0991 What Network? The 0991 mobile network belongs to Dito Telecommunity. In the Philippines’ dynamic telecommunications landscape, understanding mobile network prefixes is essential for consumers. The 0991 mobile network has emerged as a significant prefix under Dito Telecommunity, the country’s third major telecom provider. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about 0991 numbers, from network coverage and performance to pricing plans and compatibility issues.
What is the 0991 Mobile Network?
The 0991 prefix belongs exclusively to Dito Telecommunity Corporation, officially confirming that any mobile number beginning with 0991 (or +63991 in international format) is operating under Dito’s network infrastructure. This prefix was introduced in early 2021 as part of Dito’s initial launch in the Philippine market, marking the beginning of a new era in the country’s telecommunications industry.
Mobile prefixes in the Philippines follow a standardized format consisting of four digits after the country code. For Dito’s 0991 numbers, the complete format is:
- Local format: 0991-XXX-XXXX
- International format: +63991-XXX-XXXX
According to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), mobile number prefixes serve as identifiers that help route calls and messages to the correct network provider. This system allows for proper routing and billing across the country’s multiple telecom operators.
“The assignment of the 0991 prefix to Dito Telecommunity was part of the regulatory framework to ensure the new telco player could effectively compete in the market dominated by the Globe-PLDT/Smart duopoly,” noted telecommunications analyst Maria Santos of Digital Philippines Research.
About Dito Telecommunity
Dito Telecommunity entered the Philippine market as the third major telecommunications company following a government initiative to break the long-standing duopoly of Globe Telecom and PLDT/Smart Communications. Officially launched for commercial operations on March 8, 2021, Dito is a consortium backed by Udenna Corporation, Chelsea Logistics, and China Telecommunications Corporation.
The company represents a ₱257 billion investment in the country’s telecommunications infrastructure, with a commitment to cover 84% of the population and provide a minimum average internet speed of 27 Mbps in its first five years of operation.
By March 2025, Dito had established a significant market presence:
Metric | Value |
---|---|
Market Share | Approximately 12% |
Active Subscribers | 15.3 million |
Cities/Municipalities Covered | 560+ |
Cell Sites | 7,000+ |
Initial Investment | ₱257 billion |
This rapid growth has positioned Dito as a legitimate competitor to the established players, particularly appealing to value-conscious consumers and those in previously underserved areas.
Complete List of Dito Telecommunity Prefixes
While this article focuses on the 0991 network, Dito Telecommunity operates several prefixes to accommodate its growing user base. As of March 2025, these include:
- 0991 – Initial launch prefix
- 0992 – Secondary prefix introduced in late 2021
- 0993 – Added in early 2022
- 0994 – Added in mid-2022
- 0895 – Added in early 2023
- 0896 – Added in late 2023
- 0897 – Added in early 2024
This expansion of number blocks reflects Dito’s growing subscriber base and the NTC’s allocation of additional prefixes to support the company’s market expansion. By comparison, Globe operates prefixes including 0917, 0915, and 0905, while Smart utilizes 0919, 0920, and 0939, among others.
To verify if a number belongs to Dito’s network, you can:
- Check the first four digits (including the 0)
- Use online prefix checking tools like Prefix.ph or Network.ph
- Send an inquiry to Dito’s customer service via 198
Network Coverage and Performance
Dito Telecommunity’s network infrastructure is built on a combination of 4G LTE and 5G technology. The 0991 network, like all Dito prefixes, operates on this modern infrastructure, which has several technical advantages and limitations.
Coverage Map
As of March 2025, Dito’s network coverage has expanded significantly from its initial launch areas. The network now covers:
- 560+ cities and municipalities
- All major urban centers in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao
- Most provincial capitals and tourist destinations
- Select rural areas with high population density
However, coverage remains more limited in remote rural locations compared to the established networks of Globe and Smart, which have had decades to build out their infrastructure.
