In the Philippines, mobile number prefixes serve as digital identifiers that instantly reveal which network provider you’re connecting with. Among these prefixes, 0970 What Network has become increasingly common across the country.
Whether you’re trying to identify who operates a particular number, considering network switches, or simply curious about the telecommunications landscape in the Philippines, understanding what network 0970 belongs to is more useful than you might think.
0970: Smart Communications Network Identifier
The 0970 prefix belongs to Smart Communications, one of the Philippines’ leading telecommunications providers. When dialing from outside the country, this prefix becomes 63970, with 63 being the country code for the Philippines.
Smart Communications began issuing 0970 numbers in the mid-2010s as part of their expansion of available mobile number series. This prefix represents one of Smart’s newer allocations from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), the government agency responsible for assigning number ranges to telecommunications companies.
According to the NTC’s mobile number allocation guidelines, each telecommunications provider receives specific prefixes to ensure proper routing of calls and text messages across networks. The 0970 prefix was part of a batch allocation that helped Smart accommodate its growing subscriber base, which reached 75.6 million customers by the end of 2023, according to PLDT’s annual report.
Smart Communications: Company Overview
To understand the significance of the 0970 prefix, it helps to know more about the company behind it. Smart Communications is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PLDT (Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company), the country’s largest telecommunications conglomerate.
Established in 1991, Smart Communications pioneered mobile telecommunications in the Philippines and has since grown to become one of the country’s largest providers. The company offers a wide range of services including prepaid and postpaid mobile plans, fixed wireless broadband, and various digital services.
Smart Communications operates alongside TNT (Talk ‘N Text) and Sun Cellular, which were both acquired by PLDT and now function as subsidiary brands under the Smart umbrella. While these brands target different market segments, they all utilize the same network infrastructure. This means that 0970 numbers operate on the same towers and equipment as other Smart, TNT, and Sun numbers, despite having different prefixes.
“Smart Communications continues to lead digital innovations in the Philippines, serving millions of Filipinos with our robust mobile network that now includes our rapidly expanding 5G infrastructure,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, PLDT and Smart Communications President and CEO, in their 2023 annual report.
The Philippine Mobile Numbering System Explained
To fully appreciate how the 0970 prefix fits into the Philippines’ telecommunications ecosystem, it’s important to understand the country’s mobile numbering system.
In October 2019, the NTC implemented Department Order No. 10-10-2017, mandating a shift from a 10-digit to an 11-digit mobile numbering plan. This change required adding a “0” prefix to all existing mobile numbers, transforming the previous 10-digit format (e.g., 970-XXX-XXXX) to an 11-digit format (e.g., 0970-XXX-XXXX).
The Philippine mobile numbering system now follows this structure:
- The first four digits (e.g., 0970) identify the network provider
- The remaining seven digits serve as the subscriber’s unique identifier
This system allows for clear network identification while providing telecom companies with millions of potential number combinations for their subscribers.
Mobile Number Prefixes by Provider
Here’s how mobile prefixes are currently distributed among major Philippine carriers:
| Provider | Common Prefixes |
|---|---|
| Smart Communications | 0813, 0907, 0908, 0909, 0970, 0981, 0989, 0998, 0999 |
| Globe Telecom | 0905, 0906, 0915, 0916, 0917, 0926, 0927, 0935, 0936, 0945, 0955, 0956, 0975, 0976, 0977, 0978, 0979, 0995, 0996, 0997 |
| DITO Telecommunity | 0895, 0896, 0897, 0898, 0991, 0992, 0993, 0994 |
| TNT (Talk ‘N Text) | 0907, 0909, 0910, 0912, 0930, 0931, 0946, 0951, 0961, 0970, 0981 |
| Sun Cellular | 0922, 0923, 0924, 0925, 0931, 0932, 0933, 0934, 0940, 0941, 0942, 0943, 0973, 0974 |
Note: This list is not exhaustive as providers periodically receive new prefixes from the NTC.
Other Smart Communications Prefixes
While 0970 is definitely a Smart Communications prefix, it’s just one of many number series allocated to the telecommunications giant. Smart’s mobile number prefixes have evolved over the years as the company expanded its subscriber base.
Smart’s older prefixes typically begin with 0918, 0919, 0920, and 0921. These were among the first number series assigned to Smart and are still widely used today. As demand for mobile numbers grew, Smart received additional prefixes including 0928, 0929, 0939, 0946, 0947, 0949, 0951, 0961, 0998, and 0999.
More recent allocations include the 0970 series being discussed, along with 0981 and 0989. These newer prefixes were added as Smart continued expanding its network capacity and subscriber base.
For practical purposes, being able to identify Smart numbers can be helpful for several reasons:
- Taking advantage of “same network” promotions and discounts
- Understanding potential call and text rates (same-network communications are often cheaper)
- Anticipating network coverage and quality in specific areas
- Managing business communications more effectively
According to data from the NTC’s 2023 telecommunications report, Smart Communications and its sub-brands hold approximately 47% of the mobile subscription market share in the Philippines, making it likely that you’ll encounter 0970 and other Smart prefixes regularly.
