One of the most common questions Filipinos ask before sending an SMS or making a call is: “What network is this number using?” Knowing whether a mobile number belongs to Smart, Globe, Sun Cellular, DITO, or other networks helps determine whether calls or texts will be charged, or if they fall under unlimited promos.
About 20 years ago, identifying networks was simple. Smart numbers usually started with 0918 and Globe with 0917. But as mobile adoption exploded in the Philippines — now one of the most mobile-heavy countries in Southeast Asia — telecom companies introduced dozens of new prefixes to accommodate millions of new subscribers.
Today, the Philippines has over 150 million mobile subscriptions (more than the country’s population), and multiple telecom players operate nationwide. This growth explains why mobile prefixes have multiplied and why many Filipinos still ask, “Anong network ito?”
For those unfamiliar with the Philippine setup, the reason people ask about mobile networks is simple: telecom companies reward users who call or text within the same network.
For example, if you are a Globe user, calling or texting another Globe number may be cheaper or even unlimited depending on your promo. But calling a Smart or DITO number may cost extra. This is why even customer service hotlines list different numbers for different networks.
Benefits of knowing what network a number uses
- Helps you avoid extra charges. Calls and texts to other networks may cost more. Knowing the prefix helps you decide whether to use regular load, a promo, or an app-based alternative.
- Helps you choose the right SIM or plan. Many Filipinos carry two SIM cards — one for Globe and one for Smart — to save money when contacting different groups of people.
- Useful for businesses selling mobile load. If your business sells cellphone load, knowing the network helps you load the correct product without asking the customer repeatedly.
Below is a list of common prefixes used by major networks in the Philippines.
Below is the updated 2026 list of mobile number prefixes in the Philippines, including Smart, Talk N’ Text, Globe, TM, Sun Cellular, DITO, Cherry Mobile, ABS‑CBN Mobile, Next Mobile, and Extelcom.
Smart & Talk N’ Text, Globe & Touch Mobile, Sun Cellular
| Smart & Talk N’ Text | Globe & 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 |
DITO Telecommunity (Updated 2026)
DITO prefixes currently in use:
| DITO Prefixes |
|---|
| 0895 |
| 0896 |
| 0897 |
| 0898 |
| 0899 |
Note: DITO uses the 0895–0899 range as assigned by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). Additional prefixes may be added as the network expands.
ABS‑CBN Mobile, Cherry Mobile, Next Mobile, Extelcom
| ABS‑CBN Mobile | Cherry Mobile | Next Mobile | Extelcom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 937 | 996 | 978 | 973 |
| 979 | 974 |
Note: ABS‑CBN Mobile has ceased operations, but prefixes remain listed for reference. Cherry Mobile (via CM Telecom), Next Mobile, and Extelcom still maintain limited niche operations.
About this updated list
The Philippines now has over 150 million active mobile subscriptions, and telecom providers continue to expand their prefix allocations to support growing demand. With the entry of DITO Telecommunity and the ongoing expansion of Globe and Smart, the list of prefixes will continue to evolve.
This updated 2026 list helps users:
- identify mobile networks for cheaper calls and texts
- choose the right SIM or promo
- load the correct network for e-loading businesses
- avoid cross‑network charges
As new prefixes are released by the NTC, this list will be updated accordingly.
As the telecom industry continues to grow, the list of prefixes will expand. The Philippines has already updated its landline numbering format, and mobile numbers may undergo similar changes in the future.
The entry of DITO Telecommunity — formerly Mislatel — has also reshaped the market. With more competition, consumers and retailers benefit from:
- more choices for mobile plans
- better promo offerings
- potentially lower costs
- improved mobile data speeds
As new prefixes are introduced, we will continue updating this list to help you identify mobile networks quickly and accurately.
FAQ: Philippine Mobile Number Prefixes (2026)
1. Why do Filipinos ask “What network is this number?”
Because call and text promos are often network-specific. Knowing the prefix helps avoid extra charges when contacting Smart, Globe, DITO, or other networks.
2. Why are there so many mobile prefixes now?
Mobile adoption in the Philippines has exploded to over 150 million subscriptions, forcing telcos to add new prefixes to support demand.
3. What are the most common Smart/TNT prefixes?
Common Smart/TNT prefixes include 0908, 0918, 0920, 0939, 0946, 0951, 0970, 0981, 0998, and others.
4. What are the most common Globe/TM prefixes?
Popular Globe/TM prefixes include 0917, 0905, 0956, 0977, 0994, and many more.
5. What are the official DITO prefixes?
DITO currently uses 0895–0899 as assigned by the NTC. More prefixes may be added as the network expands.
6. Why do some prefixes appear under multiple telcos?
Some legacy prefixes were reassigned or shared due to mergers, MVNO arrangements, or historical allocations.
7. Are ABS‑CBN Mobile and Sun Cellular still active?
ABS‑CBN Mobile has ceased operations, and Sun Cellular has merged into Smart. Their prefixes remain for reference.
8. Will the prefix list continue to change?
Yes. As telcos expand and the NTC issues new allocations, new prefixes will be added and old ones repurposed.