All Pinoy mobile phone numbers also include a code at the start that would indicate what telco network it used to be allocated in. It is often referred to as a mobile prefix, and sure, I agree, it does sound like some meaningless string of numbers, but believe it or not, there actually is meaning behind it — especially if you want to save load, select the right promo, or avoid sending credits to the wrong network by error.
And if perchance you received a call or message from a 0959 number, it is likely that you were left wondering: What network is 0959 under in the Philippines?
This last 2025 guide lays it out for you as it relates to the 0959 prefix, from the network below which it is to why prefixes even exist any more and how to know if a 0959 number has the original carrier still today.
What Is a Mobile Prefix
A prefix is the first four numbers following any Filipino cell phone number’s zero.
Example:
Following 09591234567, the prefix is 0959. “.
Prefixes tell us to whom — i.e., Smart, Globe, TM, DITO, or TNT — the number was first available.
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) assigns these prefixes to all operators. And while existing subscribers may already already port elsewhere on another network under Mobile Number Portability (MNP), prefixes remain the unbeatable method of knowing where a number’s from.
What Network Is 0959
Smart Communications holds cell prefix 0959, a biggest telecommunication company in the Philippines.
That is, any number that.s. 0959 was initially booked by Smart.
But. with Mobile Number Portability, now it’s very much possible that a 0959 number is already held by another network — but its source is still Smart.
So with the number 0959, you could safely state that it’s a Smart number unless its owner ported to another network.
Quick Summary
| Prefix | Original Network | Current Network (Possible) | Brand | Type |
| 0959 | Smart Communications | Smart / TNT / Transferred to Globe or DITO | Smart | Prepaid / Postpaid |
To business, prefix knowledge makes SMS marketing target-specific and cheaper communication.
Prefixes are frugal but powerful means of cheap communication.
About Smart Communications
Smart Communications is one of the largest Philippine mobile phone companies. It is a subsidiary of PLDT Inc. and offers several mobile, broadband, and data services.
Interesting facts about Smart:
Founded: 1991
Parent Company: PLDT Inc.
Head Office: Makati City, Philippines
Sub-brand: TNT (Talk ‘N Text) and formerly Sun Cellular
Coverage: Countrywide, including rural provinces
Technology: 4G LTE and 5G-capable
Smart and TNT are most popular to have great call quality, great coverage nationwide, and extremely wide range of low-cost promos for prepaid and postpaid subscribers.
Other Smart and TNT Prefixes
When you are in urgent need of searching Smart and TNT numbers, here is the list of their common prefixes, including 0959:
| Network | Prefix Examples |
| Smart Communications | 0813, 0908, 0912, 0918, 0920, 0939, 0959, 0961, 0998 |
| TNT (Talk ‘N Text) | 0907, 0930, 0949, 0950, 0963, 0964 |
| Sun Cellular (now Smart) | 0922, 0923, 0931, 0943, 0944 |
And when you check a prefix number which begins with 0959, it’s one of Smart’s latest sets of prefixes — typically for brand new prepaid SIMs fresh from the stores.
Why People Get Confused With 0959
There are two reasons why Filipinos get confused as to who owns prefixes like 0959:
Continuous Release of New Prefixes
Telco players are being assigned new prefixes every year due to SIM card overuse. They are so many one cannot remember each and every single one of them in his/her memory.
Mobile Number Portability (MNP)
Subscribers have been porting without lost numbers since 2021. What that implies is an 0959 number once Smart can now be registered with Globe or DITO — although its prefix shall not otherwise remain.
Short of that, prefixes inform us where the number came from, but maybe not where it is lodged at the moment.
How to Know if a 0959 Number is Still Smart
If you’re not sure if the 0959 number is still with Smart, do this:
Use the Smart GigaLife App
Download and install the app.
Try reloading or registering the number.
If it’s accepted, then the number is still Smart.
Check Smart’s Official Website
Go to smart.com.ph.
Test their new prefixes or test their online chat with their customers.
Send a Small Test Load
Send ₱1–₱2 to the phone number.
If it occurs, it’s still Smart.
Ask the Owner Directly
Sometimes the best action is to simply ask!
Benefits of Having a Smart (0959) Number
Having a Smart number has some benefits:
Widely Covered Network — Reaches even the farthest provinces.
Fast Data — 4G and 5G-capable network for smooth browsing.
Affordable Promos — From call-text packages to data packages with no limits.
Easy Recharging — With Smart stores, online banks, or GCash.
Trusted Reliability — A reliable service for over 30 years across the nation.
