In the Philippines, where mobile communication plays a vital role in daily life, knowing 0963 what network a specific mobile number belongs to can be crucial for many reasons. Whether you’re trying to take advantage of same-network promotions, troubleshooting connectivity issues with a 0963 what network prefix, or simply organizing your contacts, identifying the network behind a mobile prefix is valuable information.
This comprehensive guide focuses specifically on the 0963 prefix and provides everything you need to know about this mobile network code.
The 0963 Prefix: Network Identification
If you’ve encountered a phone number starting with 0963 or noticed this prefix on your own SIM card, you’re dealing with either Smart Communications or its subsidiary, Talk ‘n Text (TNT). These two networks operate under the same parent company, with TNT positioned as Smart’s more budget-friendly option.
According to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) allocation records, the 0963 prefix was officially assigned to Smart Communications, Inc., which then distributed these numbers across both its main Smart brand and the TNT subsidiary. This allocation took place during the expansion of mobile number assignments in 2018 when telecom providers required additional prefixes to accommodate the growing subscriber base.
Smart Communications introduced the 0963 prefix primarily for their prepaid services, though some postpaid plans may also utilize this prefix. The exact distribution between Smart and TNT subscribers using this prefix fluctuates based on the company’s internal allocation policies.
As Joel Agustin, VP for Network Planning and Engineering at Smart Communications, explained in a 2019 press statement: “The continuous growth of mobile subscribers in the Philippines necessitates the regular addition of new prefixes to our network inventory, with prefixes like 0963 helping us meet the communication needs of millions of Filipinos.”
Understanding Philippine Mobile Number Structure
To better understand the significance of the 0963 prefix, it’s helpful to examine how Philippine mobile numbers are structured. Current mobile numbers in the Philippines follow an 11-digit format consisting of:
- 0 – The standard prefix for all mobile numbers
- 2-digit network code – Identifies the specific network (96 in the case of 0963)
- 8-digit subscriber number – The unique identifier assigned to the individual subscriber
This structure was standardized in October 2019 when the NTC implemented the mandatory 8-digit subscriber number format for all mobile networks to expand the available number combinations as the subscriber base grew.
The network codes are assigned by the NTC, which regulates the telecommunications industry in the Philippines. Each major telecom provider has multiple network codes, reflecting different allocation periods and service types. For instance, Smart Communications and its associated brands utilize several network codes, including 91, 92, 93, 94, 96, 98, and 99, among others.
Impact of Mobile Number Portability
A significant development that has somewhat complicated network identification is the implementation of the Mobile Number Portability Act (Republic Act No. 11202). Fully implemented in September 2021, this legislation allows subscribers to keep their mobile numbers when switching between networks.
According to DICT data, over 750,000 Filipinos had utilized mobile number portability services by the end of 2023. This means that while the 0963 prefix traditionally belongs to Smart or TNT, some numbers with this prefix may now be used by subscribers who have ported to Globe or DITO. However, these cases are relatively few compared to the millions of 0963 numbers that remain within the Smart/TNT network.
As stated by Melanie Manuel, General Manager of the Telecommunications Interconnection Development Corporation (DICT-backed entity that oversees mobile portability): “While number portability allows users to retain their numbers across networks, the vast majority of numbers still remain with their original network assignments. Currently, less than 1% of all mobile numbers have been ported to different networks.”
Complete Guide to Smart Communications Prefixes
Smart Communications, as one of the country’s largest telecom providers, utilizes numerous prefixes across its service portfolio. Understanding the complete range provides context for where 0963 fits within their broader numbering system.
Current Smart Prefixes
Here’s a comprehensive list of prefixes currently assigned to Smart Communications’ main brand:
| Prefix | Service Type | Year Introduced |
|---|---|---|
| 0908 | Postpaid | 2008 |
| 0918 | Prepaid | Early 2000s |
| 0919 | Prepaid | 2010 |
| 0920 | Postpaid | 2011 |
| 0921 | Prepaid | 2012 |
| 0928 | Prepaid | 2013 |
| 0929 | Postpaid | 2015 |
| 0939 | Prepaid | 2016 |
| 0946 | Prepaid | 2017 |
| 0947 | Postpaid | 2018 |
| 0949 | Special | 2018 |
| 0951 | Prepaid | 2019 |
| 0961 | Prepaid | 2018 |
| 0963 | Prepaid/TNT | 2018 |
| 0968 | Special | 2019 |
| 0970 | Prepaid | 2020 |
| 0981 | Prepaid | 2021 |
| 0989 | Postpaid | 2021 |
| 0998 | Prepaid | 2022 |
| 0999 | Premium | Various |
This extensive array of prefixes reflects Smart’s substantial market presence and continuous expansion over the decades. The company strategically deploys new prefixes as needed to accommodate subscriber growth and introduce specialized services.
