Every Philippines mobile phone number begins with certain numbers that inform us where iats home network is. The initial four numbers — the mobile prefix — isn’t a random number. It informs us with which telcoms company the number was originally provisioned.
You’re calling a number whose prefix is 0931, you simply ask: What carrier is 0931?
This lesson 2025 informs you precisely which carrier the 0931 prefix belongs to, why prefixes are not quite passe yet, and how to determine if a phone number whose prefix is 0931 shares the same carrier.
What is a Mobile Prefix?
Mobile prefix are digits following the last zero of a Filipino cellular number.
Example
For 09311234567, 0931 is a prefix.
Prefixes also showed which telco — Smart, Globe, DITO, or Sun Cellular — launched the SIM card first.
Number porting and promos aside, prefixes like 0931 are still excellent indicators of how a number was generated.
What Network Is 0931
Sun Cellular, which is now a subsidiary of Smart Communications, actually has the prefix 0931.
It only means that Sun Cellular used to have a 0931 prefix number a long time ago but, because Sun itself was subsequently acquired by Smart to start with, Smart already has 0931 prefix numbers no longer Sun.
If you were called or texted by your friend through 0931, it’s an original Sun Cellular prefix — now under Smart Communications.
Quick Summary
| Prefix | Original Network | Current Network | Type |
| 0931 | Sun Cellular | Smart Communications | Prepaid/Postpaid |
Why Prefixes Like 0931 Still Matter
For my batch of all-promos networks like 0931, the following remains true in some manner so that you won’t:
Load Errors
You will never waste loading the wrong network again for time and money.
Having the right promos
It has the same network’s call, text, or data promos. It will remind you to buy the right plan because you already know 0931 is Smart.
Add-on Charges
Cross-network calls and texts are costly without all-net promos.
Business Productivity
Knowing the prefixes of the network comes in handy in case the management of communication cost needs to be effective in case you tend to have plenty of calls or messages for business.
Up to year 2025, knowing prefixes like 0931 comes in handy for business and for life.
Sun Cellular (Now Smart) Trivia
Sun Cellular was a popular low-rate Philippine phone network with widespread coverage.
Started operations: 2003
Parent Company: Digitel (Digital Telecommunications Philippines, Inc.)
Merged With Smart: 2011 (now conclusive as of 2022)
Legacy: Affordable call and text packages with “Sun Unlimited”
Sun subscribers, even 0931 numbers, were all under Smart Communications at least during the time of a merger.
So despite still seeing the “Sun” brand name typed into your phonebook or SIM, such numbers are already on the Smart network.
About Smart Communications
Smart Communications is PLDT Inc.’s subsidiary and Philippines‘ dominant telecoms operator.
It offers prepaid and postpaid on nationwide comprehensive 4G and 5G.
Key Facts:
Parent Company: PLDT Inc.
Head Office: Makati City, Philippines
Services: Mobile, broadband, wireless data, and 5G
Sub-brands: TNT (Talk ‘N Text) and former Sun Cellular
Based on the consolidation, the 0931 number and other Sun prefixes are now merged under the Smart network infrastructure.
Other Smart and Sun Cellular Prefixes
To assist you some more so that you’ll be able to identify numbers correctly, here are the new Smart, Sun Cellular, and TNT prefixes:
| Network | Prefix Examples |
| Smart | 0908, 0912, 0918, 0920, 0939, 0961, 0998 |
| TNT (Talk ‘N Text) | 0907, 0930, 0949, 0950 |
| Sun Cellular (now Smart) | 0922, 0923, 0924, 0925, 0931, 0932, 0933, 0942, 0943, 0944 |
So 0931 is from the same Smart Communications company as the other former Sun prefixes.
Why Filipinos are Confused With Prefixes Like 0931
Prefix confusion is the name of the game in the Philippines these days. It is because of two reasons:
- Continuous Addition of New Prefixes
Phone operators just keep on adding new prefixes here and there as a transition to make use of more SIM cards. With such large numbers of hundreds of codes being added today, it’s just not feasible to memorize them. - Mobile Number Portability (MNP)
MNP enables the subscriber to keep the number even when the latter shifts to a different network.
e.g., you can port his/her 0931 (Smart) to Globe but still with the prefix 0931.
And prefixes indicate where the number originated in the first place, and not where it is right now.
How to Check If a 0931 Number Still Belongs to Smart
If you want to check if a 0931 number is still with Smart or not, you can:
Use the Smart GigaLife App
Re-load and download the number and try again. If okay, still Smart.
Check Prefix Lists Online
There were some that were recently updated and would just show you what network a prefix is on.
Ask the Owner Directly
Just ask them directly what network they are on — fastest and easiest way of doing so.
Send a Test Load
Send ₱1–₱2. If, when sending the transaction, the number still shows active on Smart/Sun.
Benefits of the 0931 (Smart) Number
Benefits of the 0931 number through Smart’s stable network are the following:
Strong Coverage: City and town coverage.
Fast Internet: LTE and 5G for most.
Affordable Promos: Prepaid call, text, and data promos.
Available Load: Widely available in stores, apps, and e-wallets nationwide.
Stable Service: Being part of Smart’s extensive and stable network.
