By Muhammad Ayyan 
Introduction
When you see a number beginning with 0963, the first question that might come to your mind is, “What network is this number from?” In the Philippines, phone number prefixes play a significant role in identifying the telecommunications network provider.
This article will guide you through understanding the 0963 what network question, shedding light on its origin, network services, and how it fits into the larger telecommunications landscape in the Philippines.
What Is a Mobile Prefix and Why Does It Matter?
A mobile prefix is the first few digits of a mobile phone number that help identify the network provider. The Philippines, like many other countries, uses specific prefixes assigned to different telecommunication companies. These prefixes can give you insight into which mobile operator is responsible for that particular number.
Understanding these prefixes is particularly important for various reasons:
- Identifying the Network: Knowing which network you are dealing with is crucial, especially when determining coverage, plan availability, or potential charges.
- Portability: With the introduction of mobile number portability in the Philippines, you can now switch networks while keeping your old number. However, the prefix can give a clue about the network before the porting happened.
The Rise of Mobile Number Portability in the Philippines
Before delving into the specifics of 0963, what network, it’s worth noting that mobile number portability (MNP) was introduced in the Philippines. MNP allows users to switch from one network to another without changing their mobile number. This means that the 0963 prefix can sometimes be misleading, as users may have retained the same prefix after changing service providers.
Despite this, the mobile prefix still plays an important role in identifying which network a number originally belonged to. Now, let’s take a closer look at the 0963 prefix and uncover which network it represents.
0963: What Network?
The prefix 0963 is assigned to Smart Communications, one of the Philippines’ largest mobile network operators. Smart Communications, a subsidiary of PLDT (Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company), provides a wide range of telecommunications services, including mobile voice, SMS, internet, and broadband services.
Smart Communications has been a key player in the Philippine telecommunications market for years. The company, with its wide coverage and robust data plans, is a popular choice for millions of Filipinos.
Whether it’s for personal use, business, or even emergency communications, Smart offers a variety of plans to suit different needs.
Understanding Smart Communications
Smart Communications is widely recognized for its strong network infrastructure, offering services such as:
- Mobile Voice Services: Calling services are widely available through Smart, providing coverage across Metro Manila and the rural provinces of the Philippines.
- Data and Internet Services: With the rise of mobile data usage, Smart has positioned itself as one of the leaders in offering 4G LTE and 5G services in the country, ensuring that users can enjoy fast internet speeds on their devices.
- Prepaid and Postpaid Plans: Smart provides flexible prepaid and postpaid options, allowing users to choose plans based on their specific usage needs. These plans often come with data allocations, voice minutes, and text messaging features.
- Value-Added Services: Smart also offers additional services like SmartPay, SmartMoney, and Smart Home, catering to a diverse range of customer needs.
As mentioned, the 0963 prefix falls under the Smart Communications banner, but as mobile portability allows for number changes, you might encounter 0963 numbers from users who have ported their number from Smart to another network.
How to Identify the Network of a Mobile Number
While the 0963 prefix typically points to Smart Communications, it’s essential to keep in mind that, with mobile number portability, the original network may not always be the active one. If you are looking to confirm the network provider of a number, there are several ways to do so:
1. Use Network Checkers
Some online services or apps offer tools where you can input a mobile number and find out which network it belongs to. These network checkers pull up the relevant database and tell you the current network provider.
2. Contact Customer Support
If you’re unsure about the network, a direct inquiry to customer service for your current provider can provide you with the most accurate information. You may need to provide the number in question for them to look it up.
3. SIM Cards and Service Activation
In some cases, when you buy a new SIM card or activate a new number, the activation process can confirm which network you are on. Typically, the network’s branding is evident through the SIM packaging or initial activation text messages.
Mobile Networks in the Philippines
In addition to Smart Communications, there are several other major telecommunications networks in the Philippines. These include:
Globe Telecom
Globe Telecom is Smart’s biggest competitor in the Philippines. Similar to Smart, Globe offers voice, SMS, internet, and broadband services. The company also has 4G LTE and 5G coverage across the country. Globe’s mobile prefix ranges from 0915 to 0999, and it is one of the most widely used networks in the country.
DITO Telecommunity
The newest player in the Philippines’ telecom industry, DITO, has emerged as a competitor to Smart and Globe. With its aim to provide better service and more competitive pricing, DITO is gaining traction, especially among users looking for affordable plans. DITO’s prefixes include 0991 and 0993.
Other Smaller Networks
There are smaller network providers like Red Mobile and TNT, but Smart, Globe, and DITO dominate the market. These smaller players offer services like voice calling, internet, and text messaging, but their coverage and reach are typically more limited compared to the big three.
Why is Network Information Important?
Knowing the 0963 what network helps in more ways than one. Here are some reasons why network information is essential:
1. Choosing the Right Plan
By knowing which network a number is on, you can select the most compatible mobile plan for your needs. Some telecom companies have better coverage in certain areas than others, so it’s important to pick the right one for your location.
2. Roaming and Coverage
If you’re traveling within the Philippines or internationally, it’s useful to know which network you are connected to. Roaming charges and coverage may differ depending on the mobile operator. Additionally, if you’re in a rural area, knowing which network offers the best coverage can save you from frustrating connection issues.
3. Portability and Number Retention
If you’re considering switching networks, knowing your current network prefix can help you understand if you’re eligible for mobile number portability and whether you need to go through the process to retain your number.
4. Network-Specific Services
Some providers offer exclusive deals or services to their subscribers. For example, Smart Communications provides exclusive partnerships and promos with brands or apps. Being aware of your network can help you take full advantage of these offerings.
How the Philippines is Advancing with 5G Technology
The Philippines is seeing a growing adoption of 5G technology, with both Smart and Globe rolling out their 5G networks across major cities. These advancements ensure that Filipinos can enjoy faster internet speeds, lower latency, and enhanced connectivity, transforming the way people use mobile devices, from video streaming to gaming and remote work.
Smart has been one of the leaders in the 5G rollout, and if your phone number is associated with the 0963 prefix, you’re likely part of the growing wave of users benefiting from next-gen internet speeds.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve explored the significance of mobile prefixes in the Philippines, particularly the 0963 prefix, which is affiliated with Smart Communications.
Although the mobile portability feature allows users to switch providers while retaining their number, the 0963 prefix remains a reliable indicator of a Smart subscriber.
Understanding which network a mobile number belongs to helps users choose the right mobile plans, understand service offerings, and ensure proper coverage.
So, the next time you encounter a 0963 number, you’ll know that it’s from Smart Communications unless the number has been ported to a different provider. Whether for personal, business, or entertainment use, the Philippines’ telecom networks continue to evolve, making it easier for Filipinos to stay connected with their loved ones, work, and the digital world.