Area Code 60 – Mobile Network
The phone area code for Mobile Network is 60 (international format +2760). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.
Overview of South African Mobile Prefix 60
The +27 60 prefix is a non-geographic mobile network code assigned within the South African national numbering plan, as administered by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) under ITU-T E.164 recommendations. Unlike geographic area codes, which correspond to specific cities or regions, the 60 prefix is location-independent and is used exclusively for mobile telecommunications services. This means that a call to a +27 60 number does not indicate the caller's or callee's physical location, but rather that the subscriber is reachable via a cellular network.
Technical Specifications and Numbering Format
South African mobile numbers, including those beginning with 60, consist of 9 digits after the country code +27. The full international format is +27 60 XXX XXXX (or +2760XXXXXXXX when written without spaces). In national format, the number is written as 060 XXX XXXX, with the leading zero used for domestic dialing. The 60 prefix is part of the National Destination Code (NDC) and is followed by a seven-digit subscriber number. This structure complies with the E.164 maximum length of 15 digits, ensuring global interoperability.
Network Allocation and Portability
The 60 prefix is allocated to mobile network operators (MNOs) and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) that have been granted spectrum licenses by ICASA. Over the years, the prefix has been utilized by various service providers, and due to mobile number portability (MNP), a subscriber may retain their 60 number even if they switch operators. As a result, the prefix alone cannot be used to determine the current network provider, although historically it may have been associated with a specific operator. For accurate routing, telecom databases and number portability lookups are used.
Dialing Instructions
- Domestic calls (within South Africa): Dial 060 XXX XXXX. The leading zero is mandatory for all national calls.
- International calls (from outside South Africa): Dial your country's exit code (e.g., 00 from most European countries, 011 from the US/Canada), followed by 27 (South Africa's country code), then 60 and the seven-digit subscriber number. Example: +27 60 123 4567.
- International SMS and voice: The same format (+2760...) is used for sending SMS or placing calls from abroad. Ensure you use the full international number without the leading zero.
Regulatory and Cost Considerations
As a mobile prefix, 60 numbers are subject to standard mobile call and data tariffs. Calls to these numbers from landlines or other mobiles are typically billed at standard mobile rates, unless otherwise specified by the caller's plan. There are no special premium rate charges associated with the 60 prefix; it is a regular mobile service. For businesses, using a 60 number can be part of a mobile marketing strategy, but it is not a toll-free or shared-cost number. Always verify the current operator and any applicable charges with your service provider.