In Ireland, most of the phone numbers begin with a calling prefix 08, followed by one or two unique digits for a specific mobile network operator. They are part of the number identification system, serving to tell which network the mobile phone number falls under, such as Vodafone, Three (3), Eir, or another provider altogether.
Common Prefixes for Mobile Numbers in Ireland
Each of the mobile network operators has its range of prefixes starting with 08 and continuing with a number identifying the provider. The most common prefixes for mobile numbers in Ireland are as follows:
083: Vodafone
085: Three (3)
087: Eir
089: Tesco Mobile
086: Vodafone, but smaller providers use this number as well.
081: Lycamobile-a mobile virtual network operator using Vodafone's network
These prefixes help route the calls Ireland Phone Number Data and texts to the right network. In all, the full mobile phone number is made up of 10 digits, where the prefix is made up of the first three digits and the remaining seven digits make up the local subscriber number.
Mobile Virtual Network Operators
Some Irish mobile providers are not the main network providers but lease infrastructure from the larger operators. These smaller operators known as MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) still utilise the same prefixes as the bigger providers they cooperate with. For example:
The 086 prefix is generally linked to Vodafone but sometimes may be provided by smaller MVNOs who are using Vodafone's Infrastructure.
Dialling Mobile Numbers
Ireland: full mobile number starting with 08, then the rest of the digits. Example: To dial a mobile number commencing with 087, from Ireland you dial 087 123 4567.
Calling an Irish mobile number from abroad would require you to dial the Irish country international code, +353, and drop the leading zero of the mobile prefix. Hence, an Irish number such as 087 123 4567 would be dialed as +353 87 123 4567 when calling from abroad.
Summary
Irish mobile phone numbers usually bear the calling code 08, followed by digits of some number that may identify the network operator, like 083-Vodafone, 085-Three, and 087-Eir. The prefixes are used to help route calls to the right network; this is how Irish mobile numbers are correctly identified and connected.