0960 What Network in the Philippines? Complete Guide

You ever get that weird text from a number starting with 0960, and your first reaction is—wait, 0960, what network is this? Happens more than we’d like to admit, yeah? You’d be sitting there, thinking whether to reply, call back, or ignore it entirely ‘cause it might just munch up your prepaid load if it’s cross-network. Welcome to the wonderfully confusing (but slowly improving) world of mobile networks in the Philippines.

Now, don’t sweat it. We’re diving deep into what 0960 really means, why it matters, and how you can actually save money, time, and some sanity by knowing your prefixes right. Whether you’re in Metro Manila, the provincial urban centers, or out there on one of our gorgeous remote islands, this guide’s got your back. Sit back, grab that milk tea or kapeng barako, and let’s figure this out together.

What Network is 0960?

0960 is a mobile number prefix officially assigned to Smart Communications, one of the major telco giants in the Philippines. This means any number starting with 0960 was originally issued by Smart. But — and here’s where it gets juicy — because of the Mobile Number Portability Act (Republic Act No. 11202), a number can be moved to another network now without changing the digits. Yeah, things got flexible, like how jeans used to be stiff until someone added spandex.

According to Dr. Maria Santos, a telecommunications policy researcher from the University of the Philippines, “Prefixes like 0960 used to lock a user into one telco, but now they’re more like historical tags than absolute identifiers.”

So while 0960 means Smart originally, the actual network it’s running on now? That depends if the user ported it to Globe, DITO, or stayed loyal to the Smart fam.

Quick Reference: Why It Matters

• Call & Text Charges: In-network is cheaper than cross-network.
• Promo Eligibility: Some promos are network-specific.
• Load Draining Risk: Sending to the wrong network? Say goodbye to ₱10 for one SMS.
• Customer Service Routing: Different networks, different hotlines like *888# or 1621.

Smart Communications: Home of the 0960 Prefix

Prefix Range	Network
0907, 0908, 0909	Smart
0910, 0912, 0918, 0919	Smart
0920, 0921, 0928, 0929	Smart
0930, 0938, 0939	Smart
0946, 0947, 0948, 0949	Smart
0950, 0951	Smart
0960, 0961, 0970, 0981	Smart
0989, 0998, 0999	Smart

The Big Players Behind 0960

Let’s talk telcos. ‘Cause it’s not just Smart anymore in the telecom playground.

Smart Communications

The OG behind 0960. Smart is under the PLDT (Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company) umbrella. With services like Smart Bro, Smart Signature Plans, and the ever-tempting Magic Data Plans, they’ve built a wide user base across urban and rural areas.

• Ken Alvarez, Smart’s Network Operations Director, once said, “Prefix ranges like 0960 are optimized for next-gen connectivity, including 5G.” They’ve got coverage in most cities and are aggressively planting more cell sites even in remote islands.
• Promos worth checking: GigaStories, GigaPlay, and GigaWork for flexible data bundles.

Globe Telecom

Yeah, the eternal rival. People always ask “0960 Smart or Globe?”—it’s Smart, but Globe can claim the number if it’s ported. Globe’s been bolstering its postpaid services, too, with GPlan, and they’re the go-to for many in Metro Manila.

DITO Telecommunity

Ah, the disruptor. Backed by China Telecom and Udenna Corporation, DITO’s on a mission to challenge the status quo. They don’t own 0960 but can port it, thanks to Mobile Number Portability (MNP).

According to Jean Marquez, telecom analyst at Manila Tech Review, “The porting process in the Philippines is getting smoother, but full transparency on prefixes is still catching up.”

How to Check What Network 0960 Is Using Now

Okay, so let’s say you’re holding this 0960 number and wondering if it’s still Smart or now a Globe-turned-chameleon. Here’s what you can do:

• Use NetworkChecker or PrefixPH tools — simple apps to verify.
• Text “GET NETWORK [Number]” to a network-specific code. (Some telcos offer this for free.)
• Call the number and see what your load says after. Classic but painful.
• Ask the person. I mean, why not?

You can also call customer hotlines like 8888-1111 or dial *USSD codes like 888# to confirm if it’s your network.

