056 du or Etisalat? Find the Original and Current UAE Mobile Network

If you found that you’ve been called by a number starting with 056, you might have wondered whether they belong to du or e& (formerly Etisalat). The 056 prefix was initially assigned to du, but with the advent of Mobile Number Portability (MNP), customers can move from one operator to the other and will not have to change their phone number. Because of this, the 056 number can now be in use on both networks. Knowing the UAE’s numbering system will prevent you from making incorrect assumptions and out-of-date judgments about the mobile operator.

056 Prefix at a Glance

Is 056 du or Etisalat?

The answer is…

The original: 056 numbers were issued by du.

Today: A 056 number may be used by both du and e& (Etisalat) as the UAE offers customers the option of switching operators without changing their mobile number using a service known as Mobile Number Portability (MNP). 

Many websites are still claiming that “056 is du” without referring to number portability. When the prefix was allotted, that was sufficient to identify the subscriber’s current mobile network, but now it has become insufficient.

So, when asked by someone, “056 du or Etisalat?” the closest response is:

The 056 is a du prefix but can be a prefix for du or e& if the owner has ported the number. 

Understanding UAE Mobile Number Prefixes

Mobile prefixes allocated to telecom operators are in use throughout the UAE. These prefixes are identifiers to the originating operator, not necessarily the customer’s current operator.

All of these numbers can now be ported from du to e& and vice versa, and with the same digits since the introduction of MNP. 

Why Are People Confused About 056 Numbers?

There are three main reasons.

Mobile Number Portability

It is because of the biggest Mobile Number Portability.

TDRA allows both prepaid and postpaid customers to change operators without changing their mobile number. For instance, a 056 number which was originally issued by du is now being used by the user for e& services without any change in the number. 

Outdated Information

Some blogs have been written before the advent of Mobile Number Portability or haven’t been updated since then. Today, these articles merely assert that 056 is a member of du.

Users Keep Their Numbers for Years

In the UAE, the same mobile number is used for banking, WhatsApp, government applications, and personal contacts. They don’t switch numbers; they just switch providers.

What Is Mobile Number Portability?

Mobile Number Portability (MNP) is a service provided by TDRA that enables customers to switch mobile service providers without having to change their phone numbers.

For example:

• 050 → can move from e& to du
• 055 → can move from du to e&
• 056 → can move between du and e&
• 052, 054 and 058 are also transferable to other operators.

This will bring in competition and allow for the consumer to be able to select a superior plan, price, or coverage without changing their number.

Can You Identify the Current Network From a 056 Number?

Not always.

With the numbers now being able to be ported between the operators, the prefix is no longer a good indicator of what network the customer is active on.

When you need to know the active network (e.g. for selecting the right calling package or when using available network lookup), you should check it with the operator or available network lookup tools, not just from the first 3 digits. 

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How to Check Whether a 056 Number Is Using du or e& (Etisalat)

Do not assume that 056 is on one network or the other because there is no longer a distinct network for each of these digits. These are the safest methods to determine the current operator.

1. Contact the Service Provider

For business or personal verification of a number, please call e& customer support or du customer support. They can tell if the phone number is in their network, depending on what they have in their verification system.

2. Use the Official Mobile Apps

Customers can also check their own details of their numbers through the du or e& UAE mobile application after logging in.

3. Ask the Number Owner

The simplest way is just to ask it to the person him or herself, asking what operator does he/she use right now? Customers can keep their mobile number after switching service providers, as Mobile Number Portability (MNP) provides, so the customer is the only one who knows the new provider’s number unless the customer confirms the number from an official source. 

Does the 056 Prefix Affect Call Charges?

Not necessarily.

Many telecom plans used to charge different rates for on-network calls vs off-network calls, hence the need for the prefix. The prefix these days isn’t a surefire indicator of call charges, as numbers can be ported from one operator to another.

Many UAE mobile plans today have the following features:

• Unlimited local calls
• Bundled local minutes
• National calling packages
• With some plans, callers can place an unlimited number of calls.

Remember to verify your active tariff information from your operator before assuming that a call is deemed as “Same Network”.

