What Network 092? Globe or Smart in the Philippines The Complete 2025 Guide

What network 092? This is one of the most common questions Filipino mobile users ask, especially when they’re about to load a promo and realize they’re not entirely sure whether their number is registered with Smart or Globe. It’s a frustrating situation that happens more often than you’d think.

This confusion costs Filipino mobile users thousands of pesos every year in failed promo registrations, wasted load, and missed network-specific deals. The 092 prefix isn’t as straightforward as it seems—it’s actually shared across multiple telecom providers, and knowing exactly which network you’re on makes all the difference.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about the 092 prefix in the Philippines. You’ll discover which specific 092 numbers belong to Smart or Globe, learn foolproof methods to identify your network, and pick up money-saving strategies that work in 2025.

Understanding the 092 Prefix: It’s Not Just One Network

Here’s what most people don’t realize: 092 isn’t a complete mobile prefix by itself. It’s actually the starting point for several different prefixes, each assigned to different telecom providers or their sub-brands.

Think of it like a street name—”092″ is the street, but the house number (that crucial 4th digit) tells you who actually lives there.

What Makes 092 Different from Other Prefixes

The Philippine numbering system expanded significantly over the past decade to accommodate the growing number of mobile users. When the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) allocated these prefixes, they distributed the 092 family across multiple networks.

This means:

• 0920 might be Smart Communications
• 0925 could be Globe Telecom’s TM (Touch Mobile)
• 0922 was originally Sun Cellular (now absorbed by Smart)

The 4th digit is your key to identifying the actual network.

Why This Confusion Exists in the First Place

Three major factors contribute to the 092 confusion:

1. The Sun Cellular merger: When Smart acquired Sun Cellular in 2017, all Sun prefixes (including 0922) became part of the Smart network. Many Filipinos still remember 0922 as “Sun” and get confused when it now operates under Smart.
2. Multiple sub-brands: Both Smart and Globe operate budget-friendly brands (TNT and TM respectively) that share the 092 prefix family, creating overlap.
3. Mobile Number Portability (MNP): Since 2021, Filipinos can keep their number when switching networks. This means a 0920 number that traditionally belonged to Smart might now actually be on Globe’s network if the user ported it.

Complete 092 Prefix Breakdown: Which Numbers Belong Where

Let me clear up the confusion once and for all. Here’s the definitive breakdown of 092 prefixes and their network assignments as of 2025:

Smart Communications & Sub-Brands

Full Prefix	Network	Brand	Primary User Type
0920	Smart	Smart Prepaid/Postpaid	Both
0921	Smart	TNT (Talk ‘N Text)	Primarily Prepaid
0922	Smart	Former Sun Cellular	Both
0923	Smart	Smart/TNT	Both
0924	Smart	Smart Prepaid	Prepaid
0928	Smart	Smart Prepaid	Prepaid
0929	Smart	TNT	Prepaid

Quick takeaway: If your number starts with 0920-0924 or 0928-0929, you’re on the Smart network family.

Globe Telecom & TM (Touch Mobile)

Full Prefix	Network	Brand	Primary User Type
0925	Globe	TM (Touch Mobile)	Primarily Prepaid
0926	Globe	Globe Prepaid/Postpaid	Both
0927	Globe	Globe Prepaid	Prepaid

Quick takeaway: If your number starts with 0925-0927, you’re on the Globe network family.

The Exception: Ported Numbers

Remember, these assignments are traditional. If someone used Mobile Number Portability, their 0920 Smart number might now be running on Globe’s infrastructure. Always verify before sending network-specific loads or promos.

4 Proven Methods to Identify Your 092 Network

Knowing your prefix is one thing, but confirming your actual network (especially with MNP in play) requires verification. Here are four reliable methods:

Method 1: Check Your SIM Card Packaging

This is the most straightforward approach, but it only works if you still have your original SIM packaging.

