Every Philippine mobile number starts with some digits that reveal an underground story — the story of which telecom provider first offered it. They are also called the mobile prefix, and they really determine what carrier the number is from pretty heavily.
And so when you received a call or SMS with 0971 as originator, you couldn’t help but wonder: What network is 0971 in the Philippines?
This is the full 2025 guidebook that informs you everything there is to know about the 0971 prefix — where telco activities it originates from, why prefixes are still needed today, and how you can check whether a 0971 number is still within the same network.
What Is a Mobile Prefix
Mobile prefix is the first four digits after the zero in a mobile phone number. It is the name used to refer to the telecommunication provider that first came up with the SIM card.
Example:
09711234567 has the prefix 0971.
Prefixes are allocated by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to cellphone companies like Globe, Smart, DITO, among others.
Although current consumers are able to change operators but retain their number (under Mobile Number Portability), the prefixes remain reminders of the network that first sold the SIM.
What Network Is 0971?
Technically, prefix 0971 is under Globe Telecom and its skeletal subsidiary TM (Touch Mobile).
Consequently, any phone number under the 0971 prefix was once with Globe or TM.
But if under Mobile Number Portability (MNP), number 0971 has been ported to another telecom company such as Smart or DITO — the prefix remains 0971.
In most of these, however, 0971 is still with Globe or TM.
Quick Summary
| Prefix | Original Network | Current Network (Possible) | Brand | Type |
| 0971 | Globe Telecom | Globe / TM / Ported (Smart or DITO) | Globe / TM | Prepaid / Postpaid |
Why Prefixes Like 0971 Still Matter
Even if most Filipinos already subscribed to utilize all-network promos and data bundles, prefixes are handy because:
Preventing Load Failers
Transferring load to another network can cause the transaction to fail. Knowing that 0971 is Globe/TM stops it.
Having the Best Promo
There are Globe or TM promos that give only call and text incentives from one’s same network.
Savings
Inter-network calls and texts are even more expensive if your campaign is not on every network.
Business and Marketing Application
Most businesses segment subscriber numbers by prefix to control the cost of SMS marketing.
So numbers like 0971 are small things—but they make a big difference in everyday life.
About Globe Telecom
Globe Telecom is the largest telecom business in the Philippines and has been delivering tens of millions of subscribers for decades.
Globe key facts
Founded: 1935
Head Office: Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Parent Company: Ayala Corporation & Singtel
Brands: Globe Prepaid, Globe Postpaid, TM (Touch Mobile)
Technology: 4G LTE and 5G-ready
Coverage: Nationwide
Globe focuses on digital innovation, best data connectivity, and convenience on mobile apps like GlobeOne and GCash.
About TM (Touch Mobile)
TM or Touch Mobile is Globe’s value prepaid brand that services price-sensitive subscribers.
TM subscribers have the benefit of:
Budget-friendly call and text promos
Convenient data packs
Strong signal through Globe network
Rural and urban-wide coverage
i.e., if the number starts with 0971, then it could be a Globe or TM SIM.
Other Globe and TM Prefixes
To easily identify Globe and TM numbers, below is the complete list of their standard prefixes:
| Network | Prefix Examples |
| Globe Telecom | 0905, 0906, 0915, 0916, 0917, 0926, 0935, 0956, 0963, 0975, 0997 |
| TM (Touch Mobile) | 0907, 0936, 0937, 0955, 0973, 0976, 0977, 0978 |
So the next time you see a 0971 number, ensure that it is from the Globe/TM group.
Why Filipinos Get Confused with Prefixes
It’s easy to get confused with prefixes like 0971 and there are two reasons why:
Too Many New Prefixes
Telecom players launch new prefixes every year in order to catch up with increasing SIM registrations. You just can’t track them all.
Mobile Number Portability (MNP)
Since MNP requires you to change networks without the need to change numbers, Smart or DITO can now own 0971 — though 0971 initially was with Globe or with TM.
This is why prefixes are indicated where the number initially came from, not where it is now located.
How to Know if a 0971 Number Still Belongs to Globe
To confirm whether a number 0971 is still under Globe or TM, you only need to do these simple steps:
Use the GlobeOne App
GlobeOne App download where you can load or view status of numbers.
Check Online Prefix Lists
Newest prefix lists are also on telecom information sites.
Ask the Owner Directly
The simplest way—just ask them under what network they are.
Just try to load ₱1–₱2 first. If it goes through, the number still has Globe or TM.
Small checks will avoid unnecessary charges and failed load transactions.
Benefits of Having a 0971 (Globe/TM) Number
It is beneficial to have a 0971 number for Globe or TM in the following ways:
Permanent Coverage: Globe signal covers almost all cities and provinces.
Quick Data: 4G LTE and expanding 5G coverage.
Affordable Promos: Bountiful array of prepaid and postpaid promos.
Effortless Reloading: Load can be bought via GCash, online banks, or sari-sari stores.
Good App Ecosystem: Seamless integration with GlobeOne, GCash, and TM Rewards.
