Ever gotten a call or text starting with 0985 and thought, “Wait, what network is this from?” Yeah, happens to the best of us. In the Philippines, those first four digits on a mobile number are like the secret handshake—they tell you which telco originally handed out that number. Super handy, even now when Mobile Number Portability (MNP) lets folks jump from one network to another without losing their digits. Sure, people can now switch networks and still keep their old numbers, but those prefixes still give you a clue about where that number first came from.
So, what’s the deal with 0985? This guide’s got you covered: we’ll spill the beans on everything you need to know about the 0985 prefix—what network it started with, how MNP shook things up, how to check what network a number’s on, and why knowing your prefixes still matters whether you’re just texting your crush or running a business. Let’s dive in—because, honestly, who wants to be left guessing?
What Network Is 0985?
Alright, here’s the real talk:
0985? Yeah, that’s a Globe Telecom prefix—classic Globe, one of the big guns in the Philippines telecom scene. They’ve got a whole chunk of numbers starting with 0985, and that’s how they reach, like, millions of Filipinos. Calls, texts, data—basically, if you’re messaging your tita or scrolling TikTok on that number, you’re probably riding the Globe network.
But, you know how it goes now—Mobile Number Portability is a thing. So, even if someone’s sporting that 0985 at the start, they might’ve jumped ship to another network ages ago. Still, if you wanna get technical, Globe is the OG for 0985. Just, don’t bet your last load on it always being Globe anymore. Things got complicated.
What Does the 0985 Prefix Mean?
Alright, here’s the deal: in the Philippines, those 09-series mobile numbers—stuff like 0917 for Globe, 0999 for Smart, and yeah, 0985 too—aren’t just random digits. They actually tell you what network someone’s on. Handy, right? I mean, ever tried to figure out if you’re gonna get charged extra for texting your friend? These prefixes are your cheat sheet.
- Telcos love to throw out promos where you get unlimited texts or calls, but only if you stick to the same network. So, knowing someone’s prefix saves you from burning through your load like wildfire. Businesses? Oh, they’re all over this. They use these prefixes to blast out promos or updates to the right people, making sure they’re not just screaming into the void.
And don’t even get me started on scams—if you spot a weird or obviously fake prefix, that’s your red flag right there. Seriously, it’s not rocket science, but it saves a ton of headaches.
Impact of Mobile Number Portability (MNP)
Okay, here’s the thing: since 2021, folks in the Philippines can actually keep their phone numbers—even the prefix!—if they wanna jump ship from one mobile network to another, thanks to this law called the Philippine Mobile Number Portability Act (yeah, Republic Act No. 11202, if you wanna get all technical). So, like, someone rocking an 0985 prefix? You can’t just assume they’re on Smart anymore—they might be with DITO, Globe, or whoever. Basically, the prefix means squat now. Welcome to the chaos, I guess.
How MNP Affects 0985
| Feature | Before MNP | After MNP |
| Prefix identifies network | Yes | No (prefix may no longer reflect actual provider) |
| Can you change providers? | No | Yes |
| 0985 always Globe? | Yes | Not always (check status) |
Even though 0985 is a Globe assigned prefix you can not even assume it is still a Globe number without confirming the current network, more so when the user is ported out.
How to Verify 0985 Network in Real-Time
As MNP confuses the boundaries between prefixes and active networks, it is always worth checking a number and then sending promos, business messages and making calls.
To determine whether such a number as 0985-123-4567 is still in Globe or another network, here is how to do it:
- Use a prefix checker app like:
- PreFIX PH
- Telco Checker PH
- SIMReg Checker
- PreFIX PH
- Send an inquiry message using the telco’s USSD code:
- Globe: *143# → Check mobile services
- Smart: *888# or via MySmart App
- Globe: *143# → Check mobile services
- Contact customer support of your network provider and provide the number in question.
Why Knowing Mobile Prefixes Like 0985 Still Matters
Even with MNP in place, understanding mobile prefixes remains very important for:
Avoiding Scam Numbers
Scammers often spoof or fake numbers. By knowing valid, assigned prefixes like 0985 (Globe), you can more easily identify unusual patterns.
