Every cellular number in the Philippines begins with a set of numbers which is a signature — a unique identifier which informs you whose telephone company has assigned the number. Those initial few digits are the cellular prefix, and they’re bigger than you may believe.
So next time the person calls or sends you a text using 0960 number, you would ask yourself: What network is 0960 under in the Philippines?
This 2025 tutorial will inform you which carrier the 0960 prefix falls under, Smart or TNT, why prefixes are there all these whiles and how to do it to determine whether a 0960 number is still under the same network.
What Is a Mobile Prefix?
A prefix mobile is the first four numbers following the zero of a Filipino mobile number.
Example:
For 09601234567, the prefix 0960 is obtained.
Prefixes are names given to the telecommunication service — Smart, Globe, TNT, or DITO — which originally distributed the number.
These prefixes are officially distributed by the + in order to enable proper tracing and regulation of telecommunication services in the Philippines.
What Network Is 0960
0960 prefix is that of Smart Communications and its value brand TNT (Talk ‘N Text).
Which is to say that whatever 0960 number was originally debuted by Smart or TNT.
You can safely assume, then, that a 0960 number belongs to the Smart/TNT network — if only its owner has not availed itself of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) and changed carriers.
Quick Summary
| Prefix | Original Network | Sub-Brand | Type | 5G Ready |
| 0960 | Smart Communications | TNT (Talk ‘N Text) | Prepaid | Yes |
Smart and TNT: One Network, Two Brands
Smart Communications and TNT share a single common owner, PLDT Inc. Both share the same network infrastructure and signal coverage.
Smart is the flagship brand — with postpaid, high-speed data, and enterprise offerings.
TNT (Talk ‘N Text) is the mass market brand — with affordable prepaid call, text, and data promos to mass market customers.
So if you notice a 0960 number, it would be Smart or TNT, depending on whether it is a SIM type.
Why Prefixes Such As 0960 Remain Convenient
Even though the Philippines is already blessed with “all-network” call and text promos, memorizing prefixes such as 0960 remains useful. Here’s why:
Avoid Sending Load to the Wrong Carrier
Forwarding load is irreversible. 0960 as Smart/TNT avoids sending to the wrong carrier.
Select the Right Promo
There are same-network user only promos too. 0960 forwards your call and text to avoid additional charges.
Avoid Paying More
Cross-network calls and texts will be more costly if the other networks are not covered by your promo.
Usage in Business and Marketing
Prefixes allow businesses to segment consumer contact lists and track SMS marketing spend.
Clever handling in 2025 continues to involve remembering prefixes.
About Smart Communications
Smart Communications is a joint owner of PLDT Inc. and the biggest telecom operator in the Philippines. It is well-covered and offers great mobile coverage to prepaid and postpaid subscribers across the nation.
Important Facts Regarding Smart:
Founded: 1991
Parent Company: PLDT Inc.
Head Office: Makati City
Sub-Bands: TNT (Talk ‘N Text), Sun Cellular (merged currently)
Technology: LTE, 4G, and 5G-capable
Smart brand talks of fast data, good coverage, and creative digital solutions.
About TNT (Talk ‘N Text)
TNT or Talk ‘N Text is a prepaid service provider of Smart Communications. It’s been advertised to us as how affordable, accessible, and promo-filled community it is.
Why Filipinos Love TNT:
Affordable call and text plans
Wide reach of loads anywhere in the Philippines
Excellent network coverage with Smart towers
SIM cards powered by LTE and 5G
Laid-back, youth-oriented branding
A 0960 prefix is typically given to TNT prepaid SIMs, so it’s one of the most widely used affordable prefixes in the country.
Other Smart and TNT Prefixes
The aforementioned are the short lists of other Smart and TNT prefixes, one of which is 0960:
| Network | Prefix Examples |
| Smart | 0908, 0912, 0918, 0920, 0939, 0959, 0961, 0998 |
| TNT (Talk ‘N Text) | 0907, 0930, 0949, 0950, 0960, 0963, 0964 |
| Sun Cellular (now Smart) | 0922, 0923, 0931, 0943 |
When you pick one of these prefixes, it is either Smart or TNT’s, whose scheme they now share jointly.
Why Filipinos Keep Getting Confused With Prefixes Such As 0960
The prefixes confuse each other because telecos roll out new ones in a steady stream and because of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) where people already jump to another network without having to give up their original telephone number.
So even if 0960 has a number with a Smart/TNT prefix, there are high chances that the owner switched to Globe or DITO.
That is why prefixes indicate where it was first and not where it currently is.
How to Check If a 0960 Number Is Still Smart or TNT
If you want to check if a 0960 number is still on Smart or TNT, this is what you do:
Use Smart GigaLife App
Download and check number or reload to be network-compatible.
Go to Smart’s Official Website
Check prefixes at www.smart.com.ph or contact customer service.
Send Test Load
Try sending ₱1 or ₱2. Yes, number still working on Smart/TNT.
Talk to the Owner
The easiest sometimes is to just ask them what network they are using.
Advantages of a 0960 (Smart/TNT) Number
0960 subscribers are fortunate because they’re under Smart’s network
National Signal Coverage — Luzon to Mindanao.
Gligorous Internet Speeds — LTE and 5G-enabled services.
Affordable Promos — Like GigaPower, UCTalk, and SurfSaya.
