In the Philippines, mobile phone numbers start with specific prefixes that instantly identify which network you’re connecting with. If you’ve encountered a number starting with 0991 what network or received a SIM card with this prefix, you might be wondering which telecommunications company it belongs to.
The 0991 what network prefix is operated by Dito Telecommunity, the Philippines’ third major telecommunications provider that entered the market in 2021 to challenge the long-standing duopoly of Globe and Smart.
Understanding mobile network prefixes is more than just trivia it helps consumers make informed decisions about which SIM cards to purchase, affects calling rates between networks, and provides insights into coverage expectations. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about the 0991 network, Dito Telecommunity’s services, and how it compares to other Philippine mobile networks.
What Network Does 0991 Belong To?
The mobile prefix 0991 is exclusively assigned to Dito Telecommunity. When seen in its international format, this prefix appears as +63991, with 63 being the country code for the Philippines. This prefix is part of Dito’s number range allocation from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), the regulatory body overseeing telecommunications in the Philippines.
Dito Telecommunity doesn’t just operate the 0991 prefix; they’ve been allocated several number prefixes to accommodate their growing subscriber base:
- 0991
- 0992
- 0993
- 0994
- 0895
- 0896
If you encounter any phone number beginning with these prefixes, you can be certain it belongs to Dito’s network. This knowledge is particularly useful when considering factors like cross-network calling rates or determining which network-specific promotions might apply.
About Dito Telecommunity
Dito Telecommunity emerged as the Philippines’ third major telecommunications provider following a government initiative to break the long-standing duopoly of Globe Telecom and Smart Communications (PLDT). This initiative aimed to introduce more competition, improve service quality, and provide Filipinos with more options for their communication needs.
Company Background and Launch
Dito Telecommunity was officially awarded its Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity in July 2019. However, the company only commercially launched its services on March 8, 2021, initially in 15 areas across Visayas and Mindanao. The network gradually expanded to Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon.
The company represents a joint venture between:
- Udenna Corporation (owned by Filipino businessman Dennis Uy)
- Chelsea Logistics
- China Telecommunications Corporation (China Telecom)
This ownership structure has generated significant discussion, particularly regarding the involvement of China Telecom, which holds a 40% stake in the company. The remaining 60% is held by the Filipino companies in compliance with constitutional limitations on foreign ownership.
Market Position
By the end of 2023, Dito had attracted over 15 million subscribers, representing approximately 10% of the Philippine mobile market. While still significantly behind Globe and Smart (which together control about 90% of the market), Dito’s growth has been notable for a relatively new entrant in a difficult market.
The company’s commitment to the Philippine government includes reaching 70% population coverage, with minimum speeds of 27 Mbps within several years of operation.
Dito’s Network Infrastructure
When Dito Telecommunity entered the Philippine telecommunications landscape, it had the advantage of building a completely new, modern network infrastructure from scratch, unlike its competitors who had to continuously upgrade legacy systems.
Coverage Areas
As of early 2025, Dito Telecommunity services are available in:
- All 17 cities and municipalities in Metro Manila
- 530+ cities and municipalities across the Philippines
- Over 70% of the Philippine population (meeting their regulatory commitment)
The company continues to expand its coverage, with a particular focus on underserved areas and regions with high population density. However, users in remote rural areas may still experience limited service compared to the more established networks.
Network Technology
Dito’s network infrastructure is built on modern standards:
| Technology | Details |
|---|---|
| 4G/LTE | Primary technology for voice and data |
| 5G | Available in major urban centers |
| VoLTE | Voice over LTE for improved call quality |
| Network Equipment | Primarily provided by Chinese vendors including Huawei and ZTE |
One distinctive aspect of Dito’s infrastructure is that it was designed as a “pure 4G/5G network” without legacy 2G or 3G technologies. While this allows for better speed and efficiency, it also means that some older devices may not be compatible with Dito’s network.