Optimizing Promo Usage
If you’re on Globe and call or text another 0985 number, you may qualify for in-network offers – but only if the number hasn’t been ported.
Effective Business Communication
Marketers who segment contacts by network can save money and increase deliverability. Knowing that 0985 is Globe helps with this.
Technical Support and Registration
Some online services still use mobile prefixes to verify network-based features or restrictions. This is especially true in banking, mobile wallets, and SIM registration.
Other Prefixes by Globe Telecom
To provide better context, here are other prefixes assigned to Globe Telecom (besides 0985):
| Prefix | Network |
| 0915 | Globe |
| 0916 | Globe |
| 0917 | Globe |
| 0926 | Globe |
| 0927 | Globe |
| 0935 | Globe |
| 0945 | Globe |
| 0956 | Globe |
| 0985 | Globe |
| 0995 | Globe |
| 0997 | Globe |
Remember, Smart, DITO, and other networks have their own separate prefixes, but MNP now allows users to carry any prefix to any provider.
How Telco Prefixes Are Allocated in the Philippines
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) is responsible for assigning and regulating mobile number blocks (prefixes) to telcos.
Process of Allocation:
- Telcos basically throw their hat in the ring for new number blocks every time they wanna grow bigger. NTC jumps in, pokes around to see if those blocks are actually up for grabs and if they’ll play nice with future tech. Once that’s sorted, they slap on some new prefixes and post ’em for everyone to see. Pretty soon, bam, you’ve got fresh SIM cards rolling out with those shiny new numbers.
So yeah, that’s exactly how Globe snagged 0985. The NTC handed it over officially, mostly ’cause people kept asking for more lines. Supply and demand, baby.
How to Deal with Calls that have an 0985 Number
All 0985 numbers are not credible so exercise caution more so when you are receiving an unsolicited call. These are some of the suggestions:
Do not Answers Unknown Numbers Seconds Later
And in case it appears shifty, let the call be voiced.
Look Up the Number
Search the number online to see if others have reported it for scams.
Use Spam Call Apps
You can also install Truecaller, Whoscall or Hiya applications to automatically block spammers.
Report Suspicious Activity
If that number’s obviously trying to scam you, don’t just sit there—do something about it. Hit up Globe Customer Care (yeah, they deal with this stuff all the time). You can also let the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) know, or, if you’re feeling extra thorough, the National Privacy Commission (NPC). Don’t let those scammers get away with it.
FAQ
Are 0985 part of the world?
And yes, this is assigned to Globe Telecom which is originally 0985.
Portability is possible with 800 numbers.
Indeed, the Mobile Number Portability now allows 0985 numbers to be able to be used with Smart, DITO, or other networks.
How can one check the network over which a ported 0985 is using?
Check using telco apps or universal sim codes or by calling providers.
Why is 0985 a safe choice of getting calls?
Yes, in case you have a clue as to who the person is. In the case that it is a number not known, check first then call it back.
Will there be new 0985 SIM cards being released by Globe?
Globe still regulates SIM cards in this prefix to this day, depending on the demand of the users and approval of regulations.
Oh, the 0985 thing? That’s basically a prefix from Globe Telecom in the Philippines—yeah, the one with a boatload of subscribers. But here’s the kicker: thanks to Mobile Number Portability (fancy term, but just means you can switch networks without losing your number), you can’t just assume everyone rocking 0985 is still chillin’ with Globe. People bounce around. So, honestly, if you wanna be sure which network someone’s on, don’t just trust the prefix—do an actual check. Otherwise, you might be barking up the wrong telecom tree.
You can figure out the importance of such mobile prefixes as 0985:
Cut the crap with spam calls and those relentless telemarketers—nobody’s got time for that nonsense. Push folks to stick with in-network calls and texts, way less hassle and you know who you’re dealing with. Oh, and seriously, let’s rethink how we talk to people and companies… streamline it or at least make it less painful, please.
If you see a number starting with 0985, yeah, that’s usually Globe. Still, don’t just assume—networks change hands all the time these days. Double-check what carrier it’s on now, especially if you actually need to get it right. No one likes surprises on their phone bill, trust me.