In the Philippines, mobile phone numbers are more than just random digits. They serve as immediate identifiers of which network you’re connected to, which can be crucial information when planning calls, texts, or mobile data usage. If you’ve encountered a number beginning with 0964 or its international format 63964, you’re dealing with a Smart Communications number. So what network is 0964? The answer is clear: it belongs to Smart Communications, not Globe, DITO, or TNT.
Let’s move deep into the world of Philippine mobile networks with a focus on the 0964 what network question that many mobile users ask.
Smart Communications: The Network Behind 0964
Smart Communications, commonly known as Smart, is one of the Philippines’ largest telecommunications companies. Established in 1991, Smart has grown to become a major player in the Philippine telecom industry, serving millions of subscribers nationwide. When people ask “0964 what network Philippines?” they’re referring to this telecommunications giant.
As a wholly-owned subsidiary of PLDT (Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company), Smart operates as part of the country’s largest telecommunications conglomerate. According to the company’s 2023 annual report, Smart Communications boasts over 70 million subscribers across its various services, capturing approximately 47% of the mobile market share in the Philippines.
Smart’s network infrastructure is extensive, with over 10,000 cell sites covering approximately 96% of the Philippine population. The company has invested heavily in expanding its 4G LTE coverage and rolling out 5G technology in major urban areas like Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao.
Smart’s Position in the PLDT Ecosystem
Within the PLDT group, Smart Communications functions as the wireless services arm, providing mobile voice, text, data, and value-added services. The integration between PLDT’s fixed-line infrastructure and Smart’s wireless network creates one of the most comprehensive telecommunications systems in Southeast Asia.
According to telecommunications analyst Mary Rose Caballero of Pacific Research Group, “Smart’s positioning within the PLDT ecosystem gives it significant advantages in terms of infrastructure sharing and technology deployment, allowing more rapid expansion of services compared to some competitors.”
Understanding Mobile Number Prefixes in the Philippines
The Philippine mobile numbering system has evolved significantly over the years. The most notable change came in October 2021, when the country officially implemented the Mobile Number Portability Act and standardized all mobile numbers to an 11-digit format.
The Philippines’ Mobile Numbering System
Philippine mobile numbers follow this structure:
- Prefix (4 digits): Starts with 09XX
- Subscriber Number (7 digits): XXXXXXX
For international format, the structure changes to:
- Country Code: 63 (replacing the 0)
- Network Prefix (3 digits): 9XX
- Subscriber Number (7 digits): XXXXXXX
This explains why a number appearing as 0964-XXX-XXXX domestically would be written as +63964-XXX-XXXX for international calls or messaging.
Mobile Network Identification by Prefix
Each mobile network operator in the Philippines is assigned specific prefixes. Here’s how they break down:
| Network Operator | Common Prefixes |
|---|---|
| Smart Communications | 0908, 0918, 0920, 0921, 0928, 0929, 0964, 0968, 0970, 0981, 0989, 0999 |
| Globe Telecom | 0905, 0906, 0915, 0916, 0917, 0926, 0927, 0935, 0945, 0953, 0954 |
| DITO Telecommunity | 0895, 0896, 0897, 0898, 0991, 0992, 0993, 0994 |
| Sun Cellular (now under Smart) | 0922, 0923, 0924, 0925, 0931, 0932, 0933, 0934 |
| TNT (Talk ‘N Text) | 0907, 0909, 0910, 0912, 0930, 0938, 0946, 0948, 0950 |
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) oversees the allocation of these prefixes and ensures proper implementation across the industry.
All About the 0964 Prefix
The 0964 what network question is commonly asked by Filipinos trying to identify which carrier a number belongs to. To be clear, 0964 belongs to Smart Communications. It is not a TNT (Talk ‘N Text) prefix, even though TNT is a subsidiary brand of Smart Communications.
When people search for “0964 what network TNT,” they should understand that while TNT and Smart are related companies, 0964 specifically belongs to the main Smart brand, not TNT.
When Was the 0964 Prefix Introduced?
According to the National Telecommunications Commission records, the 0964 prefix was officially allocated to Smart Communications in October 2018. Initial SIM cards bearing this prefix began appearing in the market by December of that year, primarily distributed in urban centers before expanding nationwide.