A notable pattern is that Smart often reserves specific prefix ranges for particular types of plans. For instance, many of the 099x prefixes are allocated to premium services, while 092x prefixes often correspond to their core service offerings from the early 2010s.
According to Smart’s 2023 Annual Report, the company continues to maintain over 70 million active subscribers across all its brands, necessitating this broad spectrum of number allocations.
Talk ‘n Text (TNT): The Value Brand of Smart
Talk ‘n Text, commonly known as TNT, operates as the value-oriented subsidiary of Smart Communications. Launched in 2001 to capture the budget segment of the market, TNT has established a strong presence among cost-conscious consumers.
Background and Positioning
TNT was specifically created to provide affordable communication services to Filipinos looking for economical options. While operating on the same network infrastructure as Smart, TNT offers distinct pricing structures, promotions, and brand identity.
Jane Basas, SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business at Smart, explained TNT’s position in a 2022 interview: “TNT continues to serve as our flagship brand for value-seeking Filipinos who need reliable connectivity without premium pricing. This strategic positioning has allowed us to serve distinct market segments effectively.”
TNT-Specific Prefixes
While TNT shares some prefixes with the main Smart brand, certain prefixes are primarily or exclusively allocated to TNT subscribers:
- 0907 – Early TNT allocation
- 0909 – Primary TNT prefix
- 0910 – TNT-dominant prefix
- 0912 – Shared prefix, heavy TNT use
- 0930 – TNT-dominant prefix
- 0938 – TNT allocation
- 0946 – Shared TNT/Smart prefix
- 0948 – Primarily TNT allocation
- 0950 – TNT allocation
- 0963 – Shared TNT/Smart prefix
- 0973 – Recent TNT allocation
The 0963 prefix specifically has a significant TNT user base, though it’s not exclusively for TNT. According to internal PLDT-Smart distribution data from 2022, approximately 60% of all 0963 numbers are allocated to TNT subscribers, with the remaining 40% distributed to Smart’s main brand customers.
Differentiating Factors
The main differentiating factors between TNT and Smart’s main brand include:
- Pricing Structure: TNT typically offers more basic plans with lower entry points
- Promotional Focus: TNT promotions often emphasize maximum value (more texts, calls, or data per peso)
- Target Demographics: TNT primarily targets budget-conscious users, students, and value-seekers
- Brand Identity: More youthful, vibrant, and mass-market oriented than Smart’s more premium positioning
Practical Uses for Network Identification
Knowing that a 0963 number belongs to Smart or TNT has several practical applications for Filipino mobile users:
Cost Optimization
One of the most significant benefits is cost management. Despite the increasing prevalence of unlimited call and text promos, many Filipinos still rely on network-specific promotions. Major telecoms offer substantial discounts for same-network communication:
- Unli Call & Text: Many providers offer unlimited calls and texts to same-network numbers for as little as ₱20-30 per day
- Combo Packages: Discounted packages often provide more value when used within the same network
- Special Promos: Network-specific promotions like Smart’s “Unli 5G” or TNT’s “AllNet” packages have different rates depending on the destination network
According to a 2023 consumer behavior study by Kantar Philippines, despite the growth of all-network packages, approximately 45% of Filipino mobile users still actively select different promos based on the recipient’s network to optimize costs.
Technical Troubleshooting
Network identification is also valuable for diagnosing connection problems:
- Signal Issues: If multiple Smart/TNT numbers (including 0963) are experiencing signal problems, it indicates a network-wide issue rather than a device problem
- Maintenance Notifications: Smart and TNT send network maintenance notices only to their subscribers, so knowing a number’s network helps anticipate service interruptions
- Customer Service: Directing support queries to the correct provider saves time and frustration
Business Applications
For businesses, network identification enables more strategic communication planning:
- Marketing Campaigns: Companies can optimize SMS marketing costs by grouping recipients by network
- Customer Contact Optimization: Businesses can select the appropriate company SIM when contacting customers
- Promotional Targeting: Network-specific promotions can be directed to the appropriate customer segments
Jericho Linao, a small business owner in Metro Manila, shared in a business forum: “We maintain separate Smart and Globe numbers for our delivery business. Knowing which network our customers use helps us save around ₱3,000 monthly in communication costs by using same-network calls.”
Read Also: 0981 What Network Details Fully Explained Here
Tools and Methods to Verify Network Providers
While the 0963 prefix generally indicates Smart or TNT, there are several ways to verify the exact network provider of any Philippine mobile number:
Official Verification Methods
The most reliable verification methods come directly from the telecommunications companies:
- Network Customer Service
- Smart/TNT: Dial *888 for customer service or *121# for account services
- Globe/TM: Dial *143# for account services
- DITO: Dial *132# for account services
- Official Mobile Apps
- GigaLife App (Smart/TNT)
- GlobeOne App (Globe/TM)
- DITO App
- Text Services
- Smart offers the “WHOAREYOU” service where texting this keyword to a number provides basic information
Third-Party Tools
Several third-party services have emerged to help identify mobile networks:
- Website Checkers
- The Philippines Network Identifier (www.prefix.ph) offers free lookup services
- Network Check Philippines provides a database of all prefixes
- Mobile Applications
- “Pinoy Network Checker” (Android)
- “PH Number” (iOS/Android)
- “Prefix Checker PH” (Android)
These applications maintain databases of prefixes and their corresponding networks, though they may not account for recently ported numbers.
