Your mobile number has changed

  • Q. Why the change in numbers? Why do we need another digit?
    • A: The change was required by ictQATAR. It’s estimated that the population of Qatar will double by 2015. That, combined with business expansion, means our existing numbering system wouldn’t meet the future demand. With more choice than ever in the mobile market, many customers now have more than one handset. The best way to cater to future growth was to expand these telephone numbers to eight digits.
  • Q. How has my phone number changed?
    • A:

      For both mobile and fixed line numbers, the first digit is repeated. So numbers that began with 3 will now start with 33. Those starting with 7 are now 77, and so on. The only affected numbers will be those beginning with 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.

      For example:

      3152145 became 33152145

      4856986 became 44856986

      5319734 became 55319734

      6226881 became 66226881

      7925522 became 77925522

      Please note: Emergency telephone numbers in Qatar, including 999 and 112, are not affected by the change. Numbers used for SMS, toll free and paging services, short codes, and the numbers owned by the Ministry of Interior will also remain the same. These are numbers beginning with 1, 2, 8 and 9.

  • Q. What happens if I dial a number incorrectly?
    • A: You will receive an automated message asking you to dial the correct number. This message will remain in place for three months, after which you will be informed that you are dialing an unknown number. Customers calling from outside Qatar will also hear an automated message.
  • Q. I’ll be out of the country when the numbers change. What do I need to do? What will happen if I call someone in Qatar?
    • A: Anyone dialing from outside Qatar will hear an automated message reminding them to redial with the added digit. The international code for Qatar (+974) will not be affected. If you are calling Qatar you will need to add the extra digit to the number.
  • Q. Who can I contact for more information?
    • A: If you’re a Vodafone customer you can dial 111 from your mobile phone and speak with one of our Customer Care Champions. If you’re calling from another number and not your Vodafone mobile, you can reach our team on 800 7111.
  • Q. What about public services like hospitals? How will they be affected?
    • A: Emergency numbers (including 999 and 112) remain unchanged. However, the main office lines for government facilities and public services have changed. The only exception will be the Ministry of Interior.
  • Q. Is there an easy way to update the numbers stored in my phone?
    • A: Updating your phone directory is different for every handset. Please consult your manual for further details.
  • Q. What if I'm unhappy with how the extra digit has affected my Star Number or My Number?
    • A: If you reserved a Star Number and are unhappy with how the number change has affected it, we can offer you a new number of the same value. If you don't want a replacement number you can get a refund in accordance with our number policy. You'll be able to choose another free number from Vodafone and we will take back your old number.
    • Customers who reserved My Numbers or Star Numbers and are unhappy with how the extra digit has affected their number should speak with a customer care champion. Dial 111 from your Vodafone number or 800 7111 from another line.
    • Please note: You cannot get a Star Number refund if the reservation fee for your number was donated to charity - whether via the Star Numbers auction, the online auction, or any other situation where Vodafone clearly stated that the proceeds were going to charity.
    • You can request a number replacement or refund until 30 September 2010.
  • Q. Are short SMS numbers, toll free numbers, paging services and short codes affected?
    • A: No, the change is only for standard fixed and mobile numbers.