Don't forget to dial '2' first

New national system changes initial digit of Greece's six million telephone numbers

THE NATIONAL Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT) is at it again. All telephone numbers will change as of November 3, 2002 when everyone will be required to replace the initial "0" of the area code with a "2". Mobile telephone numbers will remain the same until January 19, when the initial "0" will be replaced by a "6".

The Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation (OTE) has launched a nationwide public information campaign in an effort to familiarise Greeks with the new system. OTE operators (on 131) will start giving out the new numbers at the end of the month. Note: You can switch to the "2" even as of today, as the new numbering system for fixed telephone lines is already operational.

New-digit dialling examples

* If you wish to call the downtown Athens OTE shop on Athinas St today from anywhere in Greece, you will call 010-323-9999. As of November 3, you will dial 210-323-9999.

* If you wish to call the Prehistoric Antiquities Museum of Thessaloniki from anywhere in Greece, you will dial 0310-830538. As of November 3, you will have to dial 2310-830538.

* If you wish to call the Tinos port authority from anywhere in Greece, you will call 02830-22348 before November 3 or 22830-22348 after this date.

* If you are abroad and wish to call Greece, you will also have to replace the initial "0" with a "2". For example, to call the Athinas St OTE shop from abroad, you will have to dial +30 210-323-9999. To call the Tinos port authority from outside Greece, you will have to call +30 22830-22348. Note: the new numbering system does not affect outgoing international calls.

Dialling 0800 numbers

As of November 3, the initial "0" is dropped. For instance, the freephone number 0800 11 01234 will become 800 11 01234. The one-phone number 0801 11 01234 will become 801 11 01234. And the OTE calling card number 0807 0123 will become 807 01234.

Mobile phones

There is still plenty of time to order new business cards and stationary. Mobile telephone numbers will change next year. As of January 19, 2003, the initial "0" will be replaced by a "6". For example, CosmOTE number (0977)123456 will become (6977)123456. The same will also apply to Telestet (0932) and Vodaphone (0944) mobile telephone numbers.

Internet access

As of November 3, 2002 replace the initial "0" with an "8". For instance the number 096 201 2345 becomes 896 201 2345.

Hotlines

The three-, four- and five-digit information hotline numbers are not affected by the new numbering system. OTE, however, did change several of these numbers on September 23. Below are the new numbers.

* The new number for Pro-po and Propogoal results is 1444

* For Joker, Lotto and Proto results dial 1445

* For national and public lottery and horse race results dial 1445

* Dial 1424 for stock market results

* Dial 1434 for hospital information

For more information about the new dialling system contact OTE's customer service hotline 135 (recorded message in Greek), visit the nearest OTE shop or click onto: http://www.eett.gr/ (only in Greek)

ATHENS NEWS , 11/10/2002, page: A13
Article code: C12983A131