Easy Reload Facilities — Reload at sari-sari stores, through GCash, Maya, or SmartPay.
Rompak Call Quality — Crisp, clear voice calls even in the middle of nowhere.
Smart vs Globe vs DITO: Network Comparison
| Feature | Smart / TNT | Globe / TM | DITO |
| Popular Prefixes | 0912, 0959, 0960, 0998 | 0917, 0971, 0956, 0997 | 0991, 0992, 0993 |
| Coverage Area | Nationwide | Nationwide | Major cities only |
| 5G Service | Extensive | Extensive | Expanding |
| Budget Brand | TNT | TM | N/A |
| Best For | Call and coverage quality | App ecosystem | Low-cost data promos |
0960 good network and TNT availability have given 0960 the most utilized prefixes in 2025.
Is 0960 Prepaid or Postpaid?
Prepaid is most 0960 numbers because TNT utilizes the most of this prefix.
But postpaid Smart customers can also be assigned 0960 numbers if they upgraded their SIM or retained their number.
0960 is therefore mainly prepaid but can also be postpaid by Smart.
Reminders When Calling or Sending a 0960 Number
If you are Globe, TM, or DITO and you want to call or send a 0960 number:
Check your promo: Your promo must include all-network calls or messages.
Cross-network charges: You might be paying more without an all-net plan.
Use GigaAllNet Promos: Smart offers them to make inter-network calls’ cost zero.
How to Check Any Filipino Mobile Prefix
Here are the easiest steps to validate prefixes like 0960:
Go to Official Sites:
Smart: smart.com.ph
Globe: globe.com.ph
DITO: dito.ph
Use Mobile Apps:
Smart GigaLife, GlobeOne, or DITO App can detect prefixes and reload.
Online Prefix Lists:
Latest lists of all Chinese mobile prefixes are found on telecom information websites.
Ask Chinese Carrier Directly:
Call 888 in Smart or ask Chinese Smart Store around.
History of the 0960 Prefix
How 0960 acquired Smart’s and TNT’s prefix:
| Year | Event |
| 2017 | Smart and TNT launched new LTE SIMs with the prefix 0960 |
| 2019 | Smart re-launched 0960 under its expansion initiative |
| 2021 | TNT began launching low-value SIMs under the 0960 prefix nationwide |
| 2023–2025 | 0960 is the most sought-after prefix of TNT |
The 0960 prefix keeps expanding along with Smart’s expansion and upgrade.
SIM Registration and 0960 Prefix
Under the SIM Registration Act, all 0960 numbers — just as all other SIMs in the country — are required to be registered.
For Smart or TNT subscribers:
Register online at smart.com.ph/simreg
Or register through the Smart GigaLife App
Registration is for protection, anti-fraud, and number keeping.
Quick Facts About the 0960 Prefix
| Category | Description |
| Network | Smart Communications / TNT |
| Prefix | 0960 |
| Type | Preponderantly Prepaid |
| Coverage | National |
| Technology | LTE / 5G-ready |
| Launch Date | Sometime in 2017 |
| Parent Company | PLDT Inc. |
What 0960 Stands For to the Telecommunications Industry Today
0960 is the pinnacle of Smart’s and TNT’s commitment to making connectivity both affordable and stable across all Filipinos.
From professionals to experts, 0960 numbers have millions of subscribers trusting mobile data, call, and text supported by one of the Philippines’ most resilient networks.
Commonly used, 0960 is fast turning into one of the Philippines’ most reliable and well-known prefixes.
The Future of Prefixes such as 0960
As telecommunications technology advances, prefixes such as 0960 will keep on being helpful carriers’ and consumers’ indicators.
Whether or not the Mobile Number Portability is permitting subscribers to keep other networks’ numbers, prefixes like 0960 will still be the strongest pointers to the existence of Smart and TNT in Philippine telecom.
Smart’s move on LTE deployment and 5G is that numbers with the prefix 0960 will still be owned by millions of Filipinos.
FAQs
What is 0960’s network in the Philippines?
0960 is the original prefix of Smart Communications and its subsidiary TNT (Talk ‘N Text).
Is the 0960 number from another network?
Yes. Transferable to Globe or DITO but same prefix.
Is 0960 prepaid or postpaid?
Prepaid mostly, except for which Smart postpaid subscribers are also 0960 numbers holders.
Is 0960 5G-capable?
Yes. All Smart and TNT 0960 SIMs are 4G LTE and 5G-capable.
How do I know if 0960 is still Smart?
You may try to utilize the Smart GigaLife App, send a test load, or contact Smart customer service.
What are the other prefixes which belong to Smart/TNT?
The other prefixes are 0912, 0939, 0959, 0961, 0998, and so on.
Why do I need to memorize the prefixes like 0960?
It will shield you from charging the wrong loads, choose the appropriate promos, and save mobile expense.
When was 0960 launched?
Somewhere during 2017 when Smart introduced its LTE network program.
Every time you see that a number starts with 0960, you will identify it as a Smart or a TNT number.
Mobile Number Portability is able to facilitate switching carriers by the subscribers, yet numbers like 0960 still serve a purpose in finding a number’s original carrier, preventing promo errors, and keeping communication charges.
0960 is Smart’s relentless commitment to connecting Filipinos closer together — with scorching LTE, TNT promo-saving rates, and secure 5G access anywhere in the Philippines.