The introduction of this prefix came at a time when Smart was enhancing its 4G LTE network, making 0964 numbers among the first to benefit from improved network capabilities.
Other Smart Communications Prefixes
Smart Communications operates several prefix series, including:
- 0908, 0918, 0920, 0921 (older, established prefixes)
- 0928, 0929, 0964, 0968 (mid-generation prefixes)
- 0970, 0981, 0989, 0999 (newer allocations)
Additionally, since Smart’s acquisition of Sun Cellular, prefixes formerly exclusive to Sun (such as 0922-0925 and 0931-0934) now operate under Smart’s network infrastructure.
Understanding 0964 vs. 63964
The difference between 0964 and 63964 is simply formatting:
- 0964: The domestic format used within the Philippines
- 63964: The international format, where 63 is the Philippines’ country code
When saving a Smart 0964 number in your contacts list for international use, replacing the initial “0” with “63” ensures calls and messages will connect properly from abroad.
Tech blogger Juan Dela Cruz explains: “The confusion between 0964 and 63964 is common among Filipinos. They’re essentially the same number, just formatted differently depending on whether you’re dialing domestically or internationally.”
Benefits of Smart Communications 0964 Network
When people ask “what network is 0964” and learn it’s Smart Communications, they might wonder about the specific benefits this network offers.
Network Capabilities
Smart’s 0964 numbers operate on the company’s advanced network infrastructure, which includes:
- 4G LTE Coverage: According to Smart’s network data from December 2023, their 4G LTE network reaches 93% of the Philippine population.
- 5G Availability: In major urban areas, 0964 users can access Smart’s growing 5G network, which currently covers approximately 25% of the population, primarily in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, and other key cities.
- VoLTE Support: Voice over LTE is available for compatible devices, providing clearer voice calls.
Smart Communications’ Chief Technology Officer reported in early 2024 that the company had completed over 2,000 new cell site installations in the previous year, many supporting both 4G and 5G technology.
Unique Services for 0964 Subscribers
While the prefix itself doesn’t confer special benefits, Smart subscribers (including those with 0964 numbers) can access:
- GigaLife App: An all-in-one app for managing subscriptions, payments, and rewards points
- Smart Music: Access to streaming music services with special data allocations
- Smart Watch: Video streaming packages with data efficiency optimizations
- GigaPoints: Loyalty rewards program for Smart subscribers
According to Smart’s product manager Maria Santos, “Our services are designed to work seamlessly across all our prefixes, including 0964. The customer experience should be consistent regardless of which Smart prefix they’re using.”
Practical Information for 0964 Users
For those who have confirmed “0964 what network Philippines” and know they’re using Smart Communications, here’s some practical information:
How to Check if Your Number is on the Smart Network
If you’re unsure whether a 0964 number (or any number) belongs to Smart Communications, you can:
- Check via SMS: Text INFO to 214
- Use the GigaLife App: Download and enter the number to verify
- Call Smart Customer Service: Dial *888 from your Smart phone
- Use the Smart Website: Visit the Smart Communications website and use the number lookup tool
Mobile Number Portability
Since the implementation of the Mobile Number Portability Act in September 2021, Filipinos can now keep their mobile numbers when switching networks. This means:
- A 0964 number can potentially be transferred to Globe or DITO
- However, the prefix still identifies the number’s original network
The process typically takes 48-72 hours and requires:
- Valid ID
- Completion of a porting application
- Zero outstanding balance with your current provider
According to the Telecommunications Connectivity Inc. (TCI), the joint venture handling number portability, approximately 2.5 million Filipinos had utilized mobile number portability services by the end of 2023.
Common Troubleshooting for 0964 Numbers
0964 users might occasionally experience network issues. Here are common solutions:
- Signal Problems: Toggle airplane mode on and off, or restart your device
- Data Connectivity Issues: Check APN settings (Smart’s correct APN is “smartbro”)
- Registration Issues: For new SIM cards, ensure proper registration through the GigaLife app or by visiting a Smart store
“Most connectivity issues can be resolved with simple steps like restarting your phone or checking your settings,” advises telecommunications expert Antonio Reyes. “For persistent problems, Smart’s technical support team can usually identify if there’s an outage or infrastructure issue in your area.”