Comparison with Competitors
When comparing network infrastructure among Philippine telecommunications providers:
- Dito: Newest infrastructure, pure 4G/5G, growing coverage but still expanding
- Globe: Extensive coverage, mix of legacy and modern technology, strong urban presence
- Smart: Wide-reaching infrastructure, significant investments in 5G, strong in both urban and many rural areas
Independent tests conducted by third-party organizations like Ookla’s Speedtest have shown that Dito often delivers competitive speeds in areas with good coverage, sometimes outperforming the competition in specific locations where they’ve prioritized infrastructure development.
How to Identify Philippine Mobile Networks by Prefix
Understanding mobile prefixes helps consumers identify which network they’re dealing with. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the major Philippine mobile network prefixes:
Dito Telecommunity Prefixes
- 0991, 0992, 0993, 0994, 0895, 0896
Globe Telecom Prefixes
- 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
Smart Communications Prefixes
- 0908, 0918, 0919, 0920, 0921, 0928, 0929, 0939, 0946, 0947, 0949, 0951, 0961, 0998, 0999
TNT (Smart subsidiary) Prefixes
- 0907, 0909, 0910, 0912, 0930, 0938, 0946, 0948, 0950
Sun Cellular (now fully integrated with Smart) Prefixes
- 0922, 0923, 0924, 0925, 0931, 0932, 0933, 0934, 0940, 0941, 0942, 0943, 0973, 0974
GOMO (Globe virtual network) Prefix
- 0995
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) allocates these number ranges to telecommunications companies based on their subscriber projections and needs. As networks expand or new providers enter the market, additional prefixes may be assigned.
“The prefix system in the Philippines helps maintain order in our telecommunications infrastructure and enables consumers to make informed choices when selecting networks,”
says Pierre Galla, co-founder of Democracy.Net.PH, an ICT advocacy organization.
Services Available for 0991 Users
Dito Telecommunity offers a range of services for users with 0991 numbers and other Dito prefixes.
Prepaid Plans
Dito’s prepaid offerings focus on data-centric packages, reflecting modern usage patterns:
- Dito Data Plans: Range from 1GB to 50GB data allocations
- Unlimited Data Options: Time-based unlimited data (usually 24-72 hours)
- All-Data Experience: All plans come with data allocation that can be used for calls and texts via the Dito app
A distinctive feature of Dito’s prepaid offerings is their straightforward pricing model without the complex conditions often found in competitor plans.
Postpaid Plans
Dito’s postpaid offerings include:
- Plans ranging from ₱500 to ₱2,500 monthly
- Large data allocations (starting at 30GB for basic plans)
- Unlimited calls and texts to all networks
- Contract and non-contract options
Unique Features
Some distinctive elements of Dito’s service offerings include:
- App-based Calling: Using the Dito Telecommunity app for VoIP calls
- Data Rollover: Unused data from previous months rolls over on some plans
- Simplified Billing: Less complex billing structures compared to competitors
- Strong Data Focus: Generally higher data allocations at similar price points
Limitations
Users should be aware of certain limitations:
- Device Compatibility: Not all older devices work with Dito’s 4G/5G-only network
- Coverage: Still expanding coverage in rural areas
- International Roaming: More limited partnerships compared to Globe and Smart
- Value-Added Services: Fewer additional services than the more established networks
Network Performance and User Experience
The actual performance of the 0991 network varies significantly depending on location, device, and network congestion.
Speed Test Results
Independent speed tests from organizations like Ookla have shown interesting patterns for Dito:
- Average Download Speed: 25-60 Mbps (varies significantly by location)
- Average Upload Speed: 5-15 Mbps
- Latency: Generally higher than competitors (40-60ms vs 30-45ms for competitors)
In certain areas, particularly in newly built infrastructure locations, Dito’s speeds can exceed those of its competitors. However, consistency remains a challenge as the network continues to expand.