What to look for:

• The network logo (Smart, TNT, Globe, or TM)
• Printed prefix on the package
• Activation instructions specific to that network

Reliability: 100% accurate unless the number was later ported.

Method 2: Use Free Online Network Checker Tools

Several Filipino tech communities have created free tools that identify mobile prefixes. While these can’t detect ported numbers, they’re excellent for checking the original network assignment.

Recommended tools for 2025:

• UnliPromo.com prefix checker: Simple interface, no registration required
• NumberPrefix.ph: Includes historical data on prefix assignments
• TextPromo.net identifier: Also shows current promos available for that network

How to use them:

1. Visit the website
2. Enter the complete 11-digit mobile number
3. Click “Check Network” or similar button
4. View results showing the original network assignment

Pro tip: Bookmark your preferred tool on your phone’s home screen for quick access when needed.

Method 3: Text-Based Network Verification

Both Smart and Globe offer free services to verify your network directly from your phone.

For Smart users:

• Text INFO to 214 (free of charge)
• You’ll receive a message showing your number, network, and available balance

For Globe users:

• Dial *143# to access the USSD menu
• Select “My Account” or similar option
• View your number details and network information

Why this works best: You’re getting information directly from the source, and it accounts for any porting that may have occurred.

Method 4: Customer Service Verification

When all else fails, calling customer service provides definitive answers.

Smart support:

• Dial 888 (toll-free from Smart/TNT/Sun numbers)
• Available 24/7
• Average wait time: 3-5 minutes during business hours

Globe support:

• Dial 211 (toll-free from Globe/TM numbers)
• Available 24/7
• Average wait time: 5-8 minutes during business hours

What to ask: “Can you confirm which network this 092 number is currently registered with?”

Bonus Method: The Load Test (Use with Caution)

Some users try loading a network-specific promo to see if it works. For example, registering a Smart-only promo like GIGA50 by texting to 8080.

Why I don’t recommend this as your first option: You might waste load if you guess wrong. Use this only when other methods aren’t available and you’re willing to risk ₱10-20 on verification.

Mobile Number Portability: The Game Changer for 092 Numbers

If you’re wondering why I keep mentioning MNP, here’s why it matters so much.

What Is Mobile Number Portability?

The Mobile Number Portability Act (Republic Act No. 11202) was enacted in 2019 and became fully operational in 2021. It allows Filipino mobile users to switch telecom providers while keeping their existing phone number.

Real-world impact: A customer with a 0920 number (traditionally Smart) can switch to Globe while keeping 0920-XXX-XXXX. The prefix no longer guarantees which network infrastructure they’re using.

According to NTC data from late 2024, approximately 2.3 million Filipinos have ported their numbers since the program launched. That’s roughly 2-3% of active mobile subscribers—small but growing steadily.

How to Check if an 092 Number Has Been Ported

Here’s the catch: there’s no public database to check if a specific number has been ported. The only reliable method is to ask the person directly or use the verification methods I outlined above.

This is especially important when:

• Sending load or promo gifts to friends
• Calling for business (to know which network you’ll be charged for)
• Organizing group promos that require same-network participants

How to Port Your 092 Number to Another Network

Thinking about switching networks but want to keep your 092 number? Here’s the process:

Requirements:

• Your number must be active for at least 60 days with current provider
• SIM must be registered under your name (compliance with SIM Registration Act)
• No outstanding balance on postpaid accounts
• Valid government ID

Step-by-step process:

1. Text PORT [mobile number] to 2727 (free)
2. You’ll receive an 8-digit UPC (Unique Porting Code) valid for 30 days
3. Visit any branch of your desired network with valid ID
4. Fill out porting application form
5. Pay porting fee: ₱25 for prepaid, free for postpaid
6. Porting completes within 24-48 hours

What happens during porting:

• Your old SIM stops working when porting completes
• You receive a new SIM from your new provider
• Your load balance transfers if moving from prepaid to prepaid (₱300 maximum)
• Active promos are forfeited (register new ones on your new network)

Smart vs Globe: Which 092 Network Delivers Better Value?