Future of Mobile Networks in the Philippines
Understanding “what network is 0964” is just the beginning. The future of telecommunications in the Philippines continues to evolve rapidly.
Technology Improvements for Smart Communications
Smart has announced several initiatives that will benefit all subscribers, including those with 0964 numbers:
- Continued 5G expansion, with plans to reach 40% population coverage by end of 2025
- Introduction of 5G standalone architecture for improved performance
- Investment in fiber backhaul to support growing data demands
- Exploration of Open RAN technology to optimize network performance
Smart Communications President and CEO stated in a recent press conference, “Our goal is to provide world-class connectivity to Filipinos regardless of where they are in the country. Our technology roadmap focuses on both urban advancement and rural inclusion.”
Industry Trends Affecting Mobile Users
The Philippine telecommunications industry continues to evolve rapidly:
- Increasing competition from DITO Telecommunity as the third major player
- Growing demand for mobile data services (increasing approximately 35% year-over-year)
- Shift toward digital services and fintech integration
- Enhanced focus on cybersecurity and data privacy
Telecommunications analyst Dr. Felipe Mendoza notes, “The entry of DITO has created healthy competition, pushing both Smart and Globe to improve their services and offerings. This benefits all Filipino consumers regardless of which network they’re using.”
Potential Changes to the Numbering System
While no immediate changes to the Philippine numbering system have been announced, industry experts speculate that:
- Additional prefixes may be allocated as subscriber numbers grow
- Further integration of mobile services might occur across PLDT-Smart platforms
- Future technological developments might eventually reduce the significance of network-specific prefixes
Conclusion
The 0964 prefix represents more than just a series of digits—it’s an identifier of Smart Communications’ network in the Philippines’ dynamic telecommunications landscape. When people ask “0964 what network,” the answer is definitively Smart Communications, not TNT, Globe, or DITO. Whether you’re a 0964 user yourself or simply communicate with people who have these numbers, understanding the network behind the prefix helps navigate calling plans, troubleshoot issues, and anticipate service capabilities.
As Smart Communications continues to expand and enhance its network infrastructure, 0964 users can expect ongoing improvements in coverage, speed, and available services. Meanwhile, industry developments like mobile number portability offer greater flexibility for consumers while maintaining the historical significance of network prefixes as identifiers.
For Filipinos and those communicating with contacts in the Philippines, recognizing that 0964 belongs to Smart Communications provides practical knowledge in an increasingly connected world.
FAQs About 0964 What Network
How can I tell if a number is from Smart Communications?
You can identify Smart numbers by their prefixes. For 0964 specifically, this is a confirmed Smart Communications prefix. Other common Smart prefixes include 0908, 0918, 0920, 0921, 0928, 0929, 0968, 0970, 0981, 0989, and 0999.
Can I keep my 0964 number when switching carriers?
Yes, thanks to the Mobile Number Portability Act implemented in 2021, you can keep your 0964 number when switching to Globe or DITO. The process requires visiting a store of your new chosen carrier with valid ID and completing a porting application.
What’s the difference between 0964 and 63964?
These are the same number in different formats. 0964 is the domestic format used within the Philippines, while 63964 is the international format where “63” is the Philippines’ country code replacing the “0” prefix.
Is 0964 a TNT number?
No, 0964 what network TNT searches often lead to confusion. While TNT (Talk ‘N Text) is a brand under Smart Communications, the 0964 prefix specifically belongs to the main Smart brand, not TNT. TNT typically uses prefixes like 0907, 0909, 0910, 0912, 0930, and 0946.
How does Smart’s network compare to other providers?
According to recent Ookla speed test results from late 2023, Smart Communications leads in average mobile data speeds (35.2 Mbps download/8.1 Mbps upload) compared to Globe (28.4 Mbps/7.3 Mbps) and DITO (25.6 Mbps/5.9 Mbps). Coverage varies by region, with Smart excelling in urban areas while competitors may have advantages in specific locations.
James Henry – Writer at Lotus Magazine, providing expert mobile network guides with clarity and precision.
