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How the NTC allocates mobile prefixes in the Philippines

Updated 5 Sep 2026 · 2 min read

Prefixes are not chosen by the carriers. The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), an agency under the Department of Information and Communications Technology, manages the Philippine numbering plan and assigns each block of numbers to an operator through memorandum circulars. That is why every prefix has exactly one original network.

How a block is allocated

1. An operator projects that it will run out of numbers and applies to the NTC.
2. The NTC assigns a block: historically a three-digit mobile area code such as 917 (Globe) or 918 (Smart), which we write as 0917 and 0918 with the domestic trunk 0.
3. The operator opens the block to new SIMs, often under a specific brand first, which is how 0976 became “the GOMO prefix” and 0963 “the TNT 5G prefix”.

Why 089X exists

When DITO launched in 2021 the 09XX space was largely taken, so the NTC opened the 089X range. That is why DITO numbers can start with 0895-0898 and why they look odd to people used to 09.

Why old brand names stick to prefixes

Blocks originally issued to operators that were later absorbed keep their history: 0973 and 0974 were Extelcom, then Sun, now Smart. 0930, 0938 and 0939 were Red Mobile, now TNT. 0977-0979 were Next Mobile, now Globe. 0937 was ABS-CBN Mobile and 0996 was Cherry Prepaid, both MVNOs on Globe that have since closed. The prefix stays with the network that absorbed the operator.

Mobile Number Portability changed what a prefix means

Since 2021 a subscriber can carry a number to another operator. The NTC allocation still says who issued the block, but the number itself can live on any network. That is why this site describes the issuing network and points you to live checks for individual numbers.

Where to read the allocations

The NTC publishes memorandum circulars and the national numbering plan on its website. They are the primary source for every prefix page here; see our methodology and sources.