Now that you know how to identify your network, let’s compare what each provider actually offers to 092 users in 2025.

Network Coverage: Where Each Provider Excels

Smart’s strengths: Smart maintains approximately 8,500 cell sites nationwide, with particular emphasis on provincial coverage. If you travel to rural areas, island provinces, or mountain regions frequently, Smart typically provides more consistent signal.

According to Opensignal’s latest Mobile Network Experience Report (Q4 2024), Smart leads in:

• 4G Availability: 89.2% (vs Globe’s 87.1%)
• Rural coverage reliability
• Consistency during peak hours

Globe’s strengths: Globe operates around 8,200 cell sites with strategic concentration in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao. They excel in:

• Urban download speeds: Average 28.5 Mbps (vs Smart’s 26.3 Mbps)
• Central business district coverage
• 5G availability in major cities

The verdict: Choose Smart if you travel outside major cities often; choose Globe if you primarily stay in urban centers.

Internet Speed Performance

Based on crowd-sourced speed tests from Ookla’s Speedtest Intelligence (January 2025):

4G LTE Average Speeds:

• Smart: 26.3 Mbps download / 8.7 Mbps upload
• Globe: 28.5 Mbps download / 9.2 Mbps upload

5G Availability for 092 Prefixes: Both networks now support 5G on 092 numbers, but you’ll need:

• A 5G-capable phone
• A 5G-compatible SIM (most SIMs from 2023 onward)
• Location within 5G coverage area

Smart’s 5G coverage reaches 380+ cities and municipalities, while Globe’s 5G is available in 200+ locations but with higher speeds in covered areas (average 150-200 Mbps vs Smart’s 120-180 Mbps).

Pricing & Promo Value Comparison

This is where your 092 network choice directly impacts your wallet.

Smart’s Best Promos for 092 Numbers:

• GIGA99: 8GB data + unlimited calls to all networks + unlimited texts for 7 days (₱99)
• ALLOUT20: Unlimited calls to Smart/TNT/Sun + 200MB data for 1 day (₱20)
• GIGA50: 2GB data + 1GB app-specific bonus for 3 days (₱50)

Smart’s value proposition: More affordable all-network calling options and better daily budget promos.

Globe/TM’s Best Promos for 092 Numbers:

• GoSURF99: 8GB data + unlimited texts to all networks for 7 days (₱99)
• GOCOMBODD90: 6GB data + 60 minutes all-net calls + unlimited texts for 7 days (₱90)
• GoSAKTO: Customizable promos where you build your own package

Globe’s value proposition: Better app-specific bonuses (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok data) and rewards program integration.

Customer Service & App Experience

Smart’s GigaLife App:

• Simple, intuitive interface
• Promo registration in 2 taps
• Load balance tracking
• Average user rating: 4.2/5 stars (Google Play Store)

Globe’s GlobeOne App:

• More features but steeper learning curve
• Integrated rewards program (GoREWARDS)
• Bill payment options for postpaid
• Average user rating: 3.9/5 stars (Google Play Store)

The verdict: Smart wins on app simplicity; Globe wins on feature depth and rewards integration.

Network Performance Verdict Table

Factor	Winner	Explanation
Provincial Coverage	Smart	300+ more barangays covered
Metro Manila Speed	Globe	2.2 Mbps faster average
Budget Daily Promos	Smart	₱20 all-network calling option
Rewards Program	Globe	GoREWARDS points on every load
5G Coverage Area	Smart	180+ more locations
5G Speed	Globe	30-50 Mbps faster when available
App User Experience	Smart	Higher user ratings, simpler interface
All-Network Value	Smart	Better cross-network calling rates

Money-Saving Strategies for 092 Users in 2025

Knowing your network is just the beginning. Here’s how to actually save money:

Maximize In-Network Communication

Calls and texts within the same network are significantly cheaper or often free with basic promos.

