All Filipino phone numbers have something to say for themselves not only of the person you’re calling, but for whom it is when it comes to the network. The first four numbers of the number, or prefix, indicates which telecom company first introduced the SIM.
And so when you would see a number with 0938 leading it, the first thought in your mind would be, What carrier is 0938?
We will take you through the entire process of the 0938 prefix to which carrier does it belong, why prefixes remain important even today, and how you can ascertain if that number still has the same carrier even today.
What Is a Mobile Prefix?
Mobile prefix is the initial four digits following any Philippine mobile number zero.
Example:
Prefix is 0938 when the number is 09381234567.
Major telecommunication firms like Smart, Globe, DITO, and their subsidiaries (TNT, TM, etc.) are prefixing done by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
Prefixes tell callers whom in what network they are calling easy for prepaid subscribers and small business persons that survive on promos and load management.
What Network Is 0938
0938 prefix is owned by Smart Communications, one of the big telecommunications players in the Philippines.
I.e., 0938 prefix numbers were first available through Smart.
But with Mobile Number Portability (MNP), i.e., you can switch networks but keep the same number, some of the 0938 numbers are now under a different network.
But 0938 was initially allocated to Smart Communications, and most of the 0938 numbers you will be encountering today are still Smart subscribers.
Why There Are Still Prefixes Like 0938
Despite an universe where there are unlimited promos and all-net promos, prefixes like 0938 still hold up. Here’s why:
Avoid Incorrect Load Transfers
Incorrect load to wrong network may deplete your balance. The prefix ensures the load stays with the right individual.
Choose the Perfect Promo
Prepaid promos are mostly still network-based. From the prefixes, you can choose the perfect promo for your friends and family.
Lower Call and Text Charges
Inter-network calls or messages still cost more than in-network calls.
Perfect for Business
To companies that utilize SMS marketing, information on network prefixes makes it possible to send mass messages at an affordable cost.
Hence even until 2025, it is viable and feasible to learn about prefixes like 0938.
Information regarding Smart Communications
Smart Communications, or more aptly called Smart, is one of the Philippines’ biggest mobile networks. It is owned by PLDT Inc., and they both have operations extending to millions of Filipinos all over the country.
Here are some of the most important facts about Smart:
Parent Company: PLDT Inc.
Head Office: Makati City, Philippines
Year Established: 1991
Offerings: Mobile data, broadband, and mobile
Sub-brands: TNT (Talk ‘N Text) and Sun Cellular (which is owned by Smart now)
Smart equals good coverage, fast mobile internet speed connection, and varied prepaid and postpaid options.
Other Smart Prefixes Except 0938
0938 is only one of the many prefixes of Smart. Here are some of the most popular Smart and TNT prefixes utilized nationwide:
Network | Prefix Examples
Smart | 0813, 0908, 0912, 0918, 0920, 0939, 0946, 0961, 0998
TNT (Talk ‘N Text) | 0907, 0930, 0949, 0950
Sun Cellular (owned by Smart) | 0922, 0923, 0931, 0943
So when you get called by 0938, 0918, or 0961 — there’s a high probability that it’s one of your Smart or TNT subscribers.
Why Filipinos Are Confused with Prefixes
Increasing numbers of Filipinos have phones and new SIM cards come out every year, so it’s no wonder that most Filipinos are confused with prefixes like 0938.
Two reasons why Filipinos are confused:
1. Continuous Release of New Prefixes
Telecom companies introduce new prefixes periodically to accommodate millions of SIM cards. Nowadays it is not easy to get confused with which code belongs to what network.
2. Mobile Number Portability (MNP)
MNP allows subscribers to switch to another network without losing the original number. Therefore, an 0938 number previously under Smart can now be under Globe or DITO.
The prefix does not change — merely the network that underlies it.
That is why prefixes inform us about the initial network, not even the existing network.
How to Check if a 0938 Number is Still Smart
If you would like to check whether a 0938 number is still a Smart number, you may do any of the following:
Use the Smart GigaLife App
You can download an app and ask for status or reload the number. If properly working, it is still Smart.
Visit Smart’s Site
Smart sites allow you to ask for prefixes or buy load directly.
Ask the Owner Personally
The simplest way — just approach the number owner and ask him or her what network he or she is currently using.
Send a Small Test Load
Attempt sending a ₱1 or ₱2 load as a test. If it was done accidentally, then it’s still in Smart.
These are the steps which prevent you from losing your balance and losing your transactions.
Advantages of Being on Smart (and 0938 Numbers)
Advantages of being a 0938 Smart number:
Excellent Coverage: Smart signal reaches even far-flung places in the Philippines.
Fastest LTE and 5G Data: Smart is the fastest data speed in the country.
Affordable Promos: There are plenty of affordable call, text, and data promos to choose from.
Accessible Affordable: Load can be purchased almost anywhere — sari-sari stores, convenience stores, and online apps.
Trusted Reliable Brand: Smart’s established history makes it one of the most trusted networks in the country.
Comparison of Philippine Mobile Networks
Feature | Smart | Globe | DITO
Popular Prefixes | 0912, 0938, 0961, 0998 | 0917, 0956, 0963, 0997 | 0991, 0992, 0993
Area of Coverage | Nationwide | Nationwide | Growing
Availability of 5G | Widely available | Widely available | Restricted
Low-Cost Brand | TNT | TM | None
Merged Networks | Sun Cellular | None | None
The table above shows how Smart’s national coverage and wide prefixes make it a strong network for millions of Filipinos.
