0920 What Network? Complete Guide to Smart Communications Prefix

In the Philippines’ ever-evolving telecommunications landscape, understanding mobile network prefixes is essential for consumers and businesses alike. 0920 What Network? This is a common question among Filipino mobile users.

The answer is clear: the 0920 mobile network prefix belongs to Smart Communications, one of the country’s leading telecommunications providers. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about the 0920 prefix, its history, coverage, and how it fits into the broader Philippine mobile numbering system.

Understanding Mobile Number Prefixes in the Philippines

The Philippine mobile numbering system has undergone significant changes over the years, most notably the transition from 10-digit to 11-digit mobile numbers implemented in 2019. This standardization added a “0” prefix to all mobile numbers, aligning with international dialing conventions.

Mobile prefixes in the Philippines serve as identifiers for specific network providers. These prefixes, typically the first four digits of an 11-digit mobile number (including the leading zero), instantly tell you which telecommunications company issued the number.

“Mobile number prefixes are like digital ZIP codes – they immediately identify the network provider and sometimes even reveal when the number was first issued.” – National Telecommunications Commission (NTC)

The current mobile numbering plan includes:

• Smart Communications (including TNT): 0907, 0908, 0909, 0910, 0912, 0920, 0921, and others
• Globe Telecom (including TM): 0905, 0906, 0915, 0916, 0917, and others
• DITO Telecommunity: 0895, 0896, 0897, 0898, and others
• Sun Cellular (now merged with Smart): 0922, 0923, 0924, and others

Knowing your mobile network prefix matters for several practical reasons:

• Determining call and text rates (especially for promos that offer discounted rates for same-network calls)
• Troubleshooting network issues
• Verifying the legitimacy of callers (helpful for avoiding scams)
• Mobile banking and verification processes

0920: A Core Smart Communications Prefix

The 0920 prefix is one of Smart Communications’ original and longest-standing prefixes. In its international format, it’s represented as +63920, where “63” is the country code for the Philippines.

Smart Communications first introduced the 0920 prefix in the early 2000s as part of its GSM network expansion. While many prefixes have been added since then, the 0920 series remains in active use and continues to be assigned to new Smart subscribers.

According to Smart Communications data, as of March 2025, there are approximately 3.8 million active numbers using the 0920 prefix, making it one of the most widely distributed prefixes in the Smart network.

Timeline of 0920 Prefix Development:

Year	Milestone
2000-2002	Initial introduction of 0920 prefix
2008	Full allocation of original 0920 number block
2012	Additional 0920 number blocks released
2019	Implementation of 11-digit number system (adding leading “0”)
2023	Integration with Mobile Number Portability system

Smart Communications: Company Background

Smart Communications, commonly known as Smart, is a wholly-owned wireless communications and digital services subsidiary of PLDT, Inc. (formerly Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company). Founded in 1991, Smart has grown to become one of the Philippines’ largest telecommunications providers.

As of early 2025, Smart Communications holds approximately 47% of the Philippine mobile market share, serving over 75 million subscribers across its various brands, including TNT (Talk ‘N Text) and Sun Cellular (following the merger).

Smart’s infrastructure includes:

• Over 25,000 cell sites nationwide
• Extensive 5G coverage in major urban centers
• 4G/LTE coverage reaching approximately 96% of the population
• Fiber-powered network backbone

This robust infrastructure supports the millions of users with 0920 and other Smart prefixes, providing voice, SMS, and data services throughout the archipelago.

Complete List of Smart Communications Prefixes

While 0920 is one of Smart’s most recognizable prefixes, the company operates numerous other number ranges. Here’s an updated list of active Smart Communications prefixes as of March 2025:

Smart Postpaid Prefixes:

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

Smart Prepaid Prefixes:

• 0907, 0908, 0909, 0910, 0912, 0918, 0919, 0920, 0921, 0928, 0946, 0947, 0949, 0951, 0961, 0989, 0998, 0999

Talk ‘N Text (TNT) Prefixes:

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

Sun Cellular Prefixes (now under Smart):

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

This extensive range of prefixes allows Smart to accommodate its large subscriber base while organizing users across different service tiers and promotional offerings.