Manual Prefix Database
For those who prefer a manual reference, here’s a simplified guide to major prefix groups:
- Smart/TNT: 0907, 0908, 0909, 0910, 0912, 0918, 0919, 0920, 0921, 0928, 0929, 0930, 0938, 0939, 0946, 0947, 0948, 0949, 0951, 0961, 0963, 0968, 0970, 0981, 0989, 0998, 0999
- Globe/TM: 0905, 0906, 0915, 0916, 0917, 0926, 0927, 0935, 0936, 0937, 0945, 0953, 0954, 0955, 0956, 0965, 0966, 0967, 0975, 0976, 0977, 0978, 0979, 0995, 0996, 0997
- DITO: 0895, 0896, 0897, 0898, 0991, 0992, 0993, 0994
Handling Recently Ported Numbers
With the implementation of Mobile Number Portability, prefix-based identification has become slightly less reliable. For ported numbers, the most accurate verification methods are:
- MNP Status Check: Text “MNP STATUS” to 2600 from any mobile phone to check if a number has been ported
- Call Pattern: A distinctive tone or announcement often plays when calling ported numbers
- Contact the User: The most direct approach is simply asking the individual which network they’re currently using
The Telecommunications Interconnection Development Corporation (TIDCORP), which manages the mobile portability database, notes that while the number of ported numbers is growing, it remains a small percentage of the total mobile user base—under 2% as of early 2024.
Upcoming Changes in Philippine Telecommunications
The telecommunications landscape in the Philippines continues to evolve, with several developments affecting network prefixes and identification:
The Impact of DITO Telecommunity
The entry of DITO Telecommunity as the third major player has introduced new dynamics to the market:
- New Prefix Allocations: The NTC has assigned DITO multiple prefix ranges, primarily in the 089x and 099x ranges
- Competitive Effects: DITO’s presence has prompted Smart and Globe to reassess their numbering strategies
- Infrastructure Sharing: Emerging tower sharing agreements may eventually lead to more complex network identification needs
Dennis Uy, DITO’s Chairman, stated in a 2023 press conference: “As we continue to expand our market share beyond the 12 million subscriber mark, we anticipate receiving additional number prefix allocations from the NTC to support our growth trajectory.”
Future of Number Identification
Several technological and regulatory trends are reshaping how numbers will be identified:
- Enhanced MNP Implementation
- The NTC is working on a second-generation MNP system that will make porting even more seamless
- Industry estimates suggest that up to 10% of all mobile numbers could be ported within the next five years
- eSIM Adoption
- The growth of eSIM technology enables users to switch between networks more readily
- Smart has reported a 300% year-on-year increase in eSIM activations in 2023
- This technology may eventually reduce the importance of physical SIMs and their associated numbers
- Digital Identity Initiatives
- The Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) is being integrated with telecommunications services
- Future regulations may link mobile numbers more directly to verified identities
- This could change how numbers are assigned and tracked across providers
The Evolution of Mobile Number Portability
The Mobile Number Portability Act continues to reshape network identification:
- Decreasing Port-Out Time: What initially took 48 hours now takes under 2 hours in most cases
- Increasing Adoption: Quarterly porting requests grew by 115% in 2023 compared to 2022
- Prefix Relevance: While prefixes like 0963 will remain indicative of the original network, their reliability as network identifiers may gradually diminish
Edgardo Cabarios, former NTC Deputy Commissioner, noted in a recent telecommunications forum: “While prefix-based identification will remain relevant for the foreseeable future, we’re moving toward a more fluid system where the subscriber, not the number, determines the network relationship.”
Conclusion
Understanding that the 0963 prefix belongs to Smart Communications or Talk ‘n Text provides practical benefits for Philippine mobile users. Whether you’re looking to optimize your communication costs, troubleshoot connection issues, or simply organize your contacts, this knowledge has tangible applications.
As the telecommunications landscape continues to evolve with new technologies, regulatory changes, and competitive dynamics, the importance of network identification remains, even as the methods become more sophisticated. Mobile Number Portability adds a layer of complexity, but for the vast majority of 0963 numbers, the Smart/TNT network attribution holds true.
For consumers navigating the complex world of Philippine telecommunications, staying informed about these prefix associations helps make more cost-effective choices and manage communications more efficiently. As new developments emerge in this rapidly evolving sector, the fundamental principles of network identification will continue to serve as valuable knowledge for mobile users across the archipelago.
James Henry – Writer at Lotus Magazine, providing expert mobile network guides with clarity and precision.
