0917 What Network? Complete Guide to Globe Telecom

0917 what network is a common question for many Filipinos. In the Philippines, mobile numbers play a crucial role in our daily communications, and the 0917 or 63917 prefix is primarily associated with Globe Telecom or its subsidiary Touch Mobile (TM).

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about 0917 mobile networks, their history, and practical applications in the Philippine telecommunications landscape.

Understanding the 0917 Prefix

The 0917 prefix holds a special place in Philippine telecommunications history. As one of Globe Telecom’s original number blocks, it has become synonymous with the Globe brand since its introduction in the 1990s when mobile phones began gaining popularity in the country.

Initially, Philippine mobile numbers consisted of 10 digits (including the prefix). However, in 2019, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) mandated the transition to an 11-digit mobile numbering format by adding “0” before the existing 10-digit mobile number to align with international standards. Despite this change, the recognition of 0917 as a Globe/TM prefix remained intact.

When calling internationally, the 0917 prefix transforms into 63917, where “63” represents the country code for the Philippines. This formatting change is essential for receiving calls or texts from international numbers:

Format	Example	Usage
Local Format	0917 123 4567	Used within the Philippines
International Format	+63 917 123 4567	Used for international calls/texts

According to the NTC’s Memorandum Order No. 10-10-2017, telecom providers can assign their allocated prefixes to either their main brand or subsidiary brands, which explains why 0917 numbers may belong to either Globe Telecom or Touch Mobile.

Globe Telecom vs. Touch Mobile: What’s the Difference?

While 0917 numbers can belong to either Globe or Touch Mobile, these two brands offer distinct services and cater to different market segments.

Globe Telecom

Globe Telecom positions itself as a premium telecommunications provider, offering:

• Postpaid plans with device bundles
• Priority customer service
• Higher-tier data packages and international services
• Business solutions
• Advanced features like cloud services and IoT connectivity

Globe typically targets urban professionals, businesses, and consumers willing to pay premium prices for reliable service and additional features.

Touch Mobile (TM)

Touch Mobile, launched in 2001, was created as Globe’s budget-friendly subsidiary brand with:

• More affordable prepaid packages
• Simplified promo offerings
• Value-oriented data and call packages
• Basic services without premium add-ons

TM primarily caters to budget-conscious consumers, students, and users in regional areas who prioritize affordability over premium features.

“The creation of Touch Mobile allowed Globe to serve different market segments while maintaining the premium positioning of its main brand,” explains Maria Santos, telecommunications analyst at Manila Tech Research. “This dual-branding strategy has been crucial to Globe’s market penetration across income segments.”

Despite the brand differences, both Globe and Touch Mobile share the same network infrastructure, meaning the actual signal quality and coverage are generally identical. The main differences lie in pricing structures, promotions, and customer service tiers.

Benefits of 0917 Numbers

The 0917 prefix carries several advantages thanks to its legacy status:

Recognition Factor

As one of the earliest mobile prefixes in the Philippines, 0917 numbers are widely recognized and associated with reliability. This recognition can be particularly valuable for:

• Business contact numbers
• Professional communications
• Customer service lines

According to a 2023 consumer perception survey by PhilComm Research Group, 72% of Filipinos associate 0917 numbers with established businesses or professionals, giving these numbers an inherent credibility factor.

Special Promotions

Historically, Globe has offered exclusive promotions for legacy prefixes like 0917. While newer prefixes receive standard offers, 0917 users have occasionally received:

• Anniversary promos for long-term subscribers
• Legacy data packages not available to newer numbers
• Priority access to new services during rollout phases

Value Retention

Interestingly, 0917 numbers often retain higher value in the secondary market. When special or memorable number combinations (like repeated digits) become available, they typically command higher prices with 0917 prefixes than with newer Globe prefixes like 0956.

This value retention reflects the cultural significance of 0917 numbers in Philippine telecommunications history. Some businesses even specifically seek out 0917 numbers with easy-to-remember sequences for their marketing materials.

Complete List of Globe and Touch Mobile Prefixes

While 0917 remains one of the most recognizable prefixes, Globe Telecom and Touch Mobile have expanded their number blocks significantly over the years. Here’s a comprehensive list as of March 2025:

Globe Telecom Prefixes:

• 0915
• 0917
• 0945
• 0955
• 0956
• 0975
• 0976
• 0977
• 0978
• 0979
• 0994
• 0995
• 0996
• 0997

Touch Mobile Prefixes:

• 0905
• 0906
• 0915
• 0916
• 0917
• 0926
• 0927
• 0935
• 0936
• 0937
• 0945
• 0954
• 0955
• 0956
• 0965
• 0966
• 0967
• 0975
• 0977

Note that some prefixes are shared between Globe and Touch Mobile, with allocation determined by the specific number sequence. This overlap explains why two 0917 numbers might belong to different brands within the Globe ecosystem.