How to Verify if a Number is on the Smart Network

There are several reliable methods to verify if a number belongs to the Smart network:

1. Official Smart Services:

• Dial *888 and follow the voice prompts
• Use the MySmart app to check number details
• Visit any Smart store with valid ID

2. SMS Verification:

Text “NETWORK” to 7676 to receive information about the mobile network of your current SIM

3. Official NTC Database:

The National Telecommunications Commission maintains a prefix database accessible through their website

4. Third-Party Mobile Apps:

Several Filipino-developed apps like “Pinoy Prefix Checker” can instantly identify network providers based on prefixes

A common misconception is that all prefixes permanently belong to a specific provider. However, with the implementation of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) in 2021, numbers can now be transferred between providers while keeping the same number, including the prefix. This means that not all 0920 numbers necessarily remain on the Smart network if the owner has chosen to port their number.

Benefits of Smart’s 0920 Network

The 0920 prefix operates on Smart’s core network infrastructure, benefiting from the company’s continual investments in technology and coverage expansion.

Coverage Analysis:

According to OpenSignal’s March 2025 report, Smart’s network, which includes 0920 numbers, demonstrated:

• 97.8% 4G availability nationwide (compared to Globe’s 95.6% and DITO’s 92.3%)
• Leading coverage in 14 of 17 regions in the Philippines
• Most consistent signal strength in dense urban areas

Data Speed Comparisons:

Recent speed tests conducted by the Philippine Digital Speed Test Consortium in Q1 2025 showed:

Network	Average Download	Average Upload	Latency
Smart (inc. 0920)	42.8 Mbps	18.7 Mbps	28ms
Globe	39.2 Mbps	16.9 Mbps	32ms
DITO	47.3 Mbps	22.1 Mbps	25ms

While DITO showed higher raw speeds in some areas, Smart’s network demonstrated better consistency and reliability, especially during peak usage hours.

Pricing Advantages:

Smart offers several pricing advantages for 0920 numbers, including:

• Access to “Smart Signature” plans with prioritized network access
• Compatibility with legacy “Unli” plans (unlimited calls/texts to Smart/TNT numbers)
• Eligibility for Smart’s “Magic Data” packages with non-expiring data allocations

“Our 0920 series was among our first major allocations, and we continue to ensure these numbers receive the full benefit of our network modernization program.” – Jane Rivera, Smart Communications Network Operations Head (January 2025 press statement)

Transferring Your 0920 Number to Another Provider

With the implementation of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) in September 2021, subscribers can now transfer their 0920 numbers between different mobile providers while keeping the same number.

Mobile Number Portability Process:

• Check eligibility:
  • No outstanding balance
  • SIM must be registered under your name
  • Number must be active for at least 60 days
• Request porting from receiving provider:
  • Visit the new provider’s store with valid ID
  • Fill out porting request form
  • Provide Unique Subscriber Code (USC) from current provider
• Wait for processing:
  • Standard porting takes 24-48 hours
  • You’ll receive SMS updates throughout the process
• Activate new SIM with your same 0920 number

According to the Telecommunications Connectivity Inc. (TCI), the joint venture handling MNP, approximately 1.6 million Filipinos had ported their numbers as of February 2025, with roughly 130,000 of these being 0920 numbers transferring to or from Smart.

The porting service is free, though some providers may charge for the new SIM card itself (typically ₱40-₱50).

Historical Prefix Changes and Future Outlook

The Philippine mobile prefix landscape has evolved significantly since the early 2000s, reflecting the rapid growth in mobile adoption.

Key Historical Developments:

• Early 2000s: Limited prefixes (0917 for Globe, 0918-0920 for Smart)
• 2008-2010: Expansion to meet growing demand (0927, 0928, etc.)
• 2016-2018: Introduction of specialized prefixes for data-only plans
• 2019: Implementation of 8-digit landline numbers and standardized 11-digit mobile numbers
• 2021: Launch of Mobile Number Portability
• 2023-2025: Addition of new prefixes to accommodate 5G services and IoT devices

According to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), the demand for new mobile numbers continues to increase, with approximately 5 million new subscriptions activated annually across all providers.

Future Outlook:

The NTC and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) have outlined plans for:

• Allocation of additional number ranges to accommodate growing IoT and machine-to-machine communications
• Potential implementation of a unified numbering system that wouldn’t distinguish between mobile and landline numbers
• Enhanced number portability features allowing faster transfers between providers

For 0920 users specifically, Smart has committed to maintaining equivalent service quality and feature access as they expand their newer prefix ranges.