Globe vs. Smart vs. DITO: Network Comparison
| Feature | Smart | Globe | DITO |
| Popular Prefixes | 0912, 0931, 0961, 0998 | 0917, 0956, 0963, 0997 | 0991, 0992, 0993 |
| Coverage Area | Countrywide | Countrywide | Expanding |
| 5G Availability | Across the board | Across the board | Limited |
| Budget Brand | TNT | TM | None |
| Merged Networks | Sun Cellular | None | None |
It has to be that Smart — with 0931 prefixes — is still one of the top and most stable telcos in the Philippines.
Is 0931 Prepaid or Postpaid Prefix?
Many years ago, 0931 was utilized for Sun Cellular prepaid subscribers in general.
But since already reassigned to Smart, you can now utilize it for postpaid and prepaid.
Although most of the 0931 numbers you will be calling today are still prepaid.
What to Do When Calling a 0931 Number from Another Network
If you’re a Globe, TM, or DITO prepaid or postpaid caller/sender to a 0931 number, note the following:
Promo Coverage: See whether your promo includes all-net calls and texts.
Cross-Network Charges: Cross-network charges are also paid every time there is a cross-network communication.
All-Net Promos: Utilize all-network promos every time you are making a bulk of calls to Smart subscribers.
Even if you are aware of the prefixes, you save and are not charged an additional fee.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Find Any Philippine Mobile Prefix
To get any other prefix than 0931, follow the following steps:
Visit Smart Official Website: www.smart.com.ph
Verify Prefix Lists Online: Websites and telecom websites have updated lists.
Utilize Prefix App: There are apps that will automatically identify any prefix’s network.
Verify NTC Official List: National Telecommunications Commission updates prefix assignments from time to time.
History of 0931 Prefix
History of 0931 throughout the years is as follows:
| Year | Development |
| 2003 | Sun Cellular was launched and 0931 was one of its original prefixes |
| 2011 | Smart Communications acquired Sun Cellular (Digitel) |
| 2020 | Sun branding was phased out over the years |
| 2022–2024 | Full integration to Smart’s services and promos |
| 2025 | 0931 active still with Smart Communications |
This history explains why you’ll still see 0931 numbers everywhere — they’ve been part of Philippine telecom for over two decades.
SIM Registration and the 0931 Prefix
Since the SIM Registration Act has gone into effect, all active numbers — such as 0931 — are already registered under verified user identities.
For Smart subscribers, registering keeps numbers active and safe. It also refreshes records in Smart’s database.
How to register a Smart SIM:
Visit smart.com.ph/simreg or GigaLife App.
Also Read: What Network is 0912 in the Philippines? A Complete List of Mobile Prefixes and Carriers
Quick Facts About 0931 Prefix
| Category | Description |
| Network | Smart Communications (Sun Cellular) |
| Prefix | 0931 |
| Type | Prepaid mainly |
| Coverage | National |
| Launched | 2003 |
| Technology | LTE, 4G, and 5G powered |
| Brand Partnered | PLDT / Smart / TNT |
The 0931 Role in the New Telco Era
0931 is a slice of telco history in the Philippines — from Sun Cellular’s bargain origins to data-centric Smart network today.
0931 subscribers enjoy good connectivity, money’s worth service, and Smart’s network coverage.
Retro for what used to be prefixes into the dawn of new technology but only at the starting point.
Future of Prefixes like 0931
With 5G, future internet services, and number portability, prefixes would be footnotes in history, one would think. Not quite.
Prefixes like 0931 still represent pioneer networks, bring cost management to the negotiating table in consumer bargains, and give telecom identity to generations.
Smart is buying and owning such retro prefixes — recycling all the 0931 numbers and reselling them today.
FAQs
Q1. What is 0931 under in the Philippines?
0931 was once owned and operated by Sun Cellular, PLDT subsidiary, but is now owned by Smart Communications.
Q2. Is 0931 Globe or DITO?
Yes. Phone number 0931 with Mobile Number Portability can be ported but not the prefix.
Q3. Is 0931 prepaid or postpaid?
Originally prepaid but also available for postpaid under the Smart merger.
Q4. Is 0931 LTE or 5G capable?
Yes. Smart provides LTE and 5G to all its 0931 numbers.
Q5. How can I confirm that 0931 is still Smart?
Inquire through the Smart GigaLife App, try loading any amount, or inquire from the owner himself.
Q6. What are the other Smart prefixes?
A few other popularly used Smart prefixes are 0908, 0912, 0918, 0920, 0939, and 0998, among others.
Q7. Why might I not prefer prefixes like 0931?
To share load and as a smart promo option, and to avoid cross-network charges.
Q8. Why did they now consider 0931 a Smart prefix?
Because already since 2022, Sun Cellular and Smart were combined.
So the next time you would be seeing a number with the 0931 prefix, just remember that previously it was a Sun Cellular number but now being serviced by Smart Communications.
With number portability and all-network promos, however, recalling prefixes like 0931 still assures error-free and cost-managed communications.
The 0931 prefix has been part of Philippine telecom for over 20 years — a memory of quality, value-for-money, and long-standing connection.
So the next time a 0931 number flashes on your phone, you’ll know exactly what network it comes from — Smart Communications, continuing Sun’s legacy of keeping Filipinos connected.