For comparison, other major networks use these prefixes:

Smart Communications:

• 0908, 0918, 0919, 0920, 0921, 0928, 0929, 0939, 0946, 0947, 0949, 0951, 0961, 0998, 0999

Talk ‘N Text:

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

DITO Telecommunity:

• 0891, 0892, 0893, 0894, 0895, 0896, 0897, 0898, 0991, 0992, 0993, 0994

Sun Cellular (now integrated with Smart):

• 0922, 0923, 0924, 0925, 0931, 0932, 0933, 0934, 0940, 0941, 0942, 0943, 0944

How to Check if a 0917 Number is Globe or Touch Mobile

Since the 0917 prefix can belong to either Globe or Touch Mobile, it’s sometimes necessary to verify which specific network a number belongs to. Here are reliable methods to check:

Method 1: Official Apps

Both Globe and TM offer official mobile apps that can verify numbers within their network:

• Download the GlobeOne app (for Globe) or GlobeOne Lite (for TM)
• Register or log in to your account
• Use the “Friends” or “Share-A-Load” feature to search for the number
• The app will indicate if the number belongs to Globe or TM

Method 2: USSD Codes

Universal Subscriber Dialing System (USSD) codes provide a quick way to check number ownership:

• Dial *143# and follow the menu options for “Find Friends” or “Share-A-Load”
• Enter the 0917 number you want to check
• The system will indicate the specific network

Method 3: Load Transfer Attempt

A simple method is to attempt a load transfer:

• Dial *143# or use your Globe/TM app
• Select “Share-A-Load” or “Share-A-Promo”
• Enter the 0917 number
• Before confirming the transfer, the system will display whether the recipient is a Globe or TM subscriber

Method 4: Network Lookup Services

Several third-party services can identify Philippine mobile networks:

• Prefix.ph (web-based)
• Network Check PH (mobile app)
• PhoneInfoga (for technical users)

These services maintain databases of prefix assignments and can quickly identify which specific network a number belongs to based on both the prefix and number sequence.

Porting Your 0917 Number Between Networks

The implementation of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) in September 2021 marked a significant change in how Filipinos can manage their mobile numbers. For 0917 users, this means you can now take your number with you even if you switch providers.

The Mobile Number Portability Process

According to the Mobile Number Portability Act (Republic Act No. 11202), Philippine subscribers can transfer their numbers between networks through this process:

• Eligibility Check: Ensure your account has no outstanding balances and your SIM is active for at least 60 days
• Request Porting: Visit a physical store of your desired new provider or use their online porting facility
• Verification: Present valid ID and proof of number ownership
• Processing: The receiving provider initiates the porting process with your current provider
• Approval: Once approved, the port is scheduled (typically within 48 hours)
• Activation: Your number is activated on the new network while being deactivated on the old one

Requirements for Number Porting

To port your 0917 number, you’ll need:

• Valid government-issued ID
• Proof of ownership (recent bill for postpaid, SIM registration for prepaid)
• Active SIM card
• No outstanding balance (for postpaid)
• Completed porting application form

Limitations to Consider

While MNP has made number porting possible, there are some limitations:

• You cannot port between postpaid and prepaid services in one step
• Special promos and loyalty rewards typically don’t transfer
• Some value-added services may not be available on the new network
• A cooling-off period applies before you can port the same number again (typically 60 days)

According to DICT data from December 2024, approximately 2.3 million Filipinos have ported their numbers since the implementation of MNP, with 0917 numbers making up roughly 18% of all ported numbers.

Future of Mobile Numbering in the Philippines

The Philippine telecommunications landscape continues to evolve, with several factors influencing the future of mobile numbering:

NTC Regulations

The National Telecommunications Commission regularly updates regulations on number allocation to accommodate market growth. Recent regulatory changes include:

• Memorandum Circular No. 02-03-2023: Allocating additional blocks for emerging technologies
• Joint Administrative Order No. 01-2024: Strengthening SIM card registration requirements
• NTC Advisory 2024-057: Guidelines for transitioning legacy systems to support expanded number formats

These regulations aim to ensure number resource availability while maintaining interoperability across networks.

New Number Blocks

As digital adoption accelerates, the NTC has begun allocating new prefix blocks to accommodate demand. In late 2024, the commission approved the opening of the “08xx” series as Philippine mobile networks approach saturation of existing number blocks.

For Globe and TM users, this means new prefixes will likely be introduced in the coming years, though 0917 will maintain its legacy status.

