Complete Philippines Mobile Network Prefixes Details 2025
Ever received a Philippine mobile number and wondered which network provider it belongs to? That’s where mobile number prefixes come in. In the Philippines, every mobile number begins with a prefix (usually the first three or four digits after the “0”) which indicates the network operator. But due to number portability, mergers, and new entrants, it’s not always straightforward. This article gives you the most up-to-date list of Philippine mobile network prefixes for 2025, explains how to interpret them, covers major network changes, and shares tips for determining a number’s network reliably.
Philippine What Network (2025)
| Operator / Brand | Common Prefixes | Notes / Sub-brands |
|---|---|---|
| Globe / TM / GOMO | 0817, 0904, 0905, 0906, 0915, 0916, 0917, 0926, 0927, 0935, 0936, 0937, 0945, 0953, 0954, 0955, 0956, 0965, 0966, 0967, 0975, 0976, 0977, 0978, 0979, 0994, 0995, 0996, 0997 | Includes TM, GOMO, Cherry (e.g. 0996). |
| Smart / TNT | 0813, 0907, 0908, 0909, 0910, 0911, 0912, 0913, 0914, 0918, 0919, 0920, 0921, 0928, 0929, 0930, 0938, 0939, 0946, 0947, 0948, 0949, 0950, 0951, 0960, 0961, 0963, 0968, 0969, 0970, 0981, 0985, 0989, 0992, 0998, 0999 | Smart also absorbed many Sun prefixes after the Sun merger. |
| DITO Telecommunity | 0895, 0896, 0897, 0898, 0991, 0992, 0993, 0994 | Newer telco; growing presence. |
| Sun Cellular (legacy / merged) | 0922, 0923, 0924, 0925, 0931, 0932, 0933, 0934, 0940, 0941, 0942, 0943, 0944, 0962, 0973, 0974 | Many of these prefixes now operate under Smart / TNT after merger. |
⚠️ Note: Because of mobile number portability, a number with a prefix originally belonging to one network may now operate on another. Always confirm with official tools or operator services.
Mobile Number Structure in the Philippines
- The international dialing code is +63.
- Domestically, mobile numbers follow the format 0XX-XXX-YYYY or 09XX-XXX-YYYY, where the “09XX” part is the prefix that indicates the mobile network.
- Prefixes do not necessarily reflect geographic regions, they identify the service provider.
Because of these rules, prefixes are a key tool for identifying service providers before placing calls, choosing promos, or verifying contacts.
Major Mobile Network Operators in the Philippines (2025)
Here are the key players and how they relate to prefixes:
- Globe Telecom (Globe / TM / GOMO / Cherry Prepaid)
- Smart Communications (Smart / TNT / formerly Sun Cellular)
- DITO Telecommunity (the newer third major network)
- MVNOs / Subsidiaries (Cherry, GOMO, etc.)
- For example, Cherry Prepaid and GOMO are under Globe’s infrastructure.
- Over time, Sun Cellular’s prepaid operations merged under Smart; Sun is generally phased out.
- DITO was launched in 2021 with distinct prefixes like 0895–0898 and 0991–0994.
Recent Changes & Updates (2020–2025)
- Sun Merge: Sun Cellular’s prepaid services were merged into Smart Prepaid; Sun’s postpaid service was gradually rebranded or integrated.
- DITO Prefix Launches: Introduced 0895–0898 and 0991–0994 in 2021.
- New Prefix Assignments: Sometimes new prefixes are added or existing ones reallocated to accommodate more users.
How to Use Prefix Information (Why It Matters)
- Call & SMS Cost Optimization: Some promos are “on-net” — calls within same operator may be cheaper or free.
- Network Identification: Good for verifying if a number is on Globe, Smart, or DITO.
- Fraud & Scams: Suspicious numbers can sometimes be traced by prefix.
- Promo Planning: Some offers work only on particular networks; knowing prefixes helps you pick the right offer.
- Avoiding Wrong Charges: Mistaking network can lead to paying “off-net” rates.
Limitations & Challenges
- Mobile Number Portability (MNP): Users can keep their number while switching networks, thus prefix may no longer reflect current network.
- Prefix Reuse: Telecom regulators may reassign prefixes over time.
- Regional Variation: Some prefixes may be less common in certain regions.
- Unlisted / New Prefixes: Some new or MVNO/virtual operators may introduce prefixes not yet in public lists.
Tips to Check a Number’s Network via Prefix
- Use up-to-date prefix lists or telecom regulator sites.
- Use mobile apps or online tools that map numbers to networks.
- For uncertain cases, send a small SMS or use USSD service to detect network.
- If prefix-based guess differs from actual, it could be because of portability.
Example Scenarios for Using Prefixes
- Scenario 1: A Globe user sees a number starting with “0967” → instantly knows it’s also Globe/TM → can use Globe GoSAKTO promo without extra charge.
- Scenario 2: A Smart subscriber sees a number with “0993” → knows it’s DITO → expects off-net charge.
- Scenario 3: You receive an unknown call from “0925” → originally Sun, now Smart → still considered Smart network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a prefix always guarantee the network?
No. Because of number portability, a prefix may not always reflect the current operator.
Can a prefix tell you if a number is prepaid or postpaid?
Not reliably. Many prefixes are used for both prepaid and postpaid plans.
Why do some prefixes look “out of order”?
Telecom operators sometimes acquire blocks of prefixes; assignment is not strictly sequential.
Can someone change the prefix of their number?
No, the prefix is fixed to the number. To change prefix, you must get a new number.
What are the DITO prefixes now?
Common DITO prefixes include 0895–0898 and 0991–0994.
Philippine mobile number prefixes remain a critical tool for identifying the network of a number, planning telecom usage, and avoiding extra charges. In 2025, major networks like Globe (Globe / TM / GOMO / Cherry), Smart (Smart / TNT / former Sun), and DITO command the primary prefix blocks. But with number portability and evolving telecom policies, users should always verify via updated tools rather than rely solely on prefix.