Customer Satisfaction
Customer feedback on Dito’s 0991 network has been mixed but generally positive:
- Strengths: Affordable pricing, generous data allocations, good speeds in covered areas
- Pain Points: Coverage gaps, customer service response times, device compatibility issues
According to the latest customer satisfaction survey conducted by local tech publication YugaTech, Dito scored 3.7/5 stars overall, with particularly high marks for value-for-money but lower scores for customer support.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
0991 users commonly report these issues:
- No Signal in Certain Locations: Usually related to coverage gaps
- Solution: Check Dito’s coverage map before traveling to remote areas
- Incompatible Devices: Some phones don’t support VoLTE or Dito’s bands
- Solution: Check device compatibility on Dito’s website before purchasing a SIM
- Dropped Calls: Especially when moving between coverage areas
- Solution: Update to the latest Dito app version which has improved call handling
- Slow Internet During Peak Hours: Network congestion issues
- Solution: Try switching between 4G and 5G if your device supports both
How to Port Your Number to or from the 0991 Network
The Mobile Number Portability Act, fully implemented in 2021, allows Philippine mobile users to keep their numbers when switching networks. This includes porting to or from Dito’s 0991 prefix.
Porting to Dito (0991)
To port your existing number from Globe or Smart to Dito’s network:
- Visit any Dito Experience Store or authorized retailer
- Present a valid government ID
- Ensure your current account has no outstanding balance
- Fill out the Mobile Number Portability form
- Purchase a Dito SIM card (approximately ₱40)
- Wait for the porting process (typically 24-48 hours)
Porting from Dito to Another Network
If you wish to leave Dito but keep your 0991 number:
- Visit your target network’s store (Globe or Smart)
- Request number porting and follow their process
- Ensure your Dito account is in good standing
- Your new SIM will be activated with your 0991 number once porting completes
Things to Consider Before Porting
Before switching networks:
- Coverage: Check if your new network covers your home and work areas
- Promos: You’ll lose access to network-specific promotions
- Contacts: Ensure important contacts know you’re changing networks but keeping your number
- Apps: Some network-specific apps may no longer work after porting
FAQ About 0991 what network
Can I keep my 0991 number when switching providers?
Yes, under the Mobile Number Portability Act, you can keep your 0991 number when switching to Globe or Smart, provided your account is in good standing with no outstanding balances.
How do I check if my area has Dito coverage?
Dito provides an official coverage map on their website and mobile app. You can also visit any Dito store for the most up-to-date coverage information for specific locations.
Are there compatibility issues with certain devices?
Yes. Since Dito operates a pure 4G/5G network without 2G or 3G fallback, older phones that don’t support 4G calling may not work properly. Most smartphones manufactured after 2018 should be compatible, but it’s best to check the specific model on Dito’s website.
How does Dito’s pricing compare to other networks?
Generally, Dito offers more competitive data rates than its competitors, with larger data allocations at similar price points. However, for users who primarily make voice calls or send SMS, the difference may be less significant.
What customer service options are available for 0991 users?
Dito provides customer support through:
- Dito mobile app
- Official website live chat
- Customer service hotline (dial 198 from your Dito number)
- Physical Dito Experience Stores
- Social media channels (Facebook, Twitter)
Conclusion
The 0991 network, operated by Dito Telecommunity, represents the Philippines’ newest major telecommunications infrastructure. As the country’s third telco player, Dito has brought fresh competition to a market long dominated by just two companies. With its modern, data-focused approach and competitive pricing, the network offers a compelling alternative for many Filipino consumers.
For users considering a switch to an 0991 number, the decision should be based on several factors: coverage in your specific locations, device compatibility, data needs, and budget considerations. While Dito continues to expand its infrastructure and services, it may not yet be the ideal choice for everyone, particularly those in remote areas or with older devices.
As the Philippine telecommunications landscape continues to evolve, the presence of Dito Telecommunity and its 0991 network serves as a catalyst for improved services and competitive pricing across all providers—ultimately benefiting consumers regardless of which network they choose.
“Competition is not just about having multiple players, but about creating an environment where all providers are motivated to continuously improve their services. Dito’s entry has already had a positive effect on the Philippine telecommunications ecosystem,” notes Mary Grace Mirandilla-Santos, an independent telecommunications analyst.
Whether you’re already using an 0991 number or considering making the switch, staying informed about network developments will help you make the best choice for your communication needs in the rapidly evolving digital landscape of the Philippines.
James Henry – Writer at Lotus Magazine, providing expert mobile network guides with clarity and precision.
