0946 What Network? Complete Guide to Smart and TNT Prefixes

0946 What Network? In the complex landscape of Philippine telecommunications, identifying which network a mobile number belongs to can save you time, money, and frustration. The 0946 prefix is particularly notable as it’s shared between two major players in the Philippine telecom industry.

Whether you’re trying to determine which promo to avail, planning to contact someone, or simply curious about your own number, understanding the 0946 mobile network provides valuable insights into the Philippine telecom ecosystem.

The 0946 Mobile Network: Ownership and Background

If you’ve encountered a mobile number starting with 0946 or its international format 63946, you’re looking at either a Smart Communications or Talk ‘n Text (TNT) number. This shared prefix represents the close relationship between these two networks.

Smart Communications, established in 1991, stands as one of the Philippines’ telecom giants alongside Globe Telecom. Talk ‘n Text, launched in 2000, operates as Smart’s value brand, targeting budget-conscious consumers with affordable call, text, and data packages. Both networks fall under the larger PLDT Inc. umbrella, explaining their shared number prefixes.

According to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), Smart Communications currently serves approximately 75.6 million subscribers across its brands, with TNT accounting for a significant portion of this user base.

“The integration of Smart and TNT under one network infrastructure while maintaining distinct market positions has allowed PLDT to efficiently serve different market segments,” explains Maria Teresa Posadas, telecommunications analyst at Pacific Research Partners.

Understanding Mobile Network Prefixes in the Philippines

Mobile numbers in the Philippines follow a standard format: a four-digit prefix following the country’s 0 trunk code (e.g., 0946), plus a seven-digit subscriber number, totaling 11 digits. When dialed internationally, the format changes to the country code (63) followed by the mobile prefix without the trunk code and then the subscriber number.

The Philippine mobile numbering system has undergone significant changes in recent years, particularly with the implementation of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) in 2021, allowing subscribers to keep their numbers when switching networks. However, prefixes still generally indicate the original network provider.

The first four digits (0946) identify the mobile network operator and sometimes even specific service tiers within that network. The remaining seven digits identify the individual subscriber.

Complete Guide to Smart Communications Prefixes

Smart Communications operates numerous prefixes beyond 0946. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of Smart’s current prefixes, categorized by generation where applicable:

Smart Prepaid Prefixes

• 0813, 0907, 0908, 0909, 0910, 0918, 0919, 0920, 0921
• 0928, 0929, 0930, 0938, 0939, 0946, 0947, 0949
• 0951, 0961, 0963, 0968, 0970, 0981, 0989, 0998, 0999

Smart Postpaid Prefixes

• 0811, 0812, 0917, 0919, 0925, 0942, 0943, 0947, 0949, 0951, 0961, 0998, 0999

Smart 5G-Ready Prefixes

Starting in 2020, Smart designated certain prefixes for optimized 5G service, including:

• 0908, 0918, 0947, 0951, 0961

Smart has historically introduced special prefixes for specific promotions or products. For instance, the 0999 prefix was initially marketed as a premium offering, while more recent prefixes like 0908 were launched alongside 5G services.

Complete Guide to Talk ‘n Text (TNT) Prefixes

Talk ‘n Text shares several prefixes with Smart Communications due to their shared infrastructure, but also maintains some unique prefixes:

Current TNT Prefixes

• 0907, 0909, 0910, 0912, 0930, 0938, 0946, 0948
• 0950, 0963, 0970, 0981, 0989

The primary distinction between Smart and TNT prefix allocations relates to marketing strategy rather than technical differences. Both utilize the same network infrastructure, but TNT prefixes are typically associated with more budget-friendly plans and promotions.

According to internal data from PLDT’s 2024 annual report, TNT-specific prefixes have shown a 12% growth in new activations over the past year, with the 0946 prefix being among the most commonly distributed.

Network Strength and Coverage: What to Expect with 0946

Numbers under the 0946 prefix access the same network infrastructure as other Smart and TNT prefixes. According to OpenSignal’s 2024 Philippine Mobile Network Experience Report, Smart’s network (which powers both Smart and TNT services) delivers:

• Average 4G availability: 93.2%
• Average 5G availability in urban areas: 76.5%
• Average download speeds: 27.3 Mbps (4G), 178.5 Mbps (5G)
• Average upload speeds: 9.8 Mbps (4G), 24.3 Mbps (5G)

Regional coverage strengths for the Smart/TNT network include:

Region	4G Coverage	5G Coverage	Average Speed
Metro Manila	98.7%	87.3%	35.2 Mbps
Luzon (excluding NCR)	94.5%	42.8%	26.9 Mbps
Visayas	91.2%	38.6%	24.7 Mbps
Mindanao	88.4%	32.1%	22.5 Mbps

The 0946 prefix was among those allocated during Smart’s network expansion in the early 2010s, and most numbers with this prefix can access Smart’s full range of services, including 5G connectivity where available. However, actual performance depends on factors like device capability, location, and network congestion.

Consumer Benefits and Considerations

Users with 0946 numbers can access all standard Smart and TNT promotions, with some distinctions based on whether the number is registered under Smart or TNT.

Smart-Specific Benefits (0946)

• Access to Smart Signature plans (postpaid)
• Smart Rewards program membership
• Higher data allocation tiers
• Priority network access during congestion periods

TNT-Specific Benefits (0946)

• Access to budget-friendly “Sulit” promos
• Special double data promotions
• TNT-exclusive digital content partnerships
• Lower-cost unlimited text options

With the implementation of Republic Act 11934 (SIM Card Registration Act) in December 2022, all SIM cards, including those with the 0946 prefix, must be registered. According to data from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), approximately 92% of active SIMs nationwide had been registered as of March 2025, with TNT numbers showing slightly lower registration rates than Smart numbers.

