Area Code 289 – Jotsholo

Geographic Overview and Assignment

The +263 289 country-code/area-code combination is assigned to the Jotsholo geographic numbering area of Zimbabwe. Jotsholo is a rural service center located in the Lupane District of Matabeleland North Province, in the northwestern part of the country. This area code follows the ITU-T E.164 national numbering plan for Zimbabwe, where geographic numbers are allocated to fixed-line PSTN services within specific administrative regions.

The 289 code serves the Jotsholo exchange and its surrounding rural communities, including nearby villages and business premises. It is distinct from the codes for larger cities like Harare (242) or Bulawayo (9), reflecting the hierarchical structure of Zimbabwe's national numbering plan.

Dialing Formats

For callers within Zimbabwe, the national trunk prefix is '0'. Therefore, to call a Jotsholo fixed-line number, you would dial:

• National format: 0 289 XXX XXX (where XXX XXX is the subscriber number)
• International format: +263 289 XXX XXX (from outside Zimbabwe)

For example, a local caller in Harare would dial 0289 123 456, while an international caller would dial +263 289 123 456.

Geographic vs. Non-Geographic Nature

As a geographic code, 289 is tied to the physical location of the subscriber's line. This means that the tariff for calls to this number is typically based on the distance from the caller's location, although in Zimbabwe, as in many countries, long-distance charges have been largely replaced by flat-rate or bundled pricing. The code is not portable outside the Jotsholo exchange area; number portability within Zimbabwe is limited, and fixed-line numbers generally remain associated with their original geographic region.

Services and Usage

Subscribers on the 289 code are primarily residential and business customers of TelOne, the national fixed-line operator. The area is predominantly agricultural, with services including local administration, schools, health centers, and small businesses. Due to the rural nature, fixed-line penetration is lower than in urban areas, and many residents rely on mobile networks, but the 289 code remains essential for government offices, businesses, and residents who require a reliable fixed-line connection.

For international callers, it is important to note that the plus sign (+) represents the international access code, which varies by country (e.g., 00 in most European countries, 011 in the United States). Always replace the + with the appropriate exit code when dialing from a landline.