0960 What Network? A Complete in the Philippines, No-Fluff Guide

0960 What Network? That’s one of the most common questions among mobile users in the Philippines. The short answer: 0960 is a Smart Communications / TNT prefix. However, because of the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) law, a number that begins with 0960 can technically be moved to another network like Globe or DITO.

In practice though, the majority of 0960 numbers you’ll encounter are still registered under Smart/TNT, making it a useful guide for identifying network promos, call rates, and data plans.

Why people ask “0960 what network?” (and why it still matters)

Even in the era of unlimited data and messaging apps, knowing a contact’s network helps you:

• Save money with same-network call/text promos
• Pick the right plan (prepaid vs postpaid)
• Avoid bill shock from cross-network calls
• Optimize team or family bundles by aligning networks

And if you run a business that relies on SMS or voice, a quick read on prefixes can translate into real cost control.

What exactly is a mobile number prefix?

A mobile number prefix is the first four digits of a Philippine mobile number (e.g., 0960 in 0960-123-4567). Historically, prefixes map to specific telecom operators, which is why people use them to infer the network behind a number. With MNP (Mobile Number Portability), prefixes are less absolute—but they’re still a helpful rule of thumb for budgeting and promo compatibility. (tcimnp.com.ph)

“Mobile Number Portability… launched on September 30, 2021.” (tcimnp.com.ph)

0960: What network does it belong to?

0960 is assigned to Smart Communications / TNT. You’ll find it on both prepaid and postpaid lines. If you see 0960, the default assumption is Smart/TNT—just remember the MNP caveat. (Globe or Smart, TxtBuff News)

Related Smart/TNT prefixes you’ll commonly encounter

While the list is long, here are a few familiar ones:

Prefix	Typical Network
0918	Smart / TNT
0919	Smart / TNT
0920	Smart / TNT
0921	Smart / TNT
0960	Smart / TNT

Source references with regularly updated lists: TxtBuff News and Technobaboy. (TxtBuff News, Technobaboy)

The telecom landscape at a glance (and where 0960 fits)

The market is primarily served by Smart (PLDT), Globe, and DITO. Smart remains one of the two big players, with 59.0 million mobile subscribers as of end-2024—a useful data point for understanding how likely you are to encounter Smart/TNT numbers like 0960 in the wild. (firstpacific.com)

PLDT reported 59.0M Smart mobile subscribers at end-2024. (firstpacific.com)

Why mobile number prefixes still matter in 2025

1) Cost efficiency

Same-network calls/texts are often cheaper or bundled. If your circle is largely on Smart/TNT, 0960 (and other Smart prefixes) signal opportunities to lean into Smart-to-Smart promos and avoid cross-network charges.

2) Network-specific promos

Telcos routinely push intra-network offers (free texts, bonus minutes, or bundled data). Knowing a number’s likely network lets you stack the right promo instead of guessing.

3) Better planning for data and call usage

If you’re on prepaid, every peso counts. If you’re on postpaid, you may still enjoy better plan utilization when more of your calls stay on-net.

Prepaid vs Postpaid: how much do prefixes (like 0960) actually matter?

Prepaid users

• High impact: Your savings often hinge on on-net promos.
• Practical tip: If most of your contacts are 0960/Smart, a Smart/TNT prepaid bundle is likely the cheapest path for calls and SMS.
• Bonus: Use free/low-cost data messaging when possible; keep call minutes for off-network numbers.

Postpaid users

• Moderate impact: All-net minutes ease the pain, but on-net calls can still be more efficient depending on your plan.
• Practical tip: Check your bill’s call distribution (on-net vs off-net). If many calls are to Smart (0960 et al.), consider Smart-leaning plans or corporate bundles to optimize.

MNP changed the rules but not as much as you might think

Mobile Number Portability lets you switch networks while keeping your number. That means a 0960 number could now be registered to a non-Smart network. However, adoption has been lower than expected:

By the end of 2024, less than 100,000 subscribers—about 0.10% of the total market—used MNP to switch telcos while keeping their number. (asean-competition.org)

This matters because it suggests that, in practice, most prefixes still indicate the original network. So while MNP is real, 0960 still strongly implies Smart/TNT.

How to check a number’s network (even with MNP)

If the call cost or promo really matters, don’t rely solely on the prefix.

Practical ways to verify:

• Use an online network checker: Several local tools allow you to input the full 11-digit number for a current network read. (Avoid tools that look shady; you don’t need to share personal info to check a prefix.)
• Ask your provider: Carriers can confirm whether a destination number bills as on-net or off-net.
• Test with care: Send a short message or make a brief call when promo validity is not at stake to confirm how it bills.
• Keep a running list: For teams or families, maintain a contact list noting confirmed billing network (not just prefix).

Real-world scenarios: how 0960 affects your bill and plan choices

Student on prepaid (heavy on SMS, occasional calls)

• Network reality: Most classmates are 0960/Smart.
• Playbook:
  • Activate Smart-to-Smart unlimited text or bucketed call promos.
  • Keep a small all-net call add-on for occasional off-net calls.
  • Use data messaging apps (Messenger, Viber, WhatsApp) for cross-network chats.

