Area Code 22 – Jamestown

Overview of Area Code +290 22

The international dialing code +290 22 is a geographic area code assigned to Jamestown, the capital and principal port of the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena. This code is part of the national numbering plan of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha, which uses the country calling code +290 (assigned under ITU-T E.164). The prefix 22 serves as the National Destination Code (NDC) for fixed-line telephone services within Jamestown and its immediate surroundings.

Geographic Coverage and Administration

Jamestown is situated on the north-western coast of Saint Helena island, nestled in a deep valley. The area code covers the urban center, including government offices, commercial establishments, and residential districts. As the seat of the island's government, Jamestown hosts key administrative buildings, such as the Governor's residence and the Legislative Council. The prefix is administered by Sure South Atlantic, the incumbent telecommunications operator on the island, which operates the public switched telephone network (PSTN).

Dialing Formats

For local callers within Saint Helena, the number is dialed as a six-digit national number: 22XXXX. For international callers, the full international format is +290 22XXXX. For example, a local business in Jamestown might have the number 22500, which would be dialed as +290 22500 from abroad. It is important to note that Saint Helena uses a closed numbering plan; there are no separate trunk prefixes or area codes for domestic calls. The entire island shares the country code +290, and the first two digits after the country code identify the specific exchange or locality.

Caller Instructions

Callers from within Saint Helena: To reach a fixed line in Jamestown, simply dial the six-digit number (e.g., 22500). No trunk prefix is required.

Callers from outside Saint Helena: Dial the international access prefix (00 or +) followed by the country code 290, then the six-digit subscriber number. For example, from the United States, you would dial 011 290 22500; from the United Kingdom, 00 290 22500.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

Currently, there is no overlay code for Jamestown; the 22 prefix is exclusively used for geographic fixed-line services in that area. However, with the increasing adoption of VoIP and mobile services, the numbering plan may evolve. As of now, mobile numbers on Saint Helena use the prefix 5 (e.g., +290 5XXXX), while fixed-line numbers in other parts of the island, such as Half Tree Hollow or Longwood, use different two-digit prefixes (e.g., 23, 24). This structure ensures clear differentiation between geographic and non-geographic services.

For businesses or individuals requiring a Jamestown presence, obtaining a +290 22 number is essential for local credibility. While VoIP services can provide virtual numbers, they must comply with the national numbering regulations to ensure proper routing and emergency services access.