The savings are real:

• Cross-network call: ₱6.50 per minute (standard rate)
• In-network call with promo: Often ₱0 (covered by unlimited packages)

How to organize contacts by network:

1. Use your phone’s native contact groups feature
2. Create three groups: “Smart/TNT”, “Globe/TM”, and “Unknown”
3. Tag contacts after verifying their network
4. Prioritize in-network communication when possible

For business users managing multiple contacts, apps like Contacts+ with network tags can automatically detect and sort contacts by network prefix.

Network-Specific Promo Timing

Both Smart and Globe release special promos at strategic times:

Smart 092 promo timing:

• 12:00 AM – 12:01 AM: Some limited “double data” promos launch midnight
• Payday periods (15th and 30th): Special combo offers
• Long weekends: Extended validity promos

Globe 092 promo timing:

• 9:00 AM daily: Flash sales on selected promos via GlobeOne app
• First week of month: GoREWARDS bonus point multipliers
• Holiday seasons: Extra validity days on standard promos

Pro tip: Set phone reminders for these windows to catch the best deals.

The Dual SIM Strategy

Many Filipino mobile users now employ a dual-SIM strategy: maintaining both a Smart and Globe number.

Cost-benefit analysis:

Single Network Approach:

• Average monthly spend: ₱400-600 (depending on usage)
• Must pay cross-network rates frequently
• Limited to one network’s coverage areas

Dual SIM Approach:

• Average monthly spend: ₱300-500 total across both SIMs
• Use appropriate SIM for each call (always in-network rates)
• Coverage redundancy (if one network fails, use the other)
• Access to promos from both networks

Recommended setup: Use your 092 number as primary (for bank OTPs, social media, etc.) and maintain a secondary number from the other network for calls and backup.

Common Issues with 092 Numbers & How to Fix Them

Let’s troubleshoot the most frequent problems 092 users encounter:

Problem 1: “Invalid Code” When Registering Promos

Symptoms: You text the promo code but receive “Invalid” or “Unrecognized” message.

Most common cause: You’re trying to register a network-specific promo on the wrong network.

Solution:

1. Verify your network using Method 3 (text INFO to 214 for Smart, or dial *143# for Globe)
2. Double-check the promo code is for your network (Smart promos usually text to 8080, Globe to 8080 or 8888)
3. Ensure you have sufficient balance
4. Try restarting your phone and re-sending

Problem 2: Can’t Receive OTPs or Verification Codes

Symptoms: Banks, e-wallets, or apps aren’t sending you verification codes.

Possible causes:

• Network congestion in your area
• Your number is blocked by spam filters (rare but happens)
• DND (Do Not Disturb) registry blocking commercial messages

Solutions:

1. Wait 5-10 minutes and request OTP again (congestion often clears)
2. Switch to Wi-Fi calling if available
3. Contact your network to check DND status: Smart users text DND STATUS to 2366, Globe users text STATUS to 2363
4. Use alternative verification methods (email, voice call) when available

Problem 3: Inconsistent Signal Strength

Symptoms: Signal bars fluctuate wildly, dropped calls, slow data.

Solutions based on your network:

For Smart 092 users:

• Enable VoLTE (Voice over LTE) in phone settings for better call quality
• Check if your area has maintenance: Visit Smart’s website or call 888
• Consider Wi-Fi calling through GigaLife app (free feature)

For Globe 092 users:

• Report persistent issues via GlobeOne app’s “Report an Issue” feature
• Check if SIM needs replacement (SIMs older than 5 years may degrade)
• Try manual network selection: Settings > Mobile Networks > Network Operators > Select Globe manually

Problem 4: Lost or Damaged SIM with 092 Number

For Smart 092 users:

1. Visit any Smart Store with valid ID
2. Request SIM replacement (₱50 fee)
3. Number reactivates within 24 hours
4. Load and promo balances are restored

For Globe 092 users:

1. Visit any Globe Store or authorized retailer
2. Request SIM replacement (₱30 fee)
3. Fill out SIM replacement form
4. New SIM activates within 4 hours
5. Load transfers to new SIM automatically

Important: Under the SIM Registration Act (RA 11934), your SIM must be registered to your name. Bring valid government ID for any SIM-related transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions About What network 092?

