New dialing exit code Sint Maarten in effect as of today

May 28, 2012 9:50 AM

PHILIPSBURG - Bureau Telecommunications and Post St. Maarten (BTP-SXM) reminded the public over the weekend that a new exit code, 011, will be introduced to St. Maarten as of today as part of St. Maarten's transition to the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).

Starting May 28, exit code 011 will be the new code to dial out of St. Maarten when making an international call. The new exit code will replace 00. Use of exit code 011 is not required when making international calls to countries that are part of the North American Numbering Plan (all countries with country code 1).
 
Examples: BES islands: 011-599-(local number); Curaçao: 011-599-9-(local number); French side: 011-590-(local number); and The Netherlands: 011-31-(local number). When calling countries that are part of NANP: Jamaica: 1-876-(local number); Trinidad: 1-868-(local number); USA (Miami): 1-305-(local number).
 
The permissive dialing period is from May 28 to July 28. During this period exit codes 011 and 00 are acceptable to place international calls. The processing of both codes will cease on July 28. Starting this date all international calls made by using exit code 00 will not be completed.
 
The business sector is advised to make arrangements that will allow for the reprogramming of PBX, wireless electronic equipment and devices used for processing of credit and debit card payments.
 
BTP also requested that the public take note that the change in exit code does not affect rates. Calls between NANP countries are still considered international calls and charged accordingly. Persons are urged to visit the BTP Website
 
www.sxmregulator.sx for more information.