TelEm Group’s mobile carried TelCell will be discontinuing the use of mobile numbers that begin with the prefix 555-XXXX and replacing them with the new pre-fix 550-XXXX.
Within the coming days, all customers with numbers starting with 555–XXXX will be asked to use the new pre-fix 550-XXXX and to inform their own network of contacts accordingly.(Please note that in using the new pre-fix number 550 – your remaining numbers, represented by XXXX, remains the same.)
Both the new and the discontinued mobile pre-fixes will be operational until October 13th after which time only the 550-XXXX prefix will work.
The 555-XXXX mobile pre-fix is being discontinued by TelCell in accordance with the directions of the Bureau of Telecommunications & Post (St. Maarten). It is in keeping with St. Maarten’s decision to adopt the new North American Numbering Plan (NANP) later this year.
All stakeholders are being asked to begin using the new pre-fix 550-XXXX as of October 14th, 2011 and to make provisions for changes to stationary, business cards, address books etc.
WHY IS TELCELL DISCONTINUING THE USE OF 555-XXXX NUMBERS?
Under the North America Numbering Plan, the pre-fix 555-XXXX is already assigned to various specialized services in the USA therefore St. Maarten can no longer use this prefix once it adopts the new numbering plan locally.
The Bureau of Telecommunication and Post (St. Maarten) has advised TelCell to discontinue use of the 555-XXXX mobile numbers in order to comply with instructions from the North America Numbering Plan Authority (NANPA).
In order to inform the general public about these changes, the Bureau of Telecommunications & Post (St. Maarten) will be spearheading an information campaign in the coming weeks and months.
TelEm Group will also support the BTP’s efforts in informing the public by making customers and telecommunication stakeholders aware of these important changes, especially how they will affect the services offered by TelEm Group.
All relevant information about these changes will be sent internally to personnel and externally, to suppliers and overseas clients. Information will also be sent to other interested parties through the local, regional and international media.
The intention is to use a range of flyers released by the BTP and also produced internally by TelEm Group, along with public information notices, sms messages and the company’s own billing system as important information channels.
For more information about discontinuation of the TelCell mobile Pre-fix number 555-XXXX please call TelEm Group Customer Care at 546-0100.