Freelancer on postpaid (client calls daily)

• Network reality: Clients vary; some 0960 (Smart), others Globe/DITO.
• Playbook:
  • Choose a plan with healthy all-net minutes and data.
  • If >60% of your calls hit 0960/Smart, consider a Smart postpaid with on-net perks to stretch minutes.

MSME owner running SMS promos

• Network reality: Customer list skews Smart/TNT.
• Playbook:
  • Use an SMS gateway that prices on-net vs off-net differently.
  • Segment your broadcast list by network (0960 and related Smart prefixes in one bucket).
  • Measure delivery and response rates; adjust channel mix (SMS + Messenger).

Data & context that sharpen your decisions

• Smart subscriber base: 59.0 million at end-2024. If you’re randomly dialing in the Philippines, odds are high you’ll hit Smart/TNT prefixes like 0960. (firstpacific.com)
• MNP adoption: Only ~0.10% of subscribers used MNP by end-2024—meaning prefixes still have predictive value for on-net vs off-net decisions. (asean-competition.org)

0960 vs other common prefixes: quick comparison

Use case	What to look for	Why it helps
Cutting voice costs	Identify 0960 and other Smart prefixes in your contacts	Steer more calls into on-net minutes
Stretching prepaid load	Align your main promo with the dominant network in your circle	Avoid cross-network rates
Choosing a plan	Check your call history (who you call most)	Pick Smart/Globe/DITO based on on-net probability
Business SMS	Tag customers by likely network (e.g., 0960 = Smart/TNT)	Use targeted routing for best rates

Prefix sources cross-checked against long-running lists. (TxtBuff News, Technobaboy)

Common misconceptions about 0960 and MNP

“Prefixes are useless now.”
Not quite. They’re less deterministic, but with MNP uptake still low, 0960 remains a strong signal for Smart/TNT in day-to-day budgeting. (asean-competition.org)

“All Smart promos work the same regardless of destination.”
Promo terms often distinguish on-net vs all-net. Always check the fine print before heavy usage.

“I can’t control costs because my contacts are mixed networks.”
You can: pick a plan with all-net minutes, push heavy chats to data messaging, and batch off-net calls during off-peak or when you have bonus minutes.

Expert tips to get the most out of 0960 knowledge (and avoid overpaying)

• Map your top 50 contacts: Tag likely networks by prefix (0960, etc.).
• Pick a matching core plan: If ≥60% of contacts are Smart/TNT, Smart promos often deliver the best value.
• Add a small all-net bundle: Cover yourself for the remainder without overbuying.
• Leverage data messaging: Use Messenger/WhatsApp/Telegram for cross-network chats; save minutes for must-be-voice situations.
• Recheck quarterly: If your contact mix changes (new job, new client base), re-optimize your plan.

Sources and citations (for credibility and fact-checking)

• 0960 = Smart/TNT and broader prefix lists: TxtBuff News and Technobaboy compilations. While third-party, these lists are long-running references in PH telco discussions. (TxtBuff News, Technobaboy)
• MNP launch date and background: Telecommunications Connectivity Inc. (TCI) announced nationwide launch on September 30, 2021. (tcimnp.com.ph)
• MNP adoption through end-2024: Philippine Competition Commission press-release summary (with TCI), noting <100,000 ports (≈0.10%). (asean-competition.org)
• Smart subscriber base (end-2024): PLDT FY2024 results investor document. (firstpacific.com)

“Less than 100,000 or around 0.10% of total subscribers have switched telcos while keeping their original mobile numbers by the end of 2024.” (asean-competition.org)

“As of end-2024, Smart had registered 59.0 million mobile subscribers.” (firstpacific.com)

Bottom line

• 0960 is a Smart/TNT prefix—a reliable indicator for same-network savings and promo alignment. (Globe or Smart)
• MNP exists, but adoption has been minimal, so prefixes remain practically useful for budgeting. (asean-competition.org)
• To be 100% certain (when pesos matter), verify with a network checker or your carrier before committing minutes or load.

FAQs: 0960 What Network in the Philippines?

Is 0960 Smart or Globe?

Smart Communications / TNT. That’s the original assignment for 0960. (Globe or Smart)

Can a 0960 number be on Globe because of MNP?

Technically yes, MNP allows porting without changing numbers. In practice, very few subscribers have ported, so 0960 usually still indicates Smart/TNT. (tcimnp.com.ph, asean-competition.org)

What other Smart prefixes should I know?

Examples include 0918, 0919, 0920, 0921, among many others. (TxtBuff News)

How do I confirm the current network behind a number?

Use a reputable online checker, ask your carrier, or make a brief test call/SMS when promo validity isn’t at risk.

Are there any official data points that help me decide plans?

Yes—operator reports (e.g., PLDT/Smart) show tens of millions of Smart users; that increases the odds your contacts are Smart/TNT. Meanwhile, MNP usage remains tiny, so prefixes still have practical value. (firstpacific.com, asean-competition.org)

Conclusion

This article integrates verifiable data, named sources, and clear, practical guidance. For full credibility and natural readability, have a human editor review your final draft and validate current promo mechanics—as promo terms can change frequently.

If you’d like, I can now tailor a companion table that lists popular Smart/TNT promos and where 0960 callers typically gain extra value (with current terms/citations).