Re: [i18n-drafts] Phone numbers (#786)

Some information:

E.164 provides a universal structure for all telephone numbers, ensuring each one is unique worldwide. The E.164 format dictates that a complete international phone number should consist of a plus sign (+), followed by a country code, a national destination code (often called an area code), and a subscriber number. The total length of an E.164 number is limited to a maximum of 15 digits.

### The Anatomy of a Phone Number

**1. Country Calling Codes:**

These codes can be one, two, or three digits long. For example:

* **+1:** United States and Canada
* **+44:** United Kingdom
* **+234:** Nigeria

The initial digit of the country code often corresponds to a geographical region. For instance, codes starting with +2 are generally for African countries, while +3 and +4 are primarily for Europe.

**2. Area Codes:**

Within each country, the numbering plan is further broken down by area codes. These codes specify a geographic region within a country. The length and format of area codes vary significantly.

**3. Final part of the phone number:**

Identify a specific telephone line within a local exchange. The length of the final part also varies widely depending on the country's numbering plan.

### Special Numbers

There is no universal emergency number. While many travelers are familiar with "911" from the United States and Canada, this is not the standard everywhere.

Toll-free numbers, which are free for the caller to dial, also have different formats globally. A toll-free number in one country is generally not free to call from another.

### HTML

The HTML `<input type="tel">` doesn't enforce any specific validation on its own. It offers a crucial advantage on mobile devices: it typically brings up a numeric keypad, making it easier for users to enter their phone number.

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Received on Tuesday, 28 October 2025 13:37:35 UTC