0968 What Network: Ultimate Guide to Smart Communications

In the ever-evolving telecommunications landscape of the Philippines, keeping track of which mobile prefix belongs to which network provider can be challenging. 0968 What Network is a common question many Filipinos ask when trying to identify unknown callers or determine their own service provider. The 0968 prefix is one of many assigned to various telecom companies operating in the country. Understanding your mobile network prefix isn’t just about knowing who your service provider is it can impact your calling rates, promotions, and service availability. This comprehensive guide delves into everything you need to know about the 0968 mobile network prefix and Smart Communications, its operator.

0968: Smart Communications’ Key Prefix

The mobile prefix 0968 (or 63968 when dialing internationally) is officially assigned to Smart Communications, one of the Philippines’ largest telecommunications providers. This prefix is part of Smart’s extensive number range allocation from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), the government agency responsible for regulating and supervising the telecommunications sector in the Philippines.

Smart Communications introduced the 0968 prefix in 2018 as part of its expansion of number allocations to accommodate its growing subscriber base. The prefix is primarily allocated to Smart prepaid subscribers, though some postpaid customers may also have numbers beginning with this prefix.

To verify if a number with the 0968 prefix is indeed from Smart Communications, you can:

• Send a text message to 214 with the keyword “OWNER” followed by the 11-digit mobile number
• Call Smart Customer Service at *888 from your Smart phone or 1-800-10-SMART (1-800-10-76278) from a landline
• Use the official Smart Communications app to check number ownership
• Dial *333 and navigate through the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) menu for number verification

Smart Communications: Company Background

Smart Communications, Inc. was established in 1991 and has since grown to become one of the Philippines’ telecommunications giants. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of PLDT Inc. (formerly Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company), Smart forms part of the country’s largest and most valuable telecommunications conglomerate.

According to 2024 data from the NTC, Smart Communications holds approximately 45% of the Philippine mobile telecommunications market, serving over 75 million subscribers nationwide. The company’s extensive network covers approximately 95% of the Philippine population, with particularly strong coverage in urban centers and progressive expansion into rural areas.

Smart’s infrastructure includes:

• Over 25,000 cell sites nationwide
• Extensive 4G/LTE coverage in 93% of municipalities
• Growing 5G infrastructure in major cities
• Undersea cable connections to international networks

In comparison to its main competitor Globe Telecom, Smart often edges ahead in network speed tests, particularly for data services, while Globe sometimes shows advantages in call quality. The entry of DITO Telecommunity as the third major player has intensified competition, pushing all providers to improve their services.

Complete List of Smart Communications Prefixes

Smart Communications operates with numerous prefixes beyond just 0968. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of all current Smart prefixes as of March 2025:

Smart Postpaid Prefixes:

• 0908, 0918, 0919, 0920, 0921, 0928, 0947, 0949, 0951, 0961, 0998, 0999

Smart Prepaid Prefixes:

• 0908, 0918, 0919, 0920, 0921, 0928, 0929, 0939, 0946, 0947, 0949, 0951, 0961, 0989, 0998, 0999
• 0968 (primarily for newer subscribers)
• 0970, 0981

Talk ‘N Text (TNT) Prefixes (Smart subsidiary):

• 0907, 0909, 0910, 0912, 0930, 0938, 0946, 0948, 0950
• 0963, 0965, 0966, 0967

Sun Cellular Prefixes (now fully integrated with Smart):

• 0922, 0923, 0924, 0925, 0931, 0932, 0933, 0934, 0940, 0941, 0942, 0943
• 0973, 0974

Smart continues to add new prefixes as its subscriber base expands. The 0968 prefix is particularly notable as it was part of a batch of numbers allocated relatively recently, primarily to accommodate the growing demand for mobile connectivity among younger users and in previously underserved regions.