“TNT’s traditional prepaid customer base includes demographics that sometimes face challenges with digital registration processes,” notes Telecommunications Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba. “This has resulted in slightly different registration patterns between TNT and Smart subscribers.”

Cross-Network Compatibility and Rates

Communication between 0946 numbers and other networks follows standard inter-network pricing. Current rates as of March 2025:

From 0946 (Smart/TNT) to Other Networks

• Smart to Smart/TNT: ₱1.00 per minute for calls; ₱0.50 per SMS
• Smart to Globe/TM: ₱6.50 per minute for calls; ₱1.00 per SMS
• Smart to DITO: ₱6.50 per minute for calls; ₱1.00 per SMS
• TNT to Smart/TNT: ₱0.50 per minute for calls (with promos); ₱0.50 per SMS
• TNT to Globe/TM: ₱6.50 per minute for calls; ₱1.00 per SMS
• TNT to DITO: ₱6.00 per minute for calls; ₱1.00 per SMS

These rates can be substantially reduced through various promos and subscription plans offered by both Smart and TNT. For example, TNT’s All Net packages provide discounted rates for cross-network communication, while Smart’s Unli Call & Text offerings cover unlimited calls to all networks.

How to Verify if a Number is from Smart or TNT

While 0946 is shared between Smart and TNT, there are several ways to determine which specific provider a number belongs to:

• Official USSD Codes:
  • Dial *121# from the number in question. Smart and TNT will display different menu options.
  • For Smart: *121# will show “Smart Menu”
  • For TNT: *121# will show “TNT Menu”
• SMS Balance Inquiry:
  • Text BAL to 214 for Smart
  • Text BAL to 4545 for TNT
  • The response will confirm the provider
• Through the GigaLife App:
  • Smart and TNT users can verify through the GigaLife App
  • The app will display the network branding upon login
• Customer Service:
  • Smart: 888 (toll-free from Smart/TNT)
  • TNT: 808 (toll-free from TNT)

A common misconception is that certain number series within a prefix designate a specific network (like 0946-123-xxxx for Smart and 0946-456-xxxx for TNT). According to Smart Communications’ customer service department, this is not accurate—the allocation within a shared prefix doesn’t follow a predictable pattern.

Future of Mobile Numbering in the Philippines

The Philippine mobile numbering system continues to evolve as subscriber bases grow and new technologies emerge. Key developments expected in 2025 and beyond include:

• Expanded Prefix Allocations: The NTC has announced plans to release new prefixes to accommodate growing subscriber bases, particularly for 5G-ready numbers.
• Enhanced Mobile Number Portability: Building on the 2021 MNP implementation, regulators plan to streamline the porting process, potentially making prefix identification less relevant over time.
• Integration with Digital ID Systems: The PhilSys National ID system is expected to integrate with mobile number registration, potentially changing how new numbers are allocated.
• IoT-Specific Prefixes: With the rise of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, specialized prefixes may be allocated for machine-to-machine communications.

According to PLDT’s latest technology roadmap, Smart and TNT will continue sharing numbering resources, with new prefixes likely being allocated to both brands simultaneously. The 0946 prefix will remain active for the foreseeable future, with no plans to retire or transition these numbers.

Frequently Asked0946 What Network Questions

Can I transfer my 0946 number to another network?

Yes. The Mobile Number Portability Act (Republic Act No. 11202) implemented in 2021 allows you to transfer your 0946 number to Globe, DITO, or other networks while keeping the same number. The process requires your number to be active for at least 60 days with your current provider, having no outstanding balances, and completing the porting process at your chosen new provider.

How do I know if my 0946 number is Smart or TNT specifically?

The most reliable way is to dial *121# from your phone. Smart users will see the Smart menu, while TNT users will see the TNT menu. Alternatively, check your SIM packaging or the confirmation message you received when you registered your SIM card.

Are there any special promos for 0946 numbers?

There are no promos exclusively for 0946 numbers, but you can access all relevant Smart or TNT promotions depending on which specific network your number belongs to. Smart typically offers “Giga” packages with larger data allocations, while TNT focuses on budget-friendly “Panalo” and “Sulit” offers.

What should I do if my 0946 SIM card isn’t registered yet?

Under the SIM Registration Act, unregistered SIMs are subject to deactivation. Visit Smart’s registration portal at smart.com.ph/simreg or TNT’s at tnt.com.ph/simreg to complete your registration. You’ll need a valid government ID and a working email address or phone number for verification.

How does the 0946 network performance compare to newer prefixes?

There’s no performance difference based on prefix alone. A 0946 number will experience the same network quality as newer prefixes like 0951 or 0961. Network performance depends on factors such as your location, device capabilities, network congestion, and proximity to cell towers not your number prefix.

Conclusion

The 0946 mobile network prefix, shared between Smart Communications and Talk ‘n Text, represents an important segment of the Philippine telecommunications landscape. Understanding this prefix provides practical insights into network capabilities, potential costs, and available services.

For consumers, knowing that a 0946 number connects to the Smart/TNT network allows for better-informed decisions when choosing promos, planning communication costs, or selecting a network provider. While Mobile Number Portability has somewhat diminished the importance of prefix recognition, network-specific offerings still make this knowledge valuable.

As the Philippine telecommunications sector continues its rapid evolution toward 5G and beyond, the numbering system will adapt accordingly. However, for the millions of Filipinos using 0946 numbers, the benefits of being on the Smart/TNT network—from coverage to specialized promotions remain consistent advantages worth understanding.