Change of numbering in Benin : WhatsApp and Telegram cases soon resolved

Since November 30, the change of Beninese numbers of 8 at 10 figures is effective in Benin. But this still raises questions from the Beninese because now, users must systematically precede their numbers with the prefix “ 01 » during their calls, a modification that may seem minor but requires careful adaptation.

Can users continue chatting with their WhatsApp contacts on 8 numbers instead of the new contact to 10 numbers ? For OTT apps, WhatsApp and Telegram, the update is delayed by a few days. Indeed, updating the numbers on these two communication networks, will take effect from 03 December 2024. This extension would be necessary to allow these applications to complete the technical process to adapt to the change in telephone numbers in Benin. For the moment,  exchanges can continue to be made with the numbers to be 8 numbers. However, from 3 December, WhatsApp and Telegram numbers will also move to 10 numbers.

But then how to pass numbers from 8 numbers to 10 numbers ?

To facilitate this transition, ARCEP-Benin has designed an application called “CONVNUM”, available for free on Android and iOS (Search for the app in the App Store). This tool allows users to simply convert their existing contacts, Significantly reducing the complexity of updating phone books.

Using CONVNUM involves three main steps. The first is to download the application from the usual platforms. Ensuite, users should turn off automatic syncing of their contacts, thus ensuring full control over the conversion process. The next step involves exporting old issues, creating a valuable backup before transformation.

The highlight of the application lies in its conversion function. In just a few clicks, the numbers of 8 digits are automatically extended to 10 numbers, integrating the new national prefix. This automation minimizes the risk of errors and considerably simplifies a task that could have seemed tedious.

Damien TOLOMISSI