Every cellphone number in the Philippines begins with a prefix. Prefix is the leading four numbers from the zero. These indicate what telecom operator originally issued the number. That’s why the majority of Filipinos would like to know: what network is 0996 in the Philippines?
This article explores to which network 0996 belongs, why prefixes remain important today, and how you can verify whether a 0996 number still uses the same carrier.
What Is a Mobile Prefix?
A mobile prefix is the initial set of numbers for any mobile number. 0996, 0906, 0917, 0920, and 0963 are some of these. They tell us what company initially supplied the SIM card.
Each telecommunication company in the Philippines has unique prefixes. For example:
- Globe numbers typically begin with 0917, 0956, 0963, or 0997
- Smart numbers typically begin with 0918, 0920, 0961, or 0998
- TNT, Smart’s budget brand, also uses a number of prefixes such as 0930, 0949, and 0989
- DITO numbers use the prefix of 0991, 0992, or 0993
- Sun Cellular, which is now owned by Smart, used 0922, 0923, and 0931 before that
So when you see 0996, it’s under a specific network.
0996 is under Globe Telecom
The 0996 prefix is under Globe Telecom, which is one of the largest telecommunication companies in the Philippines.
Globe utilized 0996 in its growing number of subscribers. The prefix is highly prevalent in prepaid but can be utilized in postpaid too.
Upon observing a call or text from a number starting 0996, that number was originally sourced by Globe.
Why Knowing the Network Still Matters
There are people who would claim that network prefixes are no longer accounted for because most promos these days already have “all-net.” However, one still needs to be mindful of the network for an awful lot of reasons:
- There are promos that are exclusive for same-network calls and messages
- Cross-network calls and messages are still chargeable extra if not subsidized by your promo
- Sending prepaid load is safe if you know the proper network
- It helps you choose the best promo based on your calls and texts
Which is why knowing that 0996 is a Globe prefix is still helpful today.
Globe and the 0996 Prefix
Globe Telecom has been one of the big telecom behemoths in the Philippines for decades. Having millions of subscribers throughout the Philippines, Globe enjoys good coverage in metropolitan cities and rural provinces.
The 0996 prefix is one of Globe’s long roster of mobile numbers. Filipinos use 0996 numbers on a daily basis for:
- Voice calls to friends and relatives
- Texting or SMS
- Surfing the internet through LTE and 5G (depending on the location and device)
- Social networking apps and web services
Because Globe’s reach is so extensive, numbers that start with 0996 are everywhere in the country.
Other Globe Prefixes
Several of Globe’s other prefixes are utilized aside from 0996. Some of the most commonly used ones are:
- 0905
- 0906
- 0915
- 0917
- 0926
- 0935
- 0956
- 0963
- 0975
- 0997
Touch Mobile (TM) is Globe’s value brand as well. TM uses many of Globe’s prefixes, so numbers that begin with 09xx might be either Globe or TM.
Why Filipinos are Confused with Prefixes
It is not uncommon that Filipinos confuse prefixes such as 0996. There are two key reasons for this.
New prefixes continue to emerge
Telecom operators offload new prefixes each time more people buy SIM cards. With all these different numbers, it is difficult for people to remember them all.
Mobile Number Portability (MNP)
MNP makes porting to a new network possible without having to change the number. Take the example of a 0996 number being ported from Globe to Smart or DITO. The prefix remains 0996 but the number no longer belongs to Globe.
Because of this, prefixes only point to the original network, but not necessarily the current one.
Directions: How to Tell If 0996 Is Still Globe
If you want to check if a 0996 number is still with Globe, you can check using the following:
- Check the latest prefix lists online – There are websites that update latest prefixes for Globe, Smart, TNT, and DITO.
- Use Globe’s official apps – The Globe One app lets you reload or check numbers. If the number is foul, it will not be processed.
- Ask the owner straight up – The simplest way is to ask the number owner straight up if they are still with Globe or not.
- Send a minimal test load – In case you are unsure, send a minimal load first before sending more.
These processes allow you to be fault-free and save money.
Role of Globe in Philippine Telecom
Globe is one of the Philippines’ two leading telecommunication companies, followed by Smart. Globe boasts:
- Millions of prepaid and postpaid subscribers
- Excellent mobile coverage across the country
- LTE and 5G coverage in major cities and towns
- Wide variety of call, text, and data promos
0996 is one of the Globe prefixes that are utilized to offer additional numbers to new subscribers.
Globe and Non-Globe User Tips
If you’re a Globe or TM subscriber:
- Calling and texting 0996 numbers are usually free or on promos.
- You can send a prepaid load to 0996 numbers without extra charge.
If you are a Smart, TNT, or DITO subscriber:
- First, see if your promo already covers Globe numbers when calling or texting 0996.
- Cross-network calls incur an extra cost when not on the promo.
Tip in general: If you frequently create and transmit texts to other networks, it is best to avail all-network promos.
The Future of Prefixes
The Philippine telecommunication sector continues to grow year after year. With more and more Filipinos purchasing smartphones and registering SIM cards, the organizations like Globe, Smart, TNT, and DITO will go on introducing new prefixes.
But prefixes like 0996 will not go away. Filipinos keep their numbers for years because these are connected to:
- Family and relatives
- Work and business
- Schools and universities
- Social media accounts
- Online banking and mobile services
It means that 0996 will be around for a very, very, very long time.
FAQs
In what network is 0996 in the Philippines?
0996 is a Globe Telecom-owned prefix.
Will a 0996 number change to another network?
Yes. When Mobile Number Portability, a 0996 number can be transferred to Smart or DITO, but the prefix is still 0996.
Is 0996 prepaid or postpaid?
Most of the 0996 numbers are prepaid but can also be assigned to postpaid subscribers.
Would it be more expensive to call a 0996 number from Smart or TNT?
That will depend on your promo. Some promos have all-net texts and calls but others will charge extra for cross-network.
What are the other Globe prefixes aside from 0996?
Other Globe prefixes include 0905, 0906, 0915, 0917, 0926, 0935, 0956, 0963, 0975, and 0997.
Why learn prefixes like 0996?
It prevents you from committing load forwarding mistakes, saves you from extra charges, and keeps you posted about an origin network of a number.
Is 0996 compatible with 5G and LTE?
Yes. Speed of the internet would depend on your phone, SIM, and signal availability, not the prefix.
How do you know if a 0996 number is still with Globe?
You could check via GlobeOne app, newest online listings, or by merely querying the number owner.
When you look at a number beginning with 0996, you know where you got it from. Prefixes are short but effective. These assist in identifying networks, prevent errors in load sending, and direct you to selecting the correct promos.
0996 is just one of the live prefixes utilized every day by millions of Filipinos. Regardless of number portability and all-network offers, prefixes like 0996 are still valuable in mobile communications.
As the Philippine telecommunications market keeps growing, prefixes like 0996 will remain part of daily life. Globe subscribers and even non-subscribers will benefit from being aware that 0996 belongs to which network.