There is a prefix for all Philippine cell phone numbers. The prefix is the first four digits after the zero. It tells you what telephone company originally assigned the number. That is why some people still ask: what network 0971 is in the Philippines?
This article will explain what network 0971 is with, why prefixes are still important even today, and how you can check if a 0971 number is still with the same network.
What Is a Mobile Prefix?
A mobile prefix is the first digit or two in a Philippine cellphone number. It indicates the provider that originally issued the SIM card.
Examples of mobile prefixes are:
- 0971
- 0917
- 0920
- 0935
- 0956
- 0963
- 0998
Each telecom operator has their own prefixes. For example:
- Globe numbers: 0917, 0956, 0963, 0997
- Smart numbers: 0918, 0920, 0961, 0998
- TNT numbers: 0907, 0930, 0949, 0950
- DITO numbers: 0991, 0992, 0993
- Sun Cellular (merged with Smart): 0922, 0923, 0931
So if you look at a number beginning with 0971, that means solo provider.
0971 is owned by Globe or TM
Prefix 0971 is owned by Globe Telecom and its value brand TM (Touch Mobile). Globe Telecom is among the top telecom service providers in the Philippines, and TM is its prepaid budget brand.
If you are called or messaged that seems to be coming from a number starting with 0971, it was originally rolled out by Globe or TM.
Why Knowing the Network Still Matters
There are some individuals who opine that network prefixes are no longer needed because most promos nowadays are available for all networks. However, it is useful to remember that 0971 is rolled out by Globe or TM because:
- Some of the promos remain limited to same-network calls and text
- Cross-network calls and messages would be more expensive
- Sending prepaid load is secure if you know the right network
- It leads you to choose the right promo for your call and text use
That is why prefixes such as 0971 remain in effect until 2025.
Globe, TM, and the 0971 Prefix
Globe Telecom has been the Philippines market leader for mobile for a long time. TM, its low-cost brand counterpart, aims at cheap call, text, and data services.
0971 prefix is only one of the numerous Globe and TM numbers widely used across the country. People use 0971 numbers for:
- Regular calls to family members
- Business or personal messaging
- Web surfing with LTE and 5G (subject to phone and location)
- Social media applications like Facebook, Messenger, TikTok, and Instagram
Since Globe and TM have millions of subscribers, 0971 is already a ubiquitous prefix in provinces and cities.
Other Globe and TM Prefixes
Aside from 0971, Globe and TM also have some other prefixes, and those include:
- 0905
- 0906
- 0915
- 0917
- 0926
- 0935
- 0956
- 0963
- 0975
- 0997
If you see a number with one of them as its beginning, chances are that you are looking at Globe or TM.
Why Filipinos are Confused with Prefixes
Filipinos are confused with prefixes like 0971. There are two reasons for that:
- New prefixes are released all the time
Telecom companies release new prefixes all the time since they have more requests for SIM cards. With so many codes, it is impossible to remember all of them.
- Mobile Number Portability (MNP)
MNP allows porting to a different network but keeping the number the same. For example, a 0971 number previously with Globe can be ported to Smart or DITO. The prefix remains 0971, but the number is no longer with Globe or TM.
That is why prefixes do not tell you which network it is currently with but where it was originally with.
How to Determine If 0971 Is Still Globe or TM
The following steps are presented in order to determine if a 0971 number is still under Globe or TM:
- Check the latest prefix lists online
- Use GlobeOne app to check or re-load number
- Just ask the owner directly if he/she is still on Globe or TM
- Send test load first before sending a high amount
These are steps for error prevention and extra charges.
Role of Globe and TM in Philippine Telecom
Globe is one of the two biggest telecom companies in the Philippines, the other being Smart. Globe provides cheap services to millions of Filipinos with its company TM. Globe and TM offer:
- Extensive coverage in urban as well as rural areas
- Millions of prepaid and postpaid customers
- LTE and 5G service in most of the country
- Cheap promos for calls, texts, and data
The 0971 prefix is but one of many prefixes used in servicing Globe and TM subscribers nationwide.
Reminders for Globe, TM, and Non-Globe Users
If you are a Globe or an TM subscriber:
- You are free to call and message 0971 prefix numbers if you subscribe to a promo that covers Globe or TM
- Load transfers to 0971 numbers are safe and convenient
If you are a Smart, TNT, or a DITO subscriber:
- Make sure your promo is Globe numbers prior to calling or sending 0971
- Otherwise, cross-network calls or texts will cost you extra
General tips: In case you call or text other network users frequently, register all-net promos to save on billings.
The Future of Prefixes
The Philippine telecommunication sector continues to grow. More and more Filipinos buy smartphones and SIMs every year. That translates to more prefixes in the coming years.
Old prefixes such as 0971 will remain valid, however. Filipinos keep numbers for several years because they are associated with:
- Family and friends
- Job and business connections
- School or university accounts
- Social networking and email
- Online banking and cell phones
Due to this, 0971 will still be a trusty prefix in Philippine telecommunications.
FAQs
Which network is 0971 in the Philippines?
0971 is a Globe and TM prefix.
Can a 0971 number be transferred to another network?
Yes. Under Mobile Number Portability, a 0971 number may be ported to Smart or DITO but the prefix is retained as 0971.
Is 0971 postpaid or prepaid?
Most 0971 numbers are prepaid but can be used for postpaid as well.
Is it more expensive to call 0971 from another network?
It varies with your promo. There are promos with all networks included, and there are others with cross-network calls.
What are the other Globe and TM prefixes besides 0971?
Some of them are 0905, 0906, 0915, 0917, 0926, 0935, 0956, 0963, 0975, and 0997.
Why should I learn prefixes like 0971?
It prevents load sending errors, saves you from unwanted charges, and reminds you of an original number’s network.
Is 0971 LTE and 5G compatible?
Yes. Speed is dependent on your SIM, phone, and location of coverage, and not the prefix.
How do I know if 0971 is still Globe or TM?
You can ask through the GlobeOne app, recent list checks, or even from the owner of the number.
Every time you spot a number that starts with 0971, you now realize that it initially belonged to Globe or TM. Prefixes are minor but are extremely useful. Prefixes expose you to networks, prevent load faults, and control your mobile bill.
0971 is a popular active prefix commonly used in the Philippines. Despite number portability and all-net promos, prefixes such as 0971 are still something worth remembering.
As the Philippine telecommunication industry expands, prefixes will continue to be a part of daily life. 0971 will remain to connect millions of Filipinos nationwide.