Area Code 268 – St. Helena

Geographic Overview

The area code 268 is the sole geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the island of St. Helena, a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean. Under the ITU-T E.164 numbering plan, the country calling code for St. Helena is +290. When dialing a fixed-line number on the island, callers must use the full international format: +290 268 XXXX, where XXXX represents the four-digit subscriber number. The 268 prefix is mandatory for all calls to landlines on St. Helena, and it is not used for mobile services, which are allocated under separate non-geographic prefixes.

Coverage and Administration

The 268 code covers the entire island, including the capital Jamestown and all other settlements such as Half Tree Hollow, Longwood, and Sandy Bay. The numbering is administered by the St. Helena Government and the local telecommunications provider, Sure South Atlantic (formerly Cable & Wireless). Due to the small population (approximately 4,000 residents) and the limited number of fixed lines, the subscriber number space is relatively small, and all landlines share the same geographic code regardless of their specific location on the island.

Dialing Formats

For local callers on St. Helena, the full national number is dialed as 268 XXXX (without the +290). For international callers, the format is +290 268 XXXX or 011 290 268 XXXX when dialing from the United States or Canada. The island operates a closed numbering plan, meaning that the NDC and subscriber number are always dialed together, even for local calls. There are no area code overlays or alternative geographic codes; 268 is the only fixed-line prefix.

Network and Routing

Fixed-line services on St. Helena are primarily delivered over a modern digital network, including fibre-optic connectivity via the Equiano submarine cable, which landed in 2022. This has significantly improved call quality and internet reliability. Calls to 268 numbers are routed through the local PSTN and are subject to standard international tariffs when dialed from abroad. It is important to note that while VoIP services are available, the 268 prefix is strictly associated with geographic fixed-line services, and number portability is limited.

Practical Guidance for Callers

When calling a St. Helena landline from overseas, always verify that the number begins with 268 after the country code. For example, a typical number might be +290 268 1234. Avoid omitting the 268, as this will result in a failed call. For those using VoIP or mobile roaming, ensure that the international prefix for your country is correctly applied. Given the island's remote location, international calls may incur higher charges, so consider using VoIP services for cost savings, but be aware that some VoIP providers may not support direct dialing to +290 numbers.