Europe

Spain activates 400 numbers for sales calls as telecom networks adapt

From October 17, companies covered by the rule must use nine-digit numbers beginning with 400. The range helps identify a sales call before answering, but does not eliminate fraudulent calls.

Spain brought its 400 range into force on October 17 for sales calls made by companies covered by the new requirement. These are nine-digit national numbers: the first three digits identify a sales call before the recipient answers. A resolution published in April gave the industry six months to enable the range across networks. Numbers beginning with 400 can only make outgoing calls and cannot be used for customer service. [1][2]

The change also requires work from telecom operators. The CNMC allocates number blocks and networks must support them. According to registers examined by ADSLZone, Telefónica, Vodafone, Orange and Digi already have 400 blocks. An allocation to an operator does not mean every call from its block is made by that company; it may provide service to third parties. The ministry says operators may block calls that appear commercial from other ranges based on traffic patterns. [1][2][3]

The 400 range signals a call’s stated purpose, but it does not guarantee legitimacy or end fraud and number spoofing by itself. If a sales call arrives from another number range, the ministry points to the telecommunications user office and the CNMC as complaint channels. The photograph shows a telephone keypad in 2019; it illustrates numbering, not a call or a Spanish network in 2026. [1][4]

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