Why Network Identification Matters
Understanding that 0970 belongs to Smart Communications has practical implications beyond mere curiosity. Here’s why it matters:
Cost Considerations
Philippine mobile plans often offer promotional rates for “same network” communications. Knowing that 0970 is a Smart number means:
- If you’re also a Smart subscriber, calls and texts to 0970 numbers may be cheaper or even free under certain promotions
- If you’re with a different provider, you might incur higher “off-net” rates when contacting 0970 numbers
Promotional Eligibility
Network providers frequently offer promotions exclusive to their subscribers. For instance, Smart’s “Giga” data promos, load rebates, and rewards programs are only available to numbers within their network, including 0970 prefixes.
Network Quality Expectations
Each provider has different network strengths in various locations throughout the Philippines. Smart Communications has traditionally had strong coverage in major urban centers and has been expanding its 5G infrastructure rapidly. When contacting a 0970 number, you can generally expect the call quality and reliability typical of Smart’s network.
According to Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index report for Q4 2023, Smart Communications achieved an average download speed of 43.78 Mbps across the Philippines, though performance varies significantly by location and device capability.
Read Also: 0962 What Network Philippines: Smart & Sun Cellular Prefixes Guide
Transferring Networks While Keeping Your Number
In September 2021, the Philippines implemented Mobile Number Portability (MNP), allowing subscribers to keep their mobile numbers when switching between providers. This development means that a 0970 number, while originally issued by Smart Communications, could potentially belong to a subscriber who has since moved to Globe Telecom or DITO Telecommunity.
However, according to data released by the Telecommunications Connectivity Inc. (TCI), the joint venture established to implement MNP, only about 3% of Filipino mobile users had switched networks while maintaining their numbers as of December 2023. This suggests that the vast majority of 0970 numbers still operate on Smart’s network.
The MNP process involves:
- Securing a Unique Subscriber Code from your current provider
- Applying for portability with your desired new provider
- Waiting for approval (typically 48 hours if you have no outstanding balance)
- Receiving a new SIM card while keeping your old number
There are several considerations before porting a 0970 number to another network:
- You must not have any outstanding balance with Smart Communications
- Your account needs to be active for a minimum of 60 days.
- You may lose access to network-specific services and promotions
- Some older devices may experience compatibility issues.
Dr. Edgardo Cabarios, Deputy Commissioner of the NTC, noted in a press statement: “Mobile Number Portability gives Filipino consumers the freedom to choose their preferred service provider without the inconvenience of changing their mobile numbers. This fosters healthier competition among providers and ultimately improves service quality.”
Checking a Number’s Network Provider
With the implementation of MNP, prefix-based identification is no longer 100% reliable for determining a number’s current network. However, there are several methods to verify which network a specific 0970 number currently belongs to:
Official Methods
- Mobile Number Portability Service Inquiry:
- Dial *171# from any mobile phone
- Follow the on-screen prompts to check a specific number
- This free service works across all networks
- Smart Communications Customer Service:
- Dial *888 from a Smart, TNT, or Sun number
- Ask the representative to verify if a specific 0970 number is still on their network
Third-Party Services
Several websites and apps offer network checking services, though their accuracy may vary:
- Mobile network checker websites
- Third-party telecommunications apps
- Business messaging platforms with network identification features
For businesses that need to verify large batches of numbers, telecommunications companies offer enterprise solutions through their business service departments.
The Future of Mobile Numbering in the Philippines
As the telecommunications landscape continues to evolve, so too will the significance of prefixes like 0970. Several trends are shaping the future:
Expanded Mobile Number Portability
The NTC continues to refine the MNP system, aiming to make switching between networks increasingly seamless. As more Filipinos take advantage of this service, prefix-based network identification will become less reliable.
Growing Competition
With DITO Telecommunity’s entry as the third major telecommunications provider in 2021, competition has intensified. This has led to better service offerings across all providers, including Smart Communications with its 0970 numbers.
Digital Integration
Mobile numbers are increasingly integrated with digital services, from mobile banking to government identification systems. The Philippines’ national ID system, PhilSys, incorporates mobile number verification, making accurate network information increasingly important.
According to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), mobile penetration in the Philippines reached 138% in 2023, meaning there are more active SIM cards than people in the country. This high rate of adoption underscores the importance of understanding mobile numbering systems like the 0970 prefix.
Conclusion
The 0970 prefix belongs to Smart Communications, one of the Philippines’ leading telecommunications providers. While Mobile Number Portability has made it possible for subscribers to transfer this number to other networks, the vast majority of 0970 numbers remain on Smart’s infrastructure.
Understanding mobile prefixes like 0970 helps consumers make more informed decisions about their telecommunications needs, from choosing the most cost-effective plans to anticipating network coverage in specific areas. As the Philippines continues its digital transformation, this knowledge becomes increasingly valuable.
Whether you’re trying to identify a caller, planning a network switch, or simply satisfying your curiosity about telecommunications infrastructure, knowing that 0970 corresponds to Smart Communications provides a small but significant piece of the puzzle.
For the most up-to-date information about mobile prefixes and network services, consider visiting the official websites of Smart Communications (smart.com.ph) or the National Telecommunications Commission (ntc.gov.ph).
James Henry – Writer at Lotus Magazine, providing expert mobile network guides with clarity and precision.
