All the mobile numbers in the Philippines are prefixed. Those prefixes are the first four digits after a zero, and they tell us which telecom company the number belongs to. Almost all the people would be asking the same question: 0981 what network in the Philippines? This article tells us the answer to it in plain language, tells us what mobile prefixes are, and tells us why they are still useful to mobile users today.
What is a Mobile Prefix
A mobile prefix refers to the first four digits of any Philippine mobile number. Examples include 0981, 0917, 0947, and 0995. Each company has their own prefixes. If you notice the prefix, you can usually guess which provider the number is from.
Prefixes are useful since in some cases, call and text rates differ based on whether you’re calling or texting from the same network or a third. Although today’s promos are generally inclusive of all networks anyway, at least having prefixes makes it more convenient.
0981 is a Smart Communications prefix
The smart cellular prefix 0981 belongs to Smart Communications, which is one of the largest telecommunication networks in the Philippines. It is owned by PLDT and has millions of subscribers nationwide. Smart has prepaid, postpaid, and data offers, and 0981 is part of its numbering pool.
If you get a number beginning with 0981, it simply implies that the number initially belongs to Smart.
Why Knowing the Network Matters
It’s still helpful to know the network of a number because:
- Some promos offer you unlimited calls and texts only if within the same network
- You might pay extra charges for cross-network calls and texts
- It keeps you from making mistakes when buying prepaid load
- It allows you to choose the best promo depending on the people whom you call most often
The majority of today’s promos are all-network, but prefixes like 0981 still linger as a convenient way of knowing where a number comes from.
Smart Communications and the Prefix 0981
Smart Communications has served Filipinos for generations. It is among the two biggest telecommunication firms in the country after Globe. Smart has developed an enormous number of prefixes over time, and 0981 is among them.
It has prepay and postpay numbers. It is used by Filipinos for calls, messaging, and most significantly mobile internet. Since Smart has very wide coverage in a majority of the towns and cities, prefixes like 0981 are usual and could be easily recognized.
Other Smart Prefixes
Smart also owns a number of other prefixes aside from 0981. They are some of the following: 0907, 0919, 0920, 0947, 0961, 0970, and 0998. Smart needs to have such a long list of prefixes because it has millions of subscribers.
A majority of numbers with prefix 09xx belong to Smart or its affiliates like TNT (Talk N Text) and Sun Cellular.
Common Confusion with Prefixes
It is not surprising that people become lost with prefixes because of two reasons.
One, telecommunication companies are adding newer and newer prefixes so they can catch up with demand. That makes it difficult to recall which is Smart, Globe, or DITO.
Second, because of mobile number portability (MNP), we can now change providers but keep the same number. For example, a 0981 number holder can change to Globe or DITO but keep the 0981 prefix. This means prefixes refer to the original provider but, not necessarily, the new one.
How to Check if 0981 is Still Smart
If you need to check the network, you can:
- Check updated Philippine prefix lists online
- Use official telecom apps, which sometimes provide network details
- Go ahead and query the owner of the number directly if you don’t mind paying extra costs
These are steps that make you think twice before calling or texting.
Smart’s Role in Philippine Telecom
Smart is owned by PLDT, which is one of the biggest telecommunication operators in the Philippines. Smart has led mobile communication for years. Smart is also one of the firsts to introduce LTE and 5G in the Philippines.
0981 is just one of the many numbers of Smart. It tells how the company has expanded to cater to millions of Filipinos.
Tips to Smart and Non-Smart Subscribers
- To Smart subscribers, most unlimited call or text promos have 0981 numbers
- To Globe or DITO subscribers, check if your promo has Smart numbers before calling or texting 0981
- Make sure to double-check the prefix before buying load for somebody else
- Choose “all-network” promos if you call or text a lot between operators
The Future of Mobile Prefixes
The Philippines has one of the region’s most rapidly expanding mobile markets. With more people joining the ranks of smartphone and mobile data subscribers, telco players will continue to introduce new prefixes.
Regardless of that, the current prefixes like 0981 will remain operational. Subscribers prefer to keep their numbers for decades since they bind to family, friends, work, and business. That means 0981 will be active for decades.
FAQs
Which network is 0981 on in the Philippines?
0981 is part of the prefix of Smart Communications.
Is a 0981 number eligible to be transferred to other networks?
Yes. With mobile number portability, a subscriber of 0981 can move to Globe or DITO without the loss of the number. The 0981 prefix is retained even after porting.
Is 0981 prepaid or postpaid?
Either. Smart utilizes 0981 numbers for both prepaid and postpaid subscribers.
Is it cheaper to call a 0981 number if it’s in another network?
Depending on your promo. Some promos charge extra for cross-network texts and calls. Most of the new promos already have all networks included, so most likely same price.
Does 0981 carry Smart’s LTE and 5G plans?
Yes. Speed is not a result of the prefix. As long as your SIM and mobile phone are LTE or 5G-enabled and your area is covered, a 0981 number can use high-speed data.
The instant you see a cell number that starts with 0981, you already know that it belongs to Smart Communications in the Philippines. Prefixes sound like gibberish, but trust me, they are not. They enable individuals to identify networks, save on promos, and avoid mistakes in sending load.
Smart’s 0981 prefix is one of its vast portfolio of numbers used on a daily basis by millions of Filipinos. With number portability and all-network promos, prefixes like 0981 will always be a sure map in Philippine wireless life.