Mobile networks in the Philippines are an essential part of daily life, helping millions of people stay connected. Each network provider has its specific set of prefixes, which are the first four digits of a mobile phone number. These prefixes identify the carrier or service provider that issued the number. In this article, we’ll explore the “0964” prefix, what network it belongs to, and dive deep into how the Philippine mobile network system works, including why it’s important to know mobile number prefixes.
What is a Mobile Prefix in the Philippines?
In the Philippines, mobile numbers are comprised of 11 digits. The first four digits (commonly referred to as the “prefix”) are crucial because they identify the network carrier associated with the number. For instance, if a number starts with “0964,” it belongs to a specific network provider.
Prefixes are a standard way of organizing and managing mobile numbers in the country, especially since there are multiple telecommunication providers like Globe, Smart, Sun Cellular, and DITO. Knowing the prefix can help users determine which network a number belongs to, which may affect call and text rates or the availability of promos.
0964: What Network Does It Belong To?
The prefix “0964” in the Philippines is associated with Globe Telecom. Globe Telecom is one of the leading telecommunications companies in the country, providing a range of services, including mobile calls, text messaging, mobile internet, and broadband services.
When you come across a mobile number starting with “0964,” it is highly likely that the number is under Globe Telecom’s service. This information is useful, particularly if you’re trying to take advantage of network-specific promos or want to ensure that you’re calling or texting within the same network to avoid additional charges.
Why It’s Important to Know the Network of a Number
Knowing the network to which a mobile number belongs is vital in the Philippines due to several reasons:
- Promos and Offers: Many telecom companies offer promos that are exclusive to their network. For instance, Globe users may get unlimited calls or texts to other Globe numbers but will incur additional charges for contacting Smart or DITO subscribers.
- Cost Savings: Inter-network communications (calling or texting a number outside your provider) can be more expensive than communicating within the same network.
- Connectivity and Signal: Depending on your location, some network providers may offer stronger signals and better connectivity. By knowing which network you’re communicating with, you can choose the best provider based on the quality of service in your area.
The Major Telecom Providers in the Philippines
The telecommunications industry in the Philippines is dominated by three major players:
- Globe Telecom
- Smart Communications
- DITO Telecommunity
Each of these providers has a wide range of prefixes. Below is a closer look at each of these companies and how they shape the mobile network landscape in the country.
Globe Telecom
Globe Telecom, commonly referred to simply as “Globe,” is one of the most prominent telecom companies in the Philippines. It offers both prepaid and postpaid services, with a wide range of promos that cater to different types of mobile users.
Globe’s mobile prefixes, including “0964,” signify that a number belongs to their network. Globe is known for its strong presence in urban areas and its competitive mobile internet services. Other popular Globe prefixes include:
- 0917
- 0956
- 0995
Services Offered by Globe:
- Mobile calls and texts
- High-speed mobile internet
- Broadband services
- Prepaid and postpaid plans
- Entertainment services like streaming
Smart Communications
Smart Communications is Globe’s main competitor and is another major player in the Philippine telecom industry. Like Globe, Smart offers a variety of prepaid and postpaid plans, as well as numerous promos tailored to different users. Smart typically has a stronger presence in more rural or hard-to-reach areas, which makes it a popular choice outside urban centers.
Smart is responsible for a range of mobile prefixes that help users distinguish numbers from its network. Some popular Smart prefixes include:
- 0918
- 0920
- 0998
Smart is often chosen by users who live in areas with limited telecom coverage due to its broader range of signal.
Services Offered by Smart:
- Prepaid and postpaid mobile services
- Mobile internet and broadband
- SMS and voice calls
- International call services
- Gaming and entertainment platforms
DITO Telecommunity
The newest player in the Philippine telecom market is DITO Telecommunity. DITO was established to introduce more competition in the telecom sector and provide consumers with more affordable choices. Since its launch, DITO has rapidly expanded its coverage and gained traction, especially among younger and more tech-savvy users.
DITO has its own set of prefixes, including:
- 0991
- 0992
- 0994
Although still growing its network, DITO is expected to play a more significant role in the coming years as it continues to enhance its services and expand its infrastructure.
Services Offered by DITO:
- 4G LTE and 5G mobile services
- Budget-friendly mobile plans
- Fast data services
- Prepaid and postpaid options
Understanding Other Prefixes
While “0964” is specific to Globe, there are dozens of other prefixes used by different telecom providers in the Philippines. Having an updated list of these prefixes can be incredibly helpful, especially for those who frequently communicate across different networks. Here’s a quick reference guide to some of the most common prefixes for each network:
Common Globe Prefixes:
- 0917
- 0956
- 0995
- 0997
- 0966
Common Smart Prefixes:
- 0918
- 0921
- 0947
- 0998
- 0961
Common DITO Prefixes:
- 0991
- 0992
- 0994
How to Determine the Network of a Number in the Philippines
If you’re unsure of which network a particular number belongs to, there are a few ways to determine the correct provider:
- Online Prefix Guides: There are websites and mobile applications that provide an up-to-date list of prefixes for all networks. A quick search of the prefix, such as “0964,” will yield the associated network.
- Telecom Provider Websites: Globe, Smart, and DITO often have customer support pages that include lists of their assigned prefixes.
- Mobile Apps: There are mobile apps available for download that can quickly identify the network based on the prefix.
Why Prefixes Matter in the Modern Philippine Mobile Landscape
The rise of promos, discounts, and exclusive network offers makes knowing mobile number prefixes more important than ever. As people increasingly use mobile phones for daily communication, understanding which network a number belongs to can save money, reduce call or text charges, and help ensure better connectivity.
- Budget-conscious users prefer contacting numbers within the same network to avoid higher inter-network charges.
- Businesses often benefit from using the same provider as their customer base to cut down on communication costs.
- Promotions and discounts usually apply only to same-network calls and texts, so knowing the number’s network can help optimize usage.
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The “0964” prefix belongs to Globe Telecom, one of the largest and most established mobile network providers in the Philippines. Understanding mobile prefixes like this can significantly impact the way you use your mobile services. Whether it’s for saving money through promos, ensuring better connectivity, or simply understanding the mobile landscape, knowing which network a number belongs to is crucial in today’s interconnected world.
Staying informed about mobile number prefixes and the networks they represent can lead to smarter decisions regarding communication services, whether you’re an individual user or managing a business in the Philippines.