Popularity of 0938 Prefix
0938 prefix was among the top-selling number sets of Smart in the 2000s. It was the first time that most Filipinos had their SIM cards under the prefix 0938.
Today, it’s still sought after because:
It’s well-known and easy to recall.
It’s used by businesses, institutions, and even government offices.
It’s associated with reliability and strong signal reception.
That’s why you’ll still see 0938 numbers everywhere — from small shops to online marketplaces.
0938 Prefix: Prepaid or Postpaid?
Primarily. 0938 are prepaid but are also retained by some postpaid subscribers. Smart originally allocated 0938 to prepaid, but the number retention rules and MNP altered the equation such that there are some postpaid users with the same prefix.
Therefore, even if the 0938 number is primarily a prepaid prefix, there are postpaid 0938 numbers.
What You Get When You Dial 0938 in Another Network
Being a Globe, TM, or DITO subscriber calling or texting a 0938 number, remember
Promo Limitations: Certain promos only include same-network calls only.
Cross-Network Charges: Calling or texting is more expensive outside your promo coverage.
Load Efficiency: Make use of all-net promos for regular chats with Smart users.
Getting to know these prevents extra charges.
Why Knowing the Network Still Matters
Even though with added features like MNP, there is still a necessity for remembering mobile prefixes like 0938:
Prevents Wrong Load Transfers
Easy to Choose Right Promos
Saves Call and SMS Expenses
Improve Business Communication
Prefixes are tiny stickers that allow Filipinos to be connected smarter and cheaper.
Checking Any Mobile Prefix in the Philippines
When a prefix defies your mind, these are the steps to check:
Go to Official Websites
Smart: smart.com.ph
Globe: globe.com.ph
DITO: dito.ph
Check Online Lists
Most telecom and tech sites have recent lists of prefixes.
Use a Prefix App
Some mobile apps are able to determine the network of a prefix in seconds.
Check with NTC
The National Telecommunications Commission releases the official and updated list of all operators’ prefixes.
Evolution of Mobile Prefixes in the Philippines
With the development of telecommunication technology, the mobile prefixes also evolved. Here is a quick timeline:
Year | Development
Early 2000s | Globe and Smart dominance, with distinct prefixes like 0912 and 0938
2010–2015 | LTE and smartphone penetration become the norm
2016–2020 | Sun Cellular is acquired by Smart
2021 | DITO comes and introduces new prefixes
2023–2025 | New prefixes introduced due to SIM registration as standard practice
0938 prefix, being one of the initial releases by Smart as well, continues to be active and widely in use.
SIM Registration and Prefix Legitimacy
All the subscribers, including the 0938 ones, have to register the SIM card under the SIM Registration Act.
The act legitimates all active numbers and renders them less text scam and fraud.
The Smart customers have it as a proof of affiliation with Smart and keep their services in check.
Quick Facts About the 0938 Prefix
Network: Smart Communications
Type: Majority Prepaid
Coverage: National (Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao)
Introduced: Early 2000s
Associated Brand: PLDT, TNT, Sun Cellular
Compatibility: 3G, LTE, and 5G-capable
The most stable and oldest series of working Smart that one can get is the 0938 prefix.
Switching Networks without Losing a 0938 Number
If you are transferring from Smart to Globe or DITO but you don’t wish to lose your 0938 number, then Mobile Number Portability (MNP) is the solution.
How to:
Request Smart for a Porting Code.
Port your number to your new network provider (Globe or DITO).
Wait for verification. 24–48 hours.
Activate Your New SIM with the same old number.
Your prefix does not change (0938), but your new network does not too.
The Future of Prefixes Like 0938
All-network promos notwithstanding, prefixes like 0938 will never be out of the running because they carry the identity of an original number.
Smart’s extensive network and large subscriber base provide 0938 with its niche in the Philippine mobile market.
Entrepreneurs and occasional users of mobile phone, 0938 prefix is here to stay bold, distinctive, and highly imbued with Smart’s heritage.
FAQs
Q1. What is the network of 0938 in the Philippines?
0938 is an original prefix awarded to Smart Communications.
Q2. Is 0938 a number of another network?
Yes. Under Mobile Number Portability, an 0938 number can be ported to Globe or DITO but maintaining the same prefix.
Q3. 0938 prepaid or postpaid?
Most 0938 are prepaid but some there are few postpaid subscribers who use the same prefix as well.
Q4. 0938 LTE and 5G ready?
Yes. Smart’s 0938 numbers are LTE and 5G ready subject to availability and device.
Q5. How can I determine if a 0938 is still Smart?
Use the Smart GigaLife App, send a trial load, or call Smart’s hotline.
Q6. What are the other Smart prefixes?
Other than 0938, they include 0912, 0918, 0920, 0939, 0961, and 0998.
Q7. Why do we need 0938 prefixes?
They avoid wrongful load transfers and unwanted charges on call or SMS.
Q8. Is Smart still using 0938 numbers today?
Yes. 0938 remains active and is still utilized by Smart subscribers nationwide.
When you are faced with the number that starts with 0938, do not hesitate to state that it was originally launched by Smart Communications.
Though Mobile Number Portability puts consumers in a position to shift networks, 0938 is the eerie reminder of Smart’s monopoly era in the Philippines.
Prefix 0938 reminds us that despite our age of the internet, there are still the barest minimum code which inch the millions of Filipinos nearer and nearer by the day.
For business transactions, personal messages, and surfing on the internet, 0938 is a tried and tested prefix which has been facilitating nationwide communication for decades.