Comparison: Globe vs Smart vs DITO
| Feature | Globe | Smart | DITO |
| Popular Prefixes | 0917, 0971, 0956 | 0912, 0938, 0998 | 0991, 0992, 0993 |
| Coverage Area | Nationwide | Nationwide | Major Cities |
| 5G Availability | Widespread | Widespread | Growing |
| Budget Brand | TM | TNT | None |
| Internet Speed | Reliable | Strong | Fast but limited |
All of them provide decent service, but the reliability and cover area of Globe, as mentioned above, makes prefixes such as 0971 very popular.
Is 0971 Prepaid or Postpaid?
0971 number prefix is usually for TM prepaid or Globe Prepaid subscribers.
A few postpaid subscribers can also use the 0971 numbers, especially if they chose to keep the old SIM number .
Thus, although 0971 is essentially prepaid, it’s applied using prepaid and postpaid plans.
What to Know Before Calling a 0971 Number
When calling or texting a 0971-number from another network like Smart or DITO, keep in mind:
Check your promo: Certain promos have no coverage for same-network calls.
Cross-network charges: Pay even without an all-net promo.
All-Net Promos: Have all-network call and text promos.
Reminders such as these avoid load and surprise deductions.
Why Learning Prefixes Like 0971 Is Useful
Learning prefixes like 0971 will help you:
Avoid incorrect load transfers
Select the best call and text plans
Avoid cross-network charges
Make wise business communication decisions
Prefixes like 0971 allow you to use your mobile in a frugal manner and remain connected. Technology.
How to Check Any Philippine Mobile Prefix
If you are not certain which network a telephone number belongs to, here is how you do it:
Check Official Telco Sites:
Globe: globe.com.ph
Smart: smart.com.ph
DITO: dito.ph
Use Mobile Apps:
GlobeOne, Smart GigaLife, or DITO App could signify prefix compatibility.
Check Online Lists:
Tech blogs keep updating prefix lists.
NTC Resources
The National Telecommunications Commission also has official releases of prefixes.
Globe Prefix Evolution
The following is a brief history of Globe’s prefixes:
| Year | Event |
| Early 2000s | Globe popularized with prefixes 0917, 0916, and 0926 |
| 2010–2015 | New 09-series prefixes were introduced because of growing users |
| 2016–2020 | TM and Globe offered more LTE-enabled numbers |
| 2021–2023 | Globe offered newer 09-series such as 0971 |
| 2024–2025 | Globe offered 5G-enabled SIMs with new prefixes such as 0971 |
0971 is part of this series of Globe connectivity expansion.
SIM Registration and Prefix Monitoring
All SIMs — 0971 included — will be registered to authorized user data under the SIM Registration Act.
Registration ensures:
Security of accounts
Secured continued access to service
Protection against spam and fraud
You may register or check your registration at new.globe.com.ph/simreg.
Fast Facts on the 0971 Prefix
| Category | Details |
| Network | Globe Telecom / TM |
| Prefix | 0971 |
| Type | Majority Prepaid |
| Coverage | Nationwide |
| Technology | 4G LTE / 5G |
| Launch | Approx. 2021 |
| Apps | GlobeOne, GCash |
The Role of 0971 In Today’s Telecom Times
The 0971 prefix marks Globe’s foray into growing telecommunication requirements in the digital age.
0971 is 4G LTE and 5G-ready, providing customers quick data, unintermittent calls, and reliable signal presence — from highway areas to cityscapes.
Investments by Globe in its networks place 0971 numbers among the most everywhere prefixes in the nation.
The Future of Prefixes Like 0971
With greater number portability and all-network promos, prefixes will be back as best identifiers of the Philippine telco scene.
For subscribers, prefixes like 0971 will endure:
Streamline promo choices
Emphasize stable networks
Reward Globe’s good digital network
By 2025 and later, 0971 will be one of Globe’s stable and high-performing prefixes.
FAQs
What is network 0971 in the Philippines?
0971 is under Globe Telecom and its subsidiary TM (Touch Mobile).
Is 0971 ported to another network?
Yes, under MNP but still using the same prefix 0971.
Is 0971 prepaid or postpaid?
Prepaid for the most part but there are still some postpaid users who will also keep it.
Is 0971 LTE and 5G-capable?
Yes. Globe SIMs 0971 are LTE and 5G-capable.
How do I know 0971 is still Globe?
Download Globe One App, do a low test load, or ask personally from the owner.
What are other prefixes that are owned by Globe and TM?
Examples are 0917, 0956, 0963, 0975, and 0997.
Why should I memorize prefixes such as 0971?
It prevents one from incorrect load transfers, facilitates promos, and prevents calls.
When was 0971 released?
Somewhere in 2021 when Globe network roll-out and 5G launch were implemented.
When you take a glance at a digit that begins with 0971, you can ensure that it was initially assigned to Globe Telecom or TM.
While as convenient as number portability makes you capable to switch operators, numbers such as 0971 still have value. They let you manage load, keep cost, and identify network you are interacting with.
0971 is Globe’s unwavering efforts to serve more Filipinos all over the country—faster data, improved network, and lower communication cost.