residential neighborhoods such as Tanambao and Mangarivotra. The code is managed by the Malagasy telecommunications regulatory authority (ARTEC) and is allocated to fixed-line operators, primarily Telma and Orange Madagascar, for their wireline networks.

Dialing Formats and Caller Instructions

To call a fixed-line number in Antsiranana, the complete international format is +261 2082 XX XXX, where the last six digits represent the subscriber number. When dialing from within Madagascar, you must include the trunk prefix '0' before the area code, resulting in 020 82 XX XXX (or 02082 XXXXXX depending on local formatting). For example, a local number might be +261 2082 123 456.

• Calling from abroad: Dial your country's international access code (e.g., 00 or +), then 261 (Madagascar's country code), followed by 2082 and the six-digit subscriber number. Do not include the leading '0' used domestically.
• Calling from within Madagascar (outside Antsiranana): Dial 020 82 XX XXX. The '0' is the national trunk prefix, and '20' is the geographic routing indicator for fixed lines.
• Local calls within Antsiranana: In many cases, you can dial just the six-digit subscriber number, but it is safer to use the full national format to ensure proper routing across different operators.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

As of the latest ARTEC updates, there is no overlay code for Antsiranana; the 2082 code remains exclusive to the fixed network in this area. However, due to the growth of VoIP and mobile services, some numbers may be routed over IP networks, but the geographic significance is retained for emergency services and number portability. For international callers, it is crucial to note that mobile numbers in Madagascar use different prefixes (e.g., 32, 33, 34 for Orange; 38, 39 for Telma) and are not tied to geographic regions. Therefore, always verify that the number you are calling is indeed a fixed line before using 2082.

Practical Tips for Callers

When placing a call to Antsiranana, be mindful of time differences (UTC+3) and potential network congestion during peak hours. For business communications, ensure that your telecom provider supports international dialing to Madagascar. If you encounter difficulties, consider using VoIP services, which often offer lower rates for international calls. Always double-check the subscriber number length: fixed-line numbers in Madagascar are typically 10 digits when including the area code and trunk prefix (e.g., 020 82 XX XXX).