Common Issues with 0920 Numbers and Troubleshooting

Users of 0920 numbers occasionally encounter specific issues related to this prefix series. Here are common problems and their solutions:

1. Registration Issues:

Some older 0920 SIM cards issued before the SIM Registration Act may face verification challenges during the mandatory registration process.

Solution: Visit a Smart Store with two valid IDs and original purchase receipt (if available) for assisted registration.

2. Network Congestion:

Because 0920 is a widely-distributed prefix, some areas with high concentrations of 0920 users may experience congestion during peak hours.

Solution: Enable VoLTE (Voice over LTE) in phone settings if supported, which uses a less congested portion of the network.

3. International Calling Problems:

Some international systems may not recognize the updated 11-digit format for older prefixes like 0920.

Solution: Ensure callers use the proper international format: +63920xxxxxxx (dropping the leading zero).

For additional support, Smart Communications offers:

• 24/7 Customer Hotline: (02) 8-8800
• SMS Support: Text HELP to 7297
• Social Media Support: @SmartCares on Twitter and Facebook
• Smart Stores: Over 150 locations nationwide

Comparison with Other Network Prefixes

How does Smart’s 0920 network compare to offerings from other providers? Let’s examine the key differences:

Network Performance:

Based on the 2024-2025 Philippines Network Experience Report by Opensignal:

Metric	Smart (0920)	Globe	DITO
Games Experience	72.3/100	68.7/100	74.1/100
Video Experience	65.8/100	63.2/100	69.0/100
Voice App Experience	82.6/100	80.4/100	81.8/100
4G Availability	97.8%	95.6%	92.3%
5G Availability	18.2%	16.9%	22.4%

Consumer Satisfaction:

According to the 2025 Philippine Customer Satisfaction Index (PCSI) survey of 3,500 mobile subscribers:

• Smart (including 0920 users): 76% satisfaction rate
• Globe: 74% satisfaction rate
• DITO: 81% satisfaction rate

DITO’s higher satisfaction rating may reflect its newer infrastructure and aggressive promotional pricing, though its smaller subscriber base means less network congestion.

Value Comparison:

For typical prepaid users with 0920 numbers compared to similar offerings:

• Smart (0920): Magic Data 99 (8GB data, 7 days, ₱99)
• Globe: GoSURF99 (8GB data, 7 days, ₱99)
• DITO: DITO 99 (10GB data, 7 days, ₱99)

While DITO offers more data at similar price points, Smart’s broader coverage especially in rural areas often makes 0920 numbers the preferred choice outside major urban centers.

FAQs About 0920 What Network and Smart Communications

Is 0920 exclusively a Smart Communications prefix?

Yes, 0920 was originally allocated exclusively to Smart Communications. However, with Mobile Number Portability implemented in 2021, some 0920 numbers may now be operating on Globe or DITO networks if the owner has ported their number.

Can I keep my 0920 number when switching networks?

Yes, Mobile Number Portability (MNP) allows you to keep your 0920 number when moving to Globe or DITO. Visit your desired new provider with valid ID and request porting services.

How do I check my load balance on a 0920 number?

For Smart prepaid 0920 numbers, dial *121# and select “Balance Inquiry.” For postpaid, dial *888# or check through the MySmart app.

Are there special promos for 0920 numbers?

All Smart numbers, including 0920, have access to the same promotions. There are no promos exclusively for specific prefixes, though some legacy plans from the early 2000s were only available to early prefixes like 0920.

How has the 0920 network coverage changed in 2025?

Smart has significantly expanded its coverage for all prefixes, including 0920. As of March 2025, Smart’s 5G network reached 25% of the population, with 4G/LTE coverage extending to 96% of populated areas. All improvements apply equally to 0920 numbers and newer prefixes.

Conclusion

The 0920 mobile network prefix remains one of Smart Communications’ cornerstone number series, serving millions of Filipinos with reliable service backed by the company’s extensive infrastructure. As one of Smart’s original prefixes, 0920 numbers carry a certain legacy status, though technically they function identically to newer Smart prefixes.

With Mobile Number Portability now available, the relationship between prefixes and networks has become more fluid, but 0920 continues to be strongly associated with Smart’s network quality and nationwide coverage. For consumers, understanding that 0920 belongs to Smart Communications helps in making informed decisions about call rates, promos, and network compatibility.

As the Philippine telecommunications landscape continues to evolve with new technologies and regulatory frameworks, the 0920 prefix will remain an important part of Smart’s identity and service offering, backed by ongoing network investments and service improvements.