Performance Metrics
Independent tests by Philippines-based mobile analytics firm Opensignal revealed the following performance metrics for Dito’s network in Q1 2025:
- Average Download Speed: 42.3 Mbps
- Average Upload Speed: 8.7 Mbps
- Latency: 31ms
- Video Streaming Quality: Very Good
- Call Quality: Good
- 5G Availability: 38% in covered areas
These figures show significant improvement over Dito’s initial performance metrics and are competitive with, and in some categories surpassing, the established players.
“Dito’s network performance in urban areas has been impressive, particularly their consistent download speeds during peak hours. This suggests effective network management and sufficient capacity in their high-usage areas,” states Jun Reyes, network analyst at Mobile Philippines.
The 0991 network benefits from Dito’s newer infrastructure, which doesn’t carry the legacy technology burden of older providers. However, this also means that coverage expansion happens in phases rather than being universally available.
Pricing and Plans for 0991 Numbers
Dito Telecommunity has positioned itself as a value alternative to the established players, often offering more competitive data packages. For 0991 numbers, all standard Dito plans and promotions apply. As of March 2025, these include:
Prepaid Offerings
- DITO 99 – 10GB data (8GB all-access + 2GB daily YouTube) valid for 30 days with unlimited DITO-to-DITO calls and texts
- DITO 199 – 25GB data (20GB all-access + 5GB daily YouTube) valid for 30 days with unlimited DITO-to-DITO calls and texts
- DITO 499 – Unlimited data with speed cap after 40GB, valid for 30 days with unlimited calls and texts to all networks
- DITO Data Sachets – Small data packages from ₱10 for 1GB (1-day validity) to ₱50 for 5GB (3-day validity)
Postpaid Plans
- DITO Plan 599 – 50GB data with unlimited DITO-to-DITO calls and 300 minutes to other networks
- DITO Plan 999 – 100GB data with unlimited calls to all networks
- DITO Plan 1499 – 200GB data with unlimited calls to all networks plus Amazon Prime subscription
- DITO Family Plan 1999 – Shared 250GB data for up to 4 lines
A key differentiator for Dito’s offerings is the absence of separate pricing for 5G access – all plans include 5G connectivity where available, unlike some competitors who charge premium rates for 5G access.
SIM Registration Requirements for 0991 Numbers
Following the implementation of the SIM Registration Act (Republic Act No. 11934), all SIM cards in the Philippines, including Dito’s 0991 numbers, require registration. The process for registering a Dito 0991 SIM includes:
Required Documents
- Valid government-issued ID (e.g., Philippine Passport, Driver’s License, PhilSys ID)
- Proof of address (if not shown on the primary ID)
- Recent facial photograph
- Working mobile number for verification
Registration Process
- Visit the official Dito SIM Registration portal (register.dito.ph)
- Enter your 0991 mobile number and personal information
- Upload clear photos of required documents
- Complete facial verification
- Await confirmation SMS (typically within 24-72 hours)
According to Dito’s official statistics, over 95% of their active SIMs had been registered by early 2025, with the company implementing various assistance programs to help users complete the process.
“The SIM registration process has been streamlined significantly since its initial implementation, with Dito investing in AI-assisted verification that has reduced processing times from days to hours in most cases,” reports the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
Failure to register SIM cards results in service deactivation, making compliance essential for continued use of 0991 numbers.
Transferring Your Number to/from 0991
The Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Act enables subscribers to keep their mobile numbers when switching between service providers. This means that:
- Existing Globe or Smart subscribers can transfer to Dito’s network while keeping their original number
- Dito subscribers with 0991 numbers can transfer to other networks while retaining their number
The MNP process typically follows these steps:
- Eligibility Check
- No outstanding balances with current provider
- SIM must be actively registered
- Number must have been in use for at least 60 days
- Porting Request
- Visit a Dito store (for transfers to Dito)
- Complete the porting form
- Present valid ID and proof of number ownership
- Processing Period
- Standard processing takes 24-48 hours
- Service interruption is typically minimal (1-2 hours)
- Activation
- Receive confirmation SMS
- Begin using the new network with your existing number
According to data from the Telecommunications Connectivity Initiative (TCI), approximately 120,000 numbers are ported between networks monthly, with Dito seeing a net positive influx of transfers in recent quarters.
