E.164 is an ITU-T recommendation which defines the international public telecommunication numbering plan used in the PSTN and some other data networks. It also defines the format of telephone numbers. E.164 numbers can have a maximum of 15 digits and are usually written with a + prefix. To actually dial such numbers from a normal fixed line phone the appropriate international call prefix must be used.

The title of the original and revision 1 was "Numbering Plan for the ISDN era".

Addresses

E.164 addresses can be used in DNS by using Electronic Numbering (ENUM) which allocates a specific zone, primarily e164.arpa for use with E.164 numbers. Any phone number, such as +1 555 42 42 can be transformed into a hostname by reversing the numbers, separating them with dots and adding the e164.arpa suffix, like so:

2.4.2.4.5.5.5.1.e164.arpa

(There is a related "experiment in remote printing" using the tpc.int domain, that uses this method to address email to fax machines.)

DNS can then be used to look up Internet addresses for services such as SIP VoIP telephony. An alternate method is DUNDi, which is a P2P implementation of ENUM ^*. DUNDi is yet to be standarised by the IETF.

E.163 was the old ITU-T standard for describing telephone numbers for the public switched telephone network (PSTN). In the United States this was formerly referred to as a directory number. E.163 was deleted and incorporated into revision 1 of E.164 in 1997.

Categories

This recommendation provides the number structure and functionality for the three categories of numbers used for international public telecommunication:

For each of the categories, it details the components of the numbering structure and the digit analysis required to successfully route the calls. Annex A provides additional information on the structure and function of E.164 numbers. Annex B provides information on network identification, service parameters, calling/connected line identity, dialling procedures, and addressing for Geographic-based ISDN calls. Specific E.164 based applications which differ in usage are defined in separate recommendations.

The number categories are as follows:

Number structure for geographic area

Number structure for global services

Number structure for networks

Recommendations contained in E.164

E.164.1, criteria and procedures for the reservation, assignment and reclamation of E.164 country codes and associated Identification Codes (ICs)

This recommendation describes the procedures and criteria for the reservation, assignment, and reclamation of E.164 country codes and associated Identification Code (IC) assignments. The criteria and procedures are provided as a basis for the effective and efficient utilization of the available E.164 numbering resources. Such assignments require a collaborative effort between the ITU-TSB and the appropriate ITU-T Study Group to endeavor to ensure that the assignments meet the needs of the telecommunication community. The development of these criteria and procedures are in accordance with the principles contained in E.190 and the numbering plan formats detailed in E.164.

E.164.2, E.164 numbering resources for trials

This recommendation contains the criteria and procedures for an applicant to be temporarily assigned a three-digit identification code within the shared E.164 country code 991 for the purpose of conducting an international non-commercial trial.

E.164.3, principles, criteria, and procedures for the assignment and reclamation of E.164 country codes and associated identification codes for groups of countries

This recommendation describes the principles, criteria, and procedures for the assignment and reclamation of resources within a shared E.164 Country Code for groups of countries. These shared Country Codes will coexist with all other E.164-based Country Codes assigned by the ITU. The resource of the shared Country Code consists of a Country Code and a Group Identification Code (CC + GIC) and provides the capability for a Group of Countries to provide telecommunication services within the Group of countries. The TSB is responsible for the assignment of the CC + GIC.

See also

• List of country calling codes

External links

• Distributed Universal Number Discovery

ITU-T recommendations | Telephone numbering plans | Identifiers

E.164 | E.164 | E.164 | E.164