State-owned mobile operator Gamcel will migrate to The Gambia’s new nine-digit mobile numbering system in the second phase of the rollout, after missing the initial transition due to technical readiness challenges.
The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) confirmed that while Africell, QCell, and Comium successfully completed the first phase of the migration at midnight on Sunday, August 30, Gamcel will follow once its systems are prepared.
PURA Director General Njogou Bah emphasised that Gamcel has not been excluded from the national numbering plan. He noted that the authority has reserved the 89 prefix specifically for Gamcel, ensuring the operator has adequate numbering resources within the new framework.
“The first phase involved operators that were technically ready for the transition. Gamcel will be brought into the system during the second phase,” Bah explained.
The migration, which expands mobile numbers from seven to nine digits, is currently operating under a parallel-run arrangement. This allows both formats to function side by side temporarily, ensuring continuity of calls, SMS, and mobile money services without major disruption.
PURA Boss said work is ongoing with Gamcel to meet the technical, operational, and customer-readiness requirements for its transition. The regulator stressed that the ultimate goal is to bring all operators and consumers under the nine-digit numbering plan
