In the Philippines, mobile phone numbers play a crucial role in identifying the network providers that offer telecommunication services. Every mobile number starts with a prefix, which is the first four digits of a phone number. These prefixes are important because they help users determine which network a particular number belongs to. In this article, we will explore the prefix “0967” and the network it is associated with. We will also delve into the significance of knowing mobile number prefixes, the networks operating in the Philippines, and the impact of mobile number portability on these identifiers.
Understanding Mobile Number Prefixes in the Philippines
Mobile number prefixes in the Philippines typically consist of the first four digits of a mobile phone number. These prefixes are assigned by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to various telecommunication providers to help distinguish which company issued a particular number. For instance, a number starting with “0967” belongs to a specific telecom provider.
Before diving into which network uses the prefix 0967, it’s essential to understand why these prefixes matter in everyday communication.
- Cost of Calls and Texts
One major reason for knowing the prefix of a mobile number is the cost of calls and text messages. Many telecommunication providers offer cheaper rates for calls and texts within their network. By identifying the network through the prefix, users can make informed decisions to save on their communication expenses. - Network-Specific Promotions
Telecommunications providers frequently offer network-specific promotions. For instance, a network might have free unlimited calls or texts to numbers within the same network. Knowing a number’s prefix ensures users can take full advantage of these promotions. - Mobile Number Portability
With the introduction of the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) law in the Philippines, users can now switch network providers without changing their mobile numbers. This complicates the traditional association of prefixes with specific networks, as a number starting with “0967” may no longer belong to its original network after porting. However, most mobile numbers still retain their original networks unless ported.
0967: Which Network Does It Belong To?
The mobile number prefix “0967” is associated with Globe Telecom, one of the largest and most widely used telecommunications providers in the Philippines. Globe Telecom offers a range of services including mobile communications, broadband, and digital solutions.
About Globe Telecom
Globe Telecom is one of the leading telecom operators in the Philippines, competing primarily with Smart Communications. The company provides comprehensive mobile services across the country, catering to millions of subscribers. Their services include:
- Prepaid and postpaid mobile services
- Broadband internet
- Corporate communication solutions
- Value-added services like mobile banking and mobile applications
The 0967 prefix is specifically used for Globe’s prepaid and postpaid mobile numbers, making it a popular option for many subscribers. With Globe’s extensive coverage and promotions, numbers starting with this prefix are commonly encountered by Filipino users.
Other Prefixes Used by Globe Telecom
Globe Telecom has several prefixes assigned to its mobile numbers, including:
- 0917
- 0905
- 0906
- 0926
- 0936
- 0956
These are just a few examples, and there are many more. The 0967 prefix is one of the newer additions, reflecting the continued growth in the number of mobile subscribers in the country.
Comparing Globe Telecom with Other Networks
While Globe Telecom is a major player, it is not the only network operating in the Philippines. Let’s compare Globe Telecom to its main competitors, Smart Communications and DITO Telecommunity, to give you a broader understanding of the telecommunications landscape in the country.
Smart Communications
Smart Communications is the primary competitor to Globe Telecom. It is a subsidiary of PLDT, the largest and oldest telecommunications company in the Philippines. Smart also offers a wide range of mobile services, including prepaid and postpaid plans, mobile internet, and digital solutions.
Smart uses several mobile number prefixes, including:
- 0918
- 0920
- 0949
- 0961
- 0999
Smart is known for its strong network coverage, especially in more rural areas, which has helped it maintain a significant market share. Similar to Globe, Smart offers promotions and discounts for calls and texts within its network, making prefix identification important for budget-conscious users.
DITO Telecommunity
DITO Telecommunity is the newest player in the Philippine telecommunications market. Launched in 2021, DITO aims to break the duopoly of Globe and Smart by offering competitive pricing and modern network infrastructure. Although still in its early stages of growth, DITO has quickly gained popularity among users looking for an alternative to the more established providers.
DITO uses a different set of prefixes, including:
- 0991
- 0992
- 0993
As DITO continues to expand its network coverage and subscriber base, more mobile numbers using these prefixes are likely to appear in the market.
Impact of Mobile Number Portability on Prefix Identification
With the introduction of Mobile Number Portability (MNP), the traditional association of prefixes with specific networks has changed. The MNP law, implemented in the Philippines in 2021, allows users to switch between networks while keeping their existing phone numbers, including the prefix.
This means that while the prefix 0967 originally belongs to Globe Telecom, a user could port their number to Smart or DITO and still retain the 0967 prefix. As a result, simply looking at the prefix is no longer a guaranteed way to determine which network a number belongs to.
However, it’s important to note that while the MNP law offers flexibility, the majority of users still tend to keep their numbers with their original network. This means that, in practice, most numbers starting with 0967 will still be Globe Telecom numbers unless specifically ported to another provider.
How to Check What Network a Number Belongs To
If you want to be certain about which network a particular mobile number belongs to, there are a few methods you can use:
- Use a Network Identification App
Several mobile apps are available that allow users to input a phone number and determine which network it belongs to. These apps are particularly useful now that Mobile Number Portability has made it harder to rely on prefixes alone. - Contact Your Network Provider
Most telecom providers in the Philippines offer customer service hotlines where you can inquire about the network of a particular number. This can be especially helpful if you’re unsure whether a number has been ported to a different network. - Check with Friends or Colleagues
If you frequently communicate with someone and are unsure of their network, it’s always a good idea to ask them directly. This can help you avoid unnecessary charges if you’re on a network-specific promotion.
Related Post:
The prefix 0967 is associated with Globe Telecom, a major telecommunications provider in the Philippines. Knowing mobile number prefixes like 0967 can help users make informed decisions about their communication costs, network-specific promotions, and more. However, with the advent of Mobile Number Portability, the landscape of mobile numbers in the Philippines has changed, and prefixes are no longer a foolproof way of identifying networks.
As the telecommunications industry continues to evolve with new players like DITO and innovations such as 5G, understanding the basics of mobile number prefixes will remain an important part of navigating mobile communication in the Philippines.