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On-net vs off-net: what it costs to call or text another network

Updated 5 Sep 2026 · 2 min read

Every Philippine promo is built on one distinction: on-net (same network) or off-net (another network). Knowing the network of the number you are calling is the whole reason prefix checkers exist. Here is how the pricing logic works so you stop paying regular rates by accident.

The four circles

• Globe circle: Globe, TM, GOMO (and old Cherry Prepaid numbers).
• Smart circle: Smart, TNT, Sun Cellular.
• DITO: its own circle; not part of either.
• Landlines: a separate category with its own rates, usually excluded from mobile unli promos.

Calling inside your circle is on-net. Calling any other circle is off-net. A TM-to-Globe call is on-net; a TM-to-TNT call is off-net.

What “all-net” really covers

All-net promos cover Globe, Smart and DITO mobile numbers. Some also include landlines; the promo text will say “all-net + landline”. If it does not say landline, assume landline calls are charged separately. International numbers are never included.

Regular rates when no promo applies

Without a promo, prepaid networks charge per text and per minute at published regular rates, with off-net usually costing more than on-net. Rates change; check your network app for the current regular rate rather than relying on a memory from last year.

Porting breaks the prefix rule

Promos charge by the number’s current network, not its prefix. If a friend ported a 0917 number to Smart, your Globe unli promo will not cover them any more. When a promo charges you unexpectedly, this is almost always why. See how porting works and how to check the live network.

Before you dial

1. Check the prefix with the checker or the bulk checker for a list.
2. If it is off-net, use an all-net promo or a messaging app on data.
3. For landlines, check whether your promo says “+ landline”.