Guides
Longer answers to the questions the prefix checker raises: which brand belongs to which network, how porting works, how to register a SIM, and how to pick a network.
Which network is it?
How to check which network a Philippine number is on (4 methods)
The prefix answers most cases in two seconds. For ported numbers you need one of the three live checks below.
What do Smart numbers start with? Full prefix list (Smart, TNT, Sun)
Every prefix Smart issues, including the TNT and former Sun Cellular blocks, with the confusing 096X range explained.
What do Globe numbers start with? Full prefix list (Globe, TM, GOMO)
Every Globe prefix, including TM, GOMO and Cherry Prepaid, and the postpaid sub-blocks people search separately.
What do DITO numbers start with? 089X and 099X explained
DITO uses 0895-0898 and 0991, 0993, 0994. Here is why the 089 range exists and which 099X blocks are DITO.
Landline vs mobile numbers in the Philippines: how to tell them apart
Why "0288 what network" has no answer: 02 is Metro Manila's area code. How to recognise landlines, area codes and the 8-digit Manila format.
Philippine mobile number format: 09XX vs +63 9XX explained
Eleven digits locally, twelve with the country code. How to write, dial and validate a Philippine mobile number in every format.
Brands and networks
Is GOMO under Globe? Yes, and here is what that changes
GOMO is Globe's app-only prepaid brand. Same towers, same 5G, same on-net status as Globe and TM.
Is TNT under Smart? Yes: same network, same prefixes, cheaper promos
Talk 'N Text is Smart's budget prepaid brand. A TNT number is a Smart number for every practical purpose.
Is DITO Smart or Globe? Neither: DITO is its own network
DITO Telecommunity is the third operator, not a sub-brand. It uses 089X and 099X prefixes and its own 4G/5G network.
What happened to Sun Cellular? Timeline, prefixes and what your Sun SIM is now
Sun Cellular launched in 2003, was bought by PLDT in 2011, and now runs on the Smart network. Its prefixes are still active.
How the NTC allocates mobile prefixes in the Philippines
Who decides that 0917 is Globe, how new blocks like 089X appear, and why old brand names still cling to some prefixes.
Choosing and switching
Globe vs Smart in 2026: coverage, 5G, promos and which to pick
No single winner. Globe leads in Metro Manila business districts and GCash bundles; Smart leads in rural coverage and 5G footprint. Pick by where you live and who you call.
What is the best mobile network in the Philippines? By use case
There is no best network for everyone. There is a best network for your barangay, your contacts and your budget. Six scenarios, one recommendation each.
Which network has the best unlimited data in the Philippines?
What "unlimited" actually means on Globe, Smart, DITO and their sub-brands, how fair-use caps work, and how to compare real value.
Mobile Number Portability in the Philippines: why a prefix can lie
Since 30 September 2021 you can switch networks and keep your number. What it means for prefix lookups, promos and SIM registration.
On-net vs off-net: what it costs to call or text another network
Why a Globe-to-Smart call costs more than Globe-to-Globe, how promos define "all-net", and how to check before you dial.
SIM registration
SIM registration in the Philippines (RA 11934): rules for every network
Who must register, what ID you need, where each network registers, and what happens to unregistered SIMs.
How to register a Globe or TM SIM (2026 steps)
Portal, GlobeOne app, and what to do if the one-time code does not arrive. Also covers GOMO and postpaid.
How to register a Smart, TNT or Sun SIM (2026 steps)
Smart portal, GigaLife app, and troubleshooting. TNT and Sun use the same system.
How to register a DITO SIM (2026 steps)
DITO registration happens in the DITO app. Steps, ID rules, and what to do on a ported number.
Safety and outages
Unknown number? How to spot scam calls and texts in the Philippines
What a prefix can and cannot tell you about a suspicious number, the patterns scammers use, and where to report.
Is Globe, Smart or DITO down today? How to check an outage
Fast ways to tell whether it is your SIM, your area or the whole network, and what to do while you wait.