Read Also: Salary Check UAE Balance Enquiry

Benefits of Mobile Number Portability

In the UAE telecom market, Mobile Number Portability has revolutionized the telecom services sector by providing greater flexibility to customers.

Keep Your Existing Number

No need to update your contacts, bank accounts, government information, or WhatsApp account with the change of providers.

Choose Better Offers

If a different operator has lower prices, higher-speed internet, or better customer service, then customers can switch to the other operator.

Increased Competition

Keeping a number helps operators to keep their services getting better and better, and makes them more competitive.

Minimal Service Disruption

The porting process is controlled by the new operator and aims to minimise disruption. A typical individual mobile number transfer will take around 3 working days.

du vs e& (Etisalat): A Quick Comparison

Both operators offer nationwide mobile coverage, 5G services, broadband, roaming, and enterprise solutions. The options will vary according to coverage, cost, and features of the plan you want in your area.

Common Myths About the 056 Prefix

Myth: Every 056 Number Is DUu

Fact: Yes, it was originally,y but now a 056 number can be DU or e& due to Mobile Number Portability. 

Myth: You Must Change Your Number When Switching Operators

Fact: Customers can retain the same mobile number when changing operators. 

Myth: The Prefix Always Shows the Current Network

Fact: The prefix will be used to identify the original allocation and NOT the current operator after successful porting.

Who Should Know About the 056 Prefix?

Here are some reasons why it’s a good idea to know UAE mobile prefixes:

• New UAE residents
• Local SIM cards being sold to tourists.Tourists purchasing local SIMs.
• Businesses that have to deal with customer databases
• Human resource departments who are keeping track of employees’ information.
• Delivery companies
• Customer support teams
• Anyone comparing telecom plans

By understanding how MNP (Mobile Number Portability) works, there are no incorrect assumptions based solely on the first three digits of a phone number.

Expert Tips for UAE Mobile Users

When selecting a telecom service provider or confirming a cell phone number, these best practices should be considered:

• Don’t assume the current operator based only on the first three digits.
• Before changing providers, check out the differences between prepaid and postpaid plans.
• Find out if there is network coverage in your area at home and at your place of work.
• Check out roaming charges if you are using your mobile phone a lot; you might want to check out them out.
• Check the latest offers on the official du and e& websites.
• If you discover a plan that better fits your needs, but you don’t want to change your number, use Mobile Number Portability.

While there is a myriad of misconceptions about UAE number prefixes, these simple steps can help you choose the right mobile service.

Conclusion 

To a great extent, the 056 prefix has come to be associated with the du operator, as it was originally used for that operator. The UAE Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) launched Mobile Number Portability (MNP), however, which altered the way mobile numbers function. Now the customer can switch between du and e& (formerly Etisalat) without changing their phone number.

This means that there is no way to tell which service provider is active by just the prefix alone – a 056 number could currently be active on either network.

Don’t rely on the prefix to determine which operator a 056 number is using; use the official verification methods instead. This provides for correct information in personal communication, business, or when choosing the calling plan.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 056 du or Etisalat?

The prefix 056 was originally allocated to du. As a result of Mobile Number Portability (MNP), there is a possibility of a 056 number being on either du or e& (Etisalat) depending on the country.

Can I identify the current operator from a 056 number?

No. Only the original network assignment is listed in the prefix. If you want to determine what operator is in use, you will have to check it with du, e& or the number owner.

Is 056 still considered a du prefix?

Yes. The number 056 is an allocated du prefix but may currently be in use with du or e& services.

Can I keep my 056 number when switching from du to e&?

Yes. The UAE’s Mobile Number Portability service allows eligible customers to change their services between du and e& without having to change their 056 numbers.

Which UAE mobile prefixes were originally assigned to du?

The prefixes 052, 055 and 056 were originally assigned to du. These prefixes, however, no longer ensure the current network, as numbers can be ported.

How can I check if a 056 number is using du or e&?

The best way to find out is to contact du or e& customer support or ask the number owner. The prefix does not guarantee the active network.

Does the 056 prefix affect call charges?

Not necessarily. The 056 prefix itself does not affect call and SMS charges, which are only dependent on your mobile plan and operator.