Smart vs. Other Philippine Networks

The Philippine mobile telecommunications market is primarily dominated by three major players: Smart Communications (including TNT and Sun), Globe Telecom (including TM), and the newer entrant DITO Telecommunity. Here’s how they compare based on recent performance metrics:

Network	Market Share	Average Download Speed	4G/LTE Coverage	5G Availability	Customer Satisfaction
Smart Communications	45%	32.8 Mbps	93%	35% of urban areas	76%
Globe Telecom	47%	28.3 Mbps	95%	32% of urban areas	72%
DITO Telecommunity	8%	47.2 Mbps	73%	12% of urban areas	81%

Data sources: NTC Reports, Opensignal Network Performance Study 2024, Consumer Satisfaction Index Philippines 2024

Smart’s 0968 network, like its other prefixes, benefits from the company’s robust infrastructure. However, it’s worth noting that DITO, despite its smaller overall coverage, shows impressive speed metrics where available—a classic case of a newer network with less congestion showing better performance in covered areas.

According to Julius Suarez, Head of Network Strategy at Ericsson Philippines, “Smart Communications has made significant strides in building network resilience and expanding 5G coverage throughout 2024, particularly benefiting newer allocated prefixes like 0968 with upgraded infrastructure.”

Consumer Benefits of Smart’s 0968 Network

Subscribers with 0968 numbers enjoy several advantages specific to Smart Communications:

Network Technology and Performance

• Full access to Smart’s 5G network in covered areas, with speeds reaching up to 1.4 Gbps in ideal conditions
• Nationwide 4G/LTE coverage with average speeds of 32.8 Mbps
• Lower latency (25-45ms) compared to industry averages

Special Promos and Packages

Smart occasionally offers special promotions specifically for newer prefixes like 0968, including:

• GigaLife App Exclusives: Extra data allocations when subscribing through Smart’s GigaLife app
• Double Data Weekends: 2x data allocation on weekend plans (currently available for 0968 users)
• Smart Signature Plans: Premium postpaid plans with priority network access

A notable current offering is the “Smart Bro Prepaid Unlimited 499” promo, providing unlimited data for 30 days, particularly advantageous for remote workers and students.

Integration with Digital Services

Smart’s 0968 subscribers can enjoy seamless integration with:

• GigaPlay app for free sports and entertainment streaming
• PayMaya for digital payments
• Smart Music for streaming without data charges
• GigaPoints rewards program for accumulating points convertible to data or load

As Angel Redoble, PLDT’s Chief Information Security Officer, noted in a recent industry forum, “Smart’s newer assigned prefixes, including 0968, benefit from enhanced security protocols and better spam filtering mechanisms compared to older number ranges.”

Practical Applications for Users

Porting Your Number to a 0968 Prefix

While Mobile Number Portability (MNP) allows you to keep your existing number when switching providers, obtaining a 0968 prefix specifically requires getting a new Smart number. To do so:

• Visit any Smart store with valid ID
• Purchase a new Smart SIM card (approximately PHP 40-50)
• Request a 0968 prefix (subject to availability)
• Register your new SIM under your name as required by the SIM Card Registration Act

Managing International Communications

When using a 0968 number for international communications:

• Your international dialing format would be +63968xxxxxxx
• Smart offers various IDD (International Direct Dialing) promos, such as “All-Out Surf” which includes limited IDD minutes
• Use Smart’s Roaming services when traveling abroad (activate by texting ROAM ON to 333)

Troubleshooting Common Network Issues

0968 users may occasionally experience:

• Signal fluctuations in certain geographic areas
• Data speed variations during peak hours (typically 7-9 PM)
• Text message delays during network congestion

For most issues, Smart recommends:

• Ensuring your phone’s software is updated
• Checking if your area is experiencing scheduled maintenance (visit smart.com.ph/announcements)
• Contacting Smart Customer Service at *888 for persistent problems

Smart’s Device Compatibility and Offerings

iPhone 15 and Smart

The iPhone 15 series is fully compatible with Smart’s networks, including numbers beginning with 0968. As of March 2025, Smart offers several plans for the iPhone 15:

• iPhone 15 (128GB) – Available on Smart Signature Plan S (PHP 2,499/month) with PHP 15,600 one-time device fee
• iPhone 15 Pro (128GB) – Available on Smart Signature Plan M (PHP 3,499/month) with PHP 20,400 one-time device fee
• iPhone 15 Pro Max (256GB) – Available on Smart Signature Plan L (PHP 4,999/month) with PHP 26,400 one-time device fee

These plans typically include unlimited calls and texts to all networks, generous data allocations, and other value-added services.

