By Muhammad Ayyan 
Introduction
If you’ve come across a mobile number starting with 0981, you might have asked yourself: 0981 what network? This is a common question for many Filipinos trying to figure out which telecom provider a number belongs to.
Mobile number prefixes like 0981 help identify which mobile network a phone number was first registered with. Whether you’re sending a text, calling, or sharing load, knowing the network can save time and money.
In this article, we’ll explain what 0981 means, which telecom company uses it, and why it matters. We’ll keep things easy to read, with short paragraphs and simple words.
0981 What Network
Let’s answer the main question first: 0981 what network?
✅ The mobile prefix 0981 belongs to Smart Communications.
Smart is one of the biggest mobile networks in the Philippines. It has millions of users and a wide range of services — from prepaid and postpaid plans to mobile data and wireless broadband.
If you see a number starting with 0981, it was originally registered with Smart. So if you want to call or text someone with this prefix, you’re most likely contacting a Smart subscriber.
Why People Ask “0981 What Network”
You may wonder why so many people ask about prefixes like 0981. The reason is simple — it helps in making smart choices.
Here are a few reasons why knowing the answer to 0981 what network is helpful:
1. Promo Usage
Many load promos are for the same network only. For example, some unlimited call or text offers work only if both users are on Smart.
2. Signal Strength
In some areas, Smart has better coverage than other networks. If you know a number is Smart, you can guess the expected signal quality in that area.
3. Load Transfers
If you’re trying to send a load to someone, it’s good to know their network. Most load transfers only work within the same carrier.
How Mobile Prefixes Work
In the Philippines, mobile numbers are 11 digits long. The first four digits after the 0 (like 0981) are known as the prefix.
Each telecom provider is assigned specific prefixes. So when you look at a number, you can usually tell what network it’s from based on its prefix.
For example:
- 0981 = Smart
- 0917 = Globe
- 0991 = DITO
Prefixes help users decide how to contact someone, especially when they want to use network-specific offers.
List of Other Smart Prefixes
Aside from 0981, Smart uses many other prefixes. Here’s a list of common Smart number prefixes:
- 0813
- 0907
- 0918
- 0919
- 0920
- 0921
- 0928
- 0929
- 0930
- 0938
- 0939
- 0946
- 0947
- 0948
- 0949
- 0950
- 0961
- 0981
- 0998
- 0999
So, if you see any of these prefixes, the number is most likely from Smart.
What Services Does Smart Offer?
Since we now know the answer to 0981 what network, let’s take a quick look at what Smart provides:
1. Prepaid SIM Cards
Users can buy load anytime. Prepaid promos include calls, texts, and data.
2. Postpaid Plans
Smart has monthly postpaid plans with unlimited calls, high-speed data, and streaming benefits.
3. Smart Bro and Pocket WiFi
For mobile internet, Smart also offers wireless broadband services.
4. 5G Coverage
Smart has launched 5G in many areas, offering faster internet speeds for compatible phones.
Mobile Number Portability and the 0981 Prefix
In the past, mobile prefixes always matched the user’s current network. But now, with Mobile Number Portability (MNP) in the Philippines, that has changed.
MNP allows users to switch networks without changing their number. That means a person with a 0981 number could now be using Globe or DITO.
So, while 0981 is a Smart prefix, it’s possible the user has switched to another provider. But in most cases, if the number starts with 0981, it’s still with Smart.
How to Know If a 0981 Number is Still with Smart
If you really want to confirm whether a 0981 number is still under Smart, here are a few things you can do:
1. Ask the Person Directly
Sometimes, the easiest way is to just ask. Most people know which network they’re currently using.
2. Use Online Tools
There are free online tools that can check what network a number belongs to. Just search for “check mobile network PH” and try any available website.
3. Listen for Network Tones
When calling, some networks play a voice prompt if the number is outside your network. If you hear it, the number may no longer be with Smart.
4. Call or Text Using a Promo
Try using a Smart-only promo and check if your call or text works. If it does, the number is probably still with Smart.
Why Prefix Knowledge Still Matters
Even with number portability, knowing prefixes like 0981 still matters for most people. Here’s why:
- Most users haven’t switched networks yet.
- Most promos still work only within the same network.
- Load sharing is usually limited to the same carrier.
- It helps save money on cross-network charges.
So even if it’s not 100% reliable, prefix knowledge still gives a good idea of what network a number is using.
Conclusion
Let’s go back to the main question one last time: 0981 what network?
The prefix 0981 is registered under Smart Communications. While mobile number portability allows users to switch networks, most people with a 0981 number are still Smart subscribers.
Knowing which network a number belongs to helps you save on costs, choose the right promos, and get better service. So next time you see 0981, you’ll know you’re likely dealing with Smart.
Always remember — checking the prefix is still a useful habit, especially when you want to make the most out of your load and promos.
FAQs
Q: Is 0981 a Globe or Smart number?
A: 0981 is a Smart number.
Q: Can a 0981 number be DITO?
A: It’s possible if the user switched networks through MNP. But originally, 0981 belongs to Smart.
Q: What if I send a load to a 0981 number from Globe?
A: Most of the time, inter-network load sharing won’t work. Try sending from Smart instead.