gmalet
05-31-2009, 08:59 AM
The number of telephone users in the Dominican Republic has risen so dramatically that the first three digits (829), which were established in 2005, are now running out. During the course of the year a new three-digit code will be issued, starting with the numbers 849. This was announced recently during a press conference by José Rafael Vargas, the spokesperson for Instituto Dominicano de las Telecomunicaciones (Indotel). The explosive growth in the demand for new telephone numbers is far greater (15.6% per year) than previously predicted, and bears no relationship to the economic growth of the country (3.4% PIB) over the past few years. Despite the global economic crisis, which is also having a negative effect on the Dominican Republic (exports down 35% and tourism 8%), the demand for new telephone numbers remains high.