One of the common things to ask before sending an SMS or calling a mobile number in the Philippines is “what network is this.” Knowing whether the number you intend to call is Smart, Globe, Sun Cellular, or any other network gives us an idea of whether we’ll be charged or avail of unrestricted calls or messages.
Around 20 years ago, the main networks consist of Smart (0918) and Globe (0917) so it was easier to detect which network cellular numbers of our peers or family members belong.
But fast forward to the current times, not only there are more telecom players and brands, the number of cellphone number prefixes they carry has ballooned as well. It’s not surprising to see this surge in volume growth because the adoption of mobile devices among Filipino users has always been on an upward trajectory ever since.
For those who are not so familiar and ask “you got the number to call, why not promptly call or send a message without asking which network it belongs?” the necessity of identifying a recipient’s network stems from the fact that competing networks attempt to reward users that belong to them.
This means if I am using a number that belongs to Globe Telecoms, calling a number that belongs to the same network may grant me some privileges such as lower call charges, unlimited exchange of SMS for a certain period, and so on.
On the other hand, if I plan to call someone from another network, it might be more costly. So don’t be surprised if company customer service hotlines include specific numbers based on certain networks.
Benefits of knowing what network a number uses
- It helps you to determine whether you are charged for the call or SMS and use a number of a corresponding network. Mobile networks may charge users of competing networks so if your friend or family member uses a certain line, you are inclined to adopt the same network to avoid such extra costs.
- It helps you decide on which network to buy a SIM card or register a cellular plan based on networks of numbers you often communicate with. You can then adjust by communicating using a specific network instead of one that gets charged.
- If your business sells cellphone load, you don’t have to ask a customer what network he or she uses.
So based on the starting number of the phone you are calling, you’ll know which network they belong from the list below.
Smart & TalkNText, Globe & Touch Mobile, Sun Cellular Numbers
| Smart and Talk N Text | Globe and Touch Mobile | Sun Cellular |
|---|---|---|
| 813 | 817 | 922 |
| 900 | 905 | 923 |
| 907 | 906 | 924 |
| 908 | 915 | 925 |
| 909 | 916 | 931 |
| 910 | 917 | 932 |
| 911 | 926 | 933 |
| 912 | 927 | 934 |
| 913 | 935 | 941 |
| 914 | 936 | 942 |
| 918 | 937 | 943 |
| 919 | 956 | 944 |
| 920 | 975 | |
| 921 | 977 | |
| 928 | 994 | |
| 929 | 996 | |
| 930 | 997 | |
| 931 | ||
| 938 | ||
| 939 | ||
| 940 | ||
| 946 | ||
| 947 | ||
| 948 | ||
| 949 | ||
| 950 | ||
| 955 | ||
| 951 | ||
| 970 | ||
| 971 | ||
| 980 | ||
| 981 | ||
| 989 | ||
| 992 | ||
| 998 | ||
| 999 |
New players in the telecom industry have since joined the competition and also have the following numbers as follows. So the question on what network a new number uses remains a relevant query for quite some time.
| ABS CBN | Cherry Mobile | Next Mobile | Extelcom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 937 | 996 | 978 | 973 |
| 979 | 974 |
As new users register, the phone number prefixes could get filled out and the phone number formats could get revised, the list above could also expand in the future. We know because the formatting of landline numbers are making the changes already.
The introduction of a new telecom player, Dito Telecommunity (formerly Mislatel) in the market could alter this list once again if the company decides to enter a market that is lucrative but often criticized for slow speed of the connection.
This can only mean more choices for both consumers and retailers while potentially lower the costs of mobile services. Until the company chooses to do so, we’ll keep you posted. By then, we will update this list to include new mobile numbers from new mobile network providers.