Tech Compatibility with Dito’s 0991 Network
Device compatibility is crucial for users of Dito’s 0991 network due to the specific frequency bands the company utilizes.
Frequency Bands
Dito Telecommunity operates on the following frequency bands:
- 4G LTE: Bands 1 (2100MHz), 3 (1800MHz), 5 (850MHz)
- 5G NR: n41 (2500MHz), n78 (3500MHz), n79 (4700MHz)
These differ somewhat from the bands used by Globe and Smart, meaning not all devices are equally compatible across all three networks.
Device Compatibility
Most modern smartphones released after 2019 support Dito’s frequency bands. Specifically:
- iPhone Compatibility: iPhone 11 and newer models are fully compatible with Dito’s network. The iPhone 15 series, priced from PHP 56,990, offers optimal performance with all Dito frequency bands.
- Android Compatibility: Most mid-range and flagship Android devices from Samsung, Xiaomi, OPPO, Vivo, and Realme released after 2020 are compatible. Budget models may have limited band support.
- VoLTE Support: For optimal call quality, devices should support Voice over LTE (VoLTE), which is available on most phones released in the last 3-4 years.
To check your device’s compatibility, Dito offers an online checking tool on their website or you can verify the supported bands in your phone’s specifications against Dito’s frequency allocations.
User Experiences and Reviews
The real test of any network is user satisfaction. Based on consumer surveys and social media sentiment analysis conducted by ConsumerPulse Philippines in February 2025, Dito’s 0991 network received the following feedback:
Strengths Commonly Cited
- Competitive Pricing: 78% of users cited affordable data packages as a primary reason for choosing Dito
- Urban Performance: 72% reported satisfaction with speeds in major urban centers
- New User Promotions: 65% appreciated the generous welcome offers for new subscribers
- Customer Service: 61% rated Dito’s customer service as good or excellent
Areas for Improvement
- Rural Coverage: 56% of rural users reported coverage gaps in their areas
- Indoor Penetration: 48% noted weaker signals inside buildings compared to other networks
- International Roaming: 39% found Dito’s international roaming options more limited than competitors
- App Ecosystem: 32% wanted improvements to the Dito mobile app
“My experience with Dito’s 0991 number has been largely positive. I get consistent speeds of 30-50 Mbps in Metro Manila and the unlimited call features have saved me a lot compared to my previous provider,” shares Mark Reyes, a Dito subscriber since 2022.
Overall satisfaction ratings placed Dito at 3.8/5.0 stars, showing strong performance for a relatively new entrant but with clear areas for continued improvement.
Future Developments for Dito and the 0991 Network
Dito Telecommunity has announced several initiatives to strengthen its market position and improve service for 0991 and other prefix users:
Planned Expansions
- Rural Coverage Initiative: A ₱15 billion investment to expand coverage to 200+ additional municipalities by end of 2025
- 5G Acceleration Program: Targeting 65% 5G coverage in urban areas by Q4 2025
- Maritime Connectivity Project: Extending coverage to major shipping routes and tourist islands
Technology Upgrades
- VoNR (Voice over New Radio): Enhanced call quality over 5G networks rolling out in Q3 2025
- Network Slicing: Enterprise-focused network optimization planned for late 2025
- Edge Computing Centers: Reducing latency by building five new edge computing centers nationwide
According to industry analysts, these developments position Dito to potentially capture up to 20% market share by 2027, significantly altering the telecommunications landscape in the Philippines.