Can I tell if an 092 number is Smart or Globe just by looking at it?

You can make an educated guess based on the full 4-digit prefix. Numbers starting with 0920-0924 or 0928-0929 traditionally belong to Smart, while 0925-0927 belong to Globe. However, Mobile Number Portability means this isn’t guaranteed—the number might have been ported to a different network.

What happens to my 092 number if I don’t use it for several months?

Smart’s policy: Numbers become inactive after 90 days of no load or usage (calls, texts, or data). You have an additional 30 days to reactivate before permanent deactivation.

Globe’s policy: Prepaid numbers expire after 90 days of no reload. Postpaid accounts remain active as long as bills are paid.

To reactivate: Purchase any load amount before the grace period ends.

Are 092 numbers more expensive than other prefixes?

No, the prefix doesn’t affect pricing. A call from 0920 to 0917 costs the same as from 0905 to 0917. What matters is whether you’re calling within your network or cross-network, and whether you have an active promo.

Can businesses use 092 prefixes for corporate accounts?

Yes, both Smart and Globe offer corporate postpaid plans that include 092 prefixes. However, many businesses prefer newer prefixes like 0998-0999 for easier recall and company branding.

Will my 092 number work abroad (international roaming)?

Yes, both networks support international roaming:

• Smart roaming: Available in 190+ countries, rates from ₱15/minute for calls, ₱90/MB for data
• Globe roaming: Available in 200+ countries, rates from ₱18/minute for calls, ₱100/MB for data

Pro tip: Register for roaming promos before traveling. Smart’s “Swift Global” and Globe’s “Roam Surf” packages offer much better value than standard pay-per-use rates.

How do I know if someone with an 092 number has ported?

You can’t tell just by looking at the number. The only way to know is to ask them directly or call them (your phone bill will show which network the call actually connected to).

Making Your 092 Number Work for You: Key Takeaways

What network is 092? The answer depends on your complete prefix—0920-0924 and 0928-0929 belong to Smart, while 0925-0927 are Globe numbers. However, Mobile Number Portability means you should always verify before loading promos.

Here’s what you should remember:

✅ The 092 prefix spans both Smart and Globe networks—the full 4-digit prefix determines the traditional network assignment

✅ Mobile Number Portability means prefixes can be misleading—always verify before sending network-specific loads

✅ Use free verification methods (text INFO to 214 for Smart, dial *143# for Globe) to confirm your network

✅ Smart excels in provincial coverage and budget promos, while Globe leads in metro speeds and rewards programs

✅ In-network communication is significantly cheaper—organize contacts by network to maximize savings

✅ Both networks offer compelling value, but your choice should align with your usage patterns and location

Your next step: Before loading your next promo, take 60 seconds to verify your network using one of the methods in this guide. That small action could save you from wasted load and ensure you’re getting the best deals available for your 092 number.

Have questions about your specific 092 prefix? Found a great promo strategy that works for your network? Share your experience in the comments below—let’s help fellow Filipino mobile users make smarter choices.

Quick Reference Guide

Emergency Contacts:

• Smart Customer Service: 888 (free from Smart/TNT/Sun)
• Globe Customer Service: 211 (free from Globe/TM)
• NTC Hotline (for MNP concerns): (02) 8924-4332

Network Verification Shortcuts:

• Smart users: Text INFO to 214
• Globe users: Dial *143#
• Online checkers: UnliPromo.com, NumberPrefix.ph

Last updated: February 2025 | Based on current NTC allocations and network policies