Impact of Digital SIMs

The growing adoption of eSIM and virtual SIM technologies is changing how we think about mobile numbering. By 2025, approximately 35% of new premium smartphones in the Philippines are expected to use eSIM technology, according to data from the Philippine Smartphone Industry Association.

These technologies could eventually lead to:

• Multiple numbers associated with a single device
• Virtual numbers for specific purposes
• Number-as-a-service offerings for businesses
• Cloud-based number management

However, physical prefixes like 0917 will remain important identifiers even as these technologies evolve.

Practical Applications & Tips for 0917 Users

Whether you’re using a 0917 number for personal or business purposes, these practical tips can help you maximize its value:

Optimizing Promos

Globe and TM frequently offer different promotions. As a 0917 user, you can leverage these offerings:

For Globe 0917 users:

• GOPLUS99 provides 8GB data with unlimited texts to all networks for 7 days
• GOCALLIDD199 offers unlimited calls to Globe/TM plus 1GB data for international calls
• GOEXTRA199 includes 20GB data (10GB all-access + 10GB GoWiFi) valid for 30 days

For TM 0917 users:

• EasySurf50 gives 5GB data valid for 3 days
• AllNet10 provides unlimited texts to all networks plus 100MB data
• ALLUNLI15 offers unlimited calls and texts to TM/Globe plus 100MB data for 1 day

“Different prefixes may receive targeted promotions based on usage patterns,” notes telecommunications consultant Ryan Mercado. “Globe and TM periodically offer exclusive deals to 0917 users, especially long-term subscribers, as part of their customer retention strategy.”

Network-Specific Features

Several features are available specifically to Globe and TM subscribers:

• GCash integration with enhanced features for Globe/TM numbers
• GoWiFi access points nationwide (often with free allocations for subscribers)
• Content partnerships with streaming services and entertainment platforms
• VoLTE and VoWiFi services for enhanced call quality (on compatible devices)

Data Optimization

To maximize data allocation on 0917 Globe or TM numbers:

• Enable data saver features on apps and browsers
• Use Globe/TM reward points to redeem additional data
• Set up automatic data notifications at 50% and 80% usage
• Take advantage of time-based free data promos (often available from 12AM-6AM)
• Connect to GoWiFi hotspots when available to conserve mobile data

International Roaming Considerations

For 0917 users traveling internationally:

• Register for roaming at least 24 hours before departure
• Consider Roam Surf packages instead of pay-per-use rates
• Use the Globe At Home app to monitor roaming usage
• Set up data limits to avoid bill shock
• Consider eSIM options for destination countries (often cheaper than roaming)

Globe typically offers more comprehensive international roaming packages compared to TM, making Globe-branded 0917 numbers generally preferable for frequent international travelers.

Frequently Asked About 0917 What Network Questions

How can I tell if my 0917 number is Globe or Touch Mobile?

You can check your network assignment through the GlobeOne app, by dialing *143#, or by attempting a load transfer that will display your network before confirmation.

Can I transfer my 0917 number to another network?

Yes, the Mobile Number Portability Act allows you to transfer your 0917 number to other networks while keeping the same number. Visit your desired new provider with valid ID and proof of number ownership to initiate the process.

Are there special promos only for 0917 users?

Occasionally, Globe and TM offer anniversary promotions or exclusive deals to legacy prefixes including 0917. These are typically announced through SMS or the GlobeOne app.

What’s the difference in service quality between Globe and Touch Mobile?

Globe and TM share the same network infrastructure, so signal quality and coverage are identical. The main differences are in pricing structures, promotions, and customer service tiers.

How do I convert my local 0917 number to international format?

Remove the leading “0” and add the Philippines country code “+63” before the 9-digit number. For example, 0917 123 4567 becomes +63 917 123 4567.

Will new prefix additions affect existing 0917 numbers?

No, existing 0917 numbers will remain unchanged. New prefix additions only apply to newly issued numbers and won’t impact current 0917 subscribers.

Wrapping Up 0917 What Network

The 0917 mobile network prefix remains one of the most recognized and valued number blocks in Philippine telecommunications. Whether assigned to Globe Telecom or Touch Mobile, these numbers carry a legacy status that still provides practical benefits today.

Understanding the nuances between Globe and TM services, knowing how to verify network assignment, and staying informed about available features and promotions can help 0917 users maximize the value of their mobile service.

As telecommunications technology continues to evolve, the significance of traditional prefixes may gradually diminish in favor of digital identities and virtual numbers. However, for the foreseeable future, 0917 will continue to be an important identifier in the Philippine mobile landscape.

For the latest updates on mobile prefix assignments and telecommunications news, consider following the National Telecommunications Commission website or the official Globe and Touch Mobile social media accounts.