Smart vs Globe vs DITO: Network Comparison
| Feature | Smart | Globe | DITO |
| Popular Prefixes | 0912, 0939, 0959 | 0917, 0956, 0971 | 0991, 0992, 0993 |
| Area of Coverage | National | National | Growing |
| Availability of 5G | Nationwide | Nationwide | Growing |
| Budget Brand | TNT | TM | None |
| Most Known For | Rural coverage and data reliability, rural reach | Urban reach, app integration | Affordable promos for data |
Smart is among the networks searched when one requires broad coverage and calling stability.
Is 0959 Prepaid or Postpaid?
The majority of 0959 numbers are prepaid due to Smart utilizing the most this prefix on new prepaid SIMs.
It is also possible for use under postpaid plans if the customer requests it or keeps the number.
Thus, 0959 is primarily prepaid but has some postpaid accounts.
What to Know Before Calling or Texting a 0959 Number
If you come from a different network like Globe, TM, or DITO and you call or text a 0959 number, the following reminders should be remembered:
Ensure your promo is an all-network call and text.
You will get cross-network charges in case you only speak to same-network subs.
Use all-net bundles in case you frequently chat with Smart subs.
These reminders enable you to use your load wisely.
Why Being Network Savvy Is Important
Even up to 2025, it is simple to identify which network a number is from to:
Avoid Load Errors
Choose the Best Promos
Manage Mobile Charges
Make Smarter Business Calls
Short strong prefixes like 0959 are perfect ammo in sending communication smoothly.
Validation of Any Filipino Mobile Prefix
Should you ever have to check other prefixes, these are effective ways to do it:
Visit Official Telco Websites:
Smart: smart.com.ph
Globe: globe.com.ph
DITO: dito.ph
Use Telecom Apps:
Smart GigaLife, GlobeOne, or DITO App.
Check Updated Online Lists:
Tech and telco blogs update prefix charts from time to time.
Ask the NTC:
Official prefix assignments are done by the National Telecommunications Commission.
History of the 0959 Prefix
Here’s a short timeline of 0959 being assigned to Smart’s active series:
| Year | Event |
| 2015–2018 | Smart increases allotment of prefixes to accommodate growing demand |
| 2019 | Adding 0959 for Smart Prepaid |
| 2021 | Smart makes 0959 official for LTE and 5G-capable SIMs |
| 2023–2025 | 0959 common prefix across the country for new Smart customers |
SIM Registration and 0959 Prefix
Under the SIM Registration Act, 0959 number subscribers are required to register their SIMs so they can use them and not be disconnected.
For Smart customers:
Register at smart.com.ph/simreg or via Smart GigaLife App.
Security verification with legitimate government ID and selfie.
Registration ensures uninterrupted access to network services and protection against SIM-based fraud.
Fast Facts Regarding the 0959 Prefix
| Category | Description |
| Network | Smart Communications |
| Prefix | 0959 |
| Type | Prepaid largely |
| Coverage | National |
| Technology | 4G LTE / 5G |
| Launched | Beginning early 2019 |
| Related Brand | Smart / TNT |
The Significance of 0959 Today’s Communication
The 0959 prefix represents Smart’s ongoing pursuit of greater connecting the Philippines. It provides newer technologies such as LTE and 5G, with speed data and stable call services to millions and millions of subscribers.
For business and personal use, 0959 is one of Smart’s most lively and reputable prefixes, its success tale at the dawn of digital era.
The Future of Prefixes like 0959
Besides number portability on mobile phones, prefixes like 0959 are still reliable indicators of original networks.
They help consumers monitor friends’ networks, chase promos, and make telecom choices wisely.
With Smart’s network and technology continuously expanding, 0959 will forever be a popular prefix among Filipino consumers.
FAQs
What is the Philippine network status of 0959?
0959 is an originally allocated prefix of Smart Communications.
Is a 0959 number ported to another network?
Yes. Ported to another network but keeping the same number via Mobile Number Portability.
Is 0959 postpaid or prepaid?
Prepaid by large, but we also have postpaid owners with the prefix.
Is 0959 LTE and 5G capable?
Yes. Smart numbers 0959 are LTE and 5G capable.
How can I check if a 0959 number is still Smart?
Try the Smart GigaLife App, send a test load, or just ask the number owner.
What are the other Smart prefixes?
The other Smart prefixes are 0912, 0939, 0961, 0998, etc.
Why do we need to use prefixes like 0959?
They prevent misload transfers, enable promos to be conducted, and conserve call or texting money.
When was 0959 launched?
It was around 2019 when Smart launched LTE-supported prefixes.
As soon as you notice a number utilizing the prefix 0959, you can definitely ascertain that it was originally launched by Smart Communications.
Despite number portability nowadays, making network switching easy. Numbers like 0959 still enable you to identify the origin of a number, prevent confusion and select the correct promos.
With Smart’s continued rollout of its LTE and 5G network, numbers like 0959 will stay alive. Also reliable and part of the Philippines’ growing telecommunication landscape.