Other Premium Devices

Smart also offers various flagship Android devices with 0968 numbers:

• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
• Xiaomi 14 Pro
• OPPO Find X7 Pro
• Vivo X100 Pro

Prepaid vs. Postpaid Options

For 0968 numbers, Smart offers both prepaid and postpaid options:

Prepaid Advantages:

• No monthly commitments
• Control over spending
• Various affordable data packages
• No credit check required

Postpaid Advantages:

• Priority network access
• Better device bundling options
• Higher data allocations
• Premium customer service

According to Smart’s internal data, approximately 70% of 0968 numbers are currently on prepaid plans, while 30% are on postpaid arrangements.

Future Developments for Smart and 0968 Users

5G Expansion

Smart has committed to expanding its 5G network coverage to 80% of urban areas by December 2025, a development that will directly benefit 0968 users. The company has earmarked PHP 78 billion for network improvements in 2025 alone.

Alfredo S. Panlilio, PLDT and Smart Communications President and CEO, recently stated, “Our focus remains on building the most reliable and fastest network in the Philippines. The expansion of our 5G capabilities will particularly benefit our newer subscriber base, including those with the 0968 prefix.”

Upcoming Technologies

Smart has begun testing several technologies that will eventually benefit 0968 users:

• 5G Standalone Architecture (SA) for ultra-low latency applications
• Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) for improved gaming and AR experiences
• Network Function Virtualization (NFV) for better resource utilization
• IoT-specific network slicing for smart home and industrial applications

Sustainability Initiatives

Smart’s Green Communication Network program aims to reduce carbon emissions by 40% by 2030, partly through:

• Deployment of solar-powered cell sites
• Energy-efficient network equipment upgrades
• Carbon offset programs through tree planting initiatives

These initiatives ensure that 0968 users will be part of a more sustainable telecommunications future.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check if my 0968 number is indeed from Smart?

Text “OWNER” followed by the 11-digit mobile number to 214, call Smart Customer Service at *888, or use the official Smart app for verification.

Can I keep my 0968 number when switching providers?

Yes, under the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Act, you can keep your 0968 number when switching to Globe or DITO, though you may experience a brief service interruption during the porting process.

What are the latest data packages available for 0968 users?

As of March 2025, Smart offers GIGA packages ranging from PHP 99 (for 8GB valid for 7 days) to PHP 999 (for 24GB valid for 30 days), with various specialized packages for video, games, and social media.

How does Smart’s 0968 network compare to DITO’s newer infrastructure?

While DITO shows faster peak speeds in areas with coverage, Smart’s 0968 network offers significantly wider coverage (95% vs. 73% population coverage) and more consistent performance across the country.

Are there any known issues with 0968 numbers that users should be aware of?

Some users report occasional text delivery delays during high-traffic periods and signal fluctuations in certain geographic areas, particularly in buildings with thick concrete walls or basement areas.

Conclusion

The 0968 mobile prefix represents more than just a series of digits it’s an entry point into Smart Communications’ comprehensive telecommunications ecosystem. 0968 What Network is a question now clearly answered: it belongs to Smart Communications, one of the Philippines’ leading telecommunications providers. As part of Smart’s network, 0968 users benefit from extensive coverage, competitive speeds, and a wide range of services and promotions.

Whether you’re a current 0968 user or considering switching to this prefix, understanding the capabilities, limitations, and future developments of Smart’s network can help you make informed decisions about your mobile connectivity needs.