Mobile Prefix

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What Is a Mobile Prefix?

A mobile prefix is the first part of a phone number that tells you which telecom network originally provided that number. In the Philippines, phone numbers usually have 11 digits and start with “0.”

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For example:

0970 123 4567

Here, 0970 is the prefix.

Knowing the prefix can help you understand:

  • Which network the number belongs to
  • Whether calls or texts are same-network or cross-network
  • Whether you can use your own promos for cheaper calling or texting

For example, if both phone numbers are on the same network, some plans offer free calls or texts between them.

Which Network Does 0970 Belong To?

The 0970 prefix is originally registered to Smart Communications in the Philippines.

Smart Communications is one of the largest mobile service providers in the Philippines. It also includes Talk ‘N Text (TNT)—a budget-friendly brand under the same company.

So if a number begins with 0970, the original network is most likely

✔️ Smart Communications
✔️ Talk ‘N Text (TNT)

Both networks share the same system and infrastructure, so coverage and services are similar between them.

Can the Network Change Because of Porting?

Yes. In the Philippines, there is a rule called Mobile Number Portability (MNP). This rule lets people keep the same phone number while switching networks.

This means:

  • A number that starts with 0970 might have belonged to Smart or TNT originally.
  • But if the owner chose to switch their service provider (for example, to Globe or DITO), they could keep the same number.
  • So sometimes, a 0970 number may not be on Smart anymore if the user moved to another network.

However, most numbers that still show 0970 continue to be on Smart or TNT unless they were ported.

Why the 0970 Prefix Matters

Knowing the network of a phone number can help you in many ways:

✔️ Save Money with Same-Network Promos

Many mobile plans offer free or cheap calls and texts when you stay within the same network. If both numbers are on Smart/TNT, you may enjoy those savings.

✔️ Choose the Right Promo

If you know a number is on Smart/TNT, you can use Smart/TNT promos like data or call packages that work best for that network.

✔️ Avoid Extra Charges

Calling another network might cost more if you do not have an all-network promo. So knowing the network helps avoid unexpected charges.

How to Check If 0970 Is Still Smart/TNT

Because of mobile number portability (MNP), a 0970 number might not be on Smart anymore. To check the current network:

🔹 Ask the Service Provider

You can call or text Smart/TNT customer service and ask them which network your contact’s number is on.

🔹 Try Same-Network Promo

If you send a Smart or TNT promo code (for example, via text) and it works, your number is likely still on Smart/TNT.

🔹 Use Online Tools

There are online number lookup tools that can tell you the current network of a phone number.

Smart Communications and TNT—What Are They?

Smart Communications

Smart is one of the biggest mobile phone companies in the Philippines. It provides voice calls, text messaging, internet data, and mobile services for millions of users.

Talk ‘N Text (TNT)

TNT is a brand under Smart that offers “budget-friendly” services for prepaid users. It uses the same network as Smart Communications.

This means that if a number is under TNT, it still runs on Smart’s network, but with a focus on inexpensive mobile plans.

Examples of Mobile Prefixes in the Philippines

Many mobile numbers in the Philippines begin with certain prefixes that tell you their original network. Here are some common examples:

Smart Communications or TNT Prefixes:

  • 0908
  • 0919
  • 0920
  • 0970
  • 0981
  • 0989
  • 0998
  • 0999

Other Networks (like Globe or DITO) Have Different Prefixes:

  • Globe and TM use codes like 0917 or 0975.
  • DITO uses other specific codes not associated with 0970.

Remember—these are original network IDs and not always guaranteed if the number has been ported.

What to Do If You Get a Call From a 0970 Number

Here are some easy tips:

  1. Check the network before calling back—if it’s the same network as yours, it may be cheaper.
  2. Use your provider’s promo bundles—this could help you save on calls or data.
  3. If you don’t recognize the caller, be careful—some people use unknown numbers for unwanted calls. (This is general advice, not network-specific.)

FAQs

1. What network is 0970?

The 0970 prefix is originally assigned to Smart Communications, including its budget brand Talk ‘N Text (TNT) in the Philippines.

2. Is 0970 Smart or Globe?

0970 is Smart/TNT. It is not originally a Globe prefix.

3. Can a 0970 number belong to another network?

Yes. Because of Mobile Number Portability, a 0970 number can be moved to Globe, DITO, or another network while keeping the same number. Always verify with your service provider.

4. Why should I know the network of a number?

Knowing the network helps you choose the best call/text/data promos and avoid extra fees when contacting someone. It also helps save money with same-network offers.

5. How to check if 0970 is still Smart/TNT?

You can call customer service, use a number lookup tool, or try registering network-specific promos to confirm the current network.

Conclusion

The 0970 prefix is a mobile number prefix that belongs to Smart Communications and Talk ‘N Text in the Philippines. Even though number porting may change the current network, the prefix mainly helps you identify the original network when calling or texting. Knowing this can help you save money and choose the right mobile promo or plan for your needs.

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