Comparison with Other Networks
To provide perspective on how Dito’s 0991 network compares with alternatives, here’s a comparative analysis:
Feature | Dito (0991) | Globe | Smart |
---|---|---|---|
4G Coverage | 84% of population | 96% of population | 94% of population |
5G Coverage | 42% of population | 65% of population | 58% of population |
Avg. Download Speed | 42.3 Mbps | 38.1 Mbps | 40.7 Mbps |
Entry Prepaid Package | ₱99 (10GB) | ₱99 (8GB) | ₱99 (8GB) |
Mid-tier Postpaid | ₱999 (100GB) | ₱999 (20GB) | ₱999 (30GB) |
International Roaming | 36 countries | 187 countries | 156 countries |
Customer Service Hours | 8AM-10PM | 24/7 | 24/7 |
This comparison illustrates Dito’s competitive edge in data allocation and speed, while highlighting areas where the established players maintain advantages in coverage breadth and service maturity.
Troubleshooting Common 0991 Network Issues
Users of Dito’s 0991 network occasionally encounter technical issues. Here are solutions to the most common problems:
Signal Problems
- Poor Indoor Reception: Enable VoLTE and WiFi Calling in phone settings for better indoor coverage
- No Signal Areas: Update Dito’s network settings by texting APN to 198
- Intermittent Connection: Toggle airplane mode or restart your device
Data Connectivity Issues
- Slow Speeds: Check data usage – speeds may be throttled after exceeding high-speed allocation
- No Data Connection: Ensure APN settings are correct (APN: dito)
- 5G Not Connecting: Verify your location has 5G coverage and your device supports Dito’s 5G bands
Registration and Account Issues
- Failed SIM Registration: Ensure ID documents are clear and match the information provided
- Load Not Reflecting: Wait 15 minutes and check balance by dialing *122#
- Promo Subscription Errors: Clear cache in the Dito app or use SMS keywords to subscribe
For persistent issues, Dito’s customer service can be reached at:
- Customer service hotline: 198 (free from Dito numbers)
- Email: care@dito.ph
- Live chat: Available on the Dito mobile app from 8AM to 10PM daily
FAQs About 0991 and Dito Telecommunity
Q: How can I check if my area has Dito coverage?
A: Visit Dito’s official website and use their coverage map tool, or text SIGNAL to 198 from any mobile number.
Q: Can I keep my current number if I switch to Dito?
A: Yes, through the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) program, you can keep your existing number when transferring to Dito.
Q: Does Dito offer 5G services on 0991 numbers?
A: Yes, 5G service is available to all Dito subscribers, including those with 0991 numbers, in areas with 5G coverage.
Q: How can I register my Dito 0991 SIM card?
A: Register through the official Dito app or website (register.dito.ph) with a valid government ID and facial verification.
Q: What happens if my phone isn’t compatible with Dito’s network?
A: You may experience limited service or no service. Check compatibility before purchasing a Dito SIM by visiting their website or contacting customer service.
Q: Can I use my Dito 0991 number while traveling internationally?
A: Yes, Dito offers international roaming in 36 countries as of March 2025, though coverage is less extensive than Globe or Smart.
Conclusion
0991 What Network? It’s Dito Telecommunity. The 0991 mobile network represents an important component of Dito Telecommunity’s growing presence in the Philippines telecommunications market. With competitive pricing, expanding coverage, and modern network infrastructure, 0991 numbers offer a viable alternative to the established providers for many Filipinos.
While Dito continues to address coverage limitations and build out its service offerings, the company has demonstrated significant progress since its 2021 launch. For consumers considering a switch to the 0991 network, the decision should weigh factors including coverage in your specific area, device compatibility, data needs, and price sensitivity.
Jennifer Smith is a passionate technology enthusiast with a deep focus on the digital landscape of the Philippines. With years of experience in the telecommunications and networking industry, she brings expert knowledge and practical insights to her writing. As the driving force behind Sim GuidesPh, Jennifer is dedicated to helping readers understand the complexities of the Philippine network landscape. Whether it’s exploring mobile networks, internet service providers, or the latest technological trends, Jennifer’s detailed guides aim to keep Filipinos informed and connected in an ever-changing digital world.