In Estonia, mobile numbers typically start with digits 50–59. Now more numbers are needed as mobile communications are developing rapidly.
The manager of Telia, Evelin Neerot, said that now numbers starting with 81–84 are also being used. These are the same as the old numbers 50–59.
Numbers starting with 8 have been used for years. Numbers 81–82 were introduced in 2008, and numbers 83–84 in 2013.
Telia used numbers starting with 82 for the first time in 2010 for its parking system. Numbers 81–82 started being given to customers in 2012.
Now Telia is using more numbers starting with 81. Telia has about 25,000 numbers starting with 8. Most of them are used on calling cards.
Calling cards require many numbers at once. Since there are fewer numbers starting with 5, more new numbers are being used.
People are cautious because scam calls are common. If a call comes from a number starting with 8, it may raise suspicion.
Neerot said that numbers starting with 8 are safe. Numbers 81–84 are for mobile communications, while numbers starting with 88 are for landlines.
People are not used to numbers starting with 8. Scam calls mostly come from numbers starting with 5, not 8.
For the average user, there is not much difference. However, it is always wise to be cautious with scam calls.
The state regulates the use of mobile numbers. This is overseen by TTJA.