Starting from February, phone numbers on the MTN network will be slightly changed in line with a Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency (RURA) directive aimed at aligning the Rwanda numbering and code structure with the region.

The change means that MTN numbers will henceforth have 78 after the first 0, resulting in a 10-digit number replacing the current 8 digits. For example, if your number currently is 08312345, it will become 0788312345; the same applies to 03-numbers: 03123456 turns into 0783123456.

MTN customers should also change the number of the SMS message center in their phone; the current +250 08110333 will become +250 788110333.

International dialing codes will also change, with international incoming calls to MTN numbers no longer having to dial a 0 after the country code as previously required. For instance, calling the local number +250 08312345 will change to +250 788312345 in February.

The MTN customers will dial 000 instead of the current 00 when calling a number outside Rwanda; a call to the United Kingdom, for instance number will no longer be 0044 but instead 00044 or +44.

However, Andrew Rugege, the MTN chief operating officer, assured customers that there will be a transition period of one month-until the end of February-during which the old numbers can still be used.

During that time, callers will hear a message in English, French and Kinyarwanda notifying them, after which the call will be connected. This message will remain live for a further 2 months after the transition month, but then callers will be required to redial the number using the appropriate dialing codes.

Rugege also informed MTN subscribers that they will experience interruptions to MTN services on the evening of January 31, when the network is adjusted to the new codes.