Area Code 272 – Pemba

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The +258 272 country and area code combination routes calls to the geographic region of Pemba, the capital city of Cabo Delgado Province in northern Mozambique. This area code covers the urban center of Pemba and its immediate surrounding districts, including the coastal zones along the Pemba Bay. As a geographic allocation under the ITU-T E.164 national numbering plan, the prefix 272 is tied to the PSTN infrastructure of this specific region, distinguishing it from other Mozambican provinces.

Dialing Formats and Caller Instructions

For international callers, the full number must be dialed in the format +258 272 XXX XXX, where +258 is the country calling code for Mozambique, 272 is the National Destination Code (NDC) for Pemba, and the remaining six digits constitute the subscriber number. Local callers within Mozambique, when dialing from a different province or mobile network, should use 272 XXX XXX (omitting the +258). However, when calling within the same Pemba area, local exchange rules may allow abbreviated dialing, but for consistency, the full national format is recommended.

Numbering and Overlay Considerations

Mozambique's numbering plan does not currently employ overlay codes for Pemba; the 272 prefix remains the sole geographic code for this region. Subscriber numbers are six digits in length, providing a capacity of up to 1,000,000 direct lines. This allocation supports both fixed-line PSTN services and, in some cases, fixed wireless terminals that are geographically tied to the Pemba exchange.

Service and Usage Notes

The 272 prefix is primarily used for fixed-line voice services, including residential, business, and government lines. It is also utilized for fax and legacy data services. With the growth of mobile and VoIP, the volume of traditional fixed-line traffic has declined, but the code remains essential for official and enterprise communications within the province. Callers should be aware that calls to this geographic number are typically charged at standard international or national rates, depending on the caller's location.

For businesses operating in Pemba, having a local geographic number enhances local presence and trust. It is also important to note that number portability may allow subscribers to retain their 272 numbers when switching service providers, though the geographic association remains.