Smart Prefixes to Watch Out For (Besides 0960)

0960 ain’t alone. Here’s a short list of other Smart prefixes, so you’re not caught off guard:

• 0907–0909
• 0910–0912
• 0939
• 0947–0951
• 0961–0999

The NTC (National Telecommunications Commission) has the full prefix allocation list if you wanna go all-in and memorize them. Or just bookmark it. Don’t stress.

Mobile Number Portability in Real Life

Imagine this. Ana from Cebu had her 0960 number for 6 years. Then she moved to Manila, where everyone around her uses Globe. She didn’t want to lose her number, but the Smart signal in her new condo was trash (thanks, concrete walls). So, what did she do?

She ported her number to Globe.

Did she keep the same number? Yup. Did her friends notice? Nope.

The Mobile Number Portability Act made that happen. All you need to port your number is:

• Valid ID (can be from PhilSys)
• No existing lock-in with your current network
• A trip to a telco store or online form

And boom. You’re riding new waves without changing your digits.

Smart’s Current Offers for 0960 Users

Got a 0960 number and wanna stick with Smart? Here’s some value-packed stuff they offer:

• Magic Data Plans – No expiry data bundles. That’s right. No rush. Use it when you feel like it.
• Smart Signature – Postpaid plans for serious users. If you watch Netflix on mobile every night, this is your jam.
• Smart Infinity – Premium, kinda like first class for mobile users.
• GigaLife App – Manage promos, check balance, earn Smart Points for rewards.

Save Your Load Like a Pro

• Always double-check the network before calling.
• Use Smart GigaPromos like GigaStories for social media.
• For work? GigaWork gives you Zoom, MS Teams, and Google productivity tools.
• Want to relax? GigaPlay includes free streaming of sports, concerts, and more.

Mobile Load, Call Rates & In-Network Savings

Let’s be real, cross-network call rates still hit hard. Even if it’s just ₱1 per text more, it adds up when you’re texting your crush every five minutes.

With in-network promos, you could be calling for free or get unlimited text. But if it’s cross-network, you’re paying retail, bro. That’s why prefix knowledge = budget hack.

Here’s a simple cheat tip:

• Smart to Smart? You’re good.
• Smart to Globe/DITO? Use a combo promo or find a workaround like PayMaya call options.

Signal, Coverage & Tech Stuff

Smart’s been building infrastructure like crazy. By 2025, their 5G expansion will cover 97% of urban hubs, including some sweet remote islands like Siargao and Palawan.

But issues like network congestion and APN misconfigurations still pop up, especially in provincial towns. Some users help map signal strength with crowdsourced tools — if you see one, join in. Help a fellow Pinoy out.

As Roberto Mendoza of the Philippine Association of Telecommunications Providers said, “Infrastructure is the silent hero of good connectivity. No amount of promos can replace a working cell tower.”

Future of Prefixes, eSIM, and Digital IDs

Let’s go future-forward for a bit. In a few years:

• eSIMs and virtual numbers will be more mainstream.
• Prefixes might not matter anymore, thanks to network virtualization.
• Your PhilSys ID might link to your number, streamlining KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements.
• Porting will be instant. Like, Netflix-autoplay-instant.

How to Personalize Your Connection (and Make It Count)

Whether it’s a family member, a business lead, or that person you’ve been lowkey liking for months — knowing someone’s real network isn’t just smart, it’s respectful.

Here’s how to make it count:

• Use voice notes if you’re same-network.
• Send digital load via GCash or PayMaya — it’s practical and thoughtful.
• Add humor or memes to your SMS — makes any message more human.

Smart Communications Plans for 0960 Users

As a 0960 number holder, you have access to Smart’s complete lineup of service offerings, tailored to different usage needs and budget.

Prepaid Options

Smart’s prepaid ecosystem revolves around their flagship Magic Data offering:

Plan Name	Data Allocation	Validity	Price (PHP)
Magic Data 99	8GB	7 days	99
Magic Data 149	12GB	7 days	149
Magic Data 499	24GB + Unli TikTok	30 days	499
Magic Data 999	50GB + Unli All Apps	30 days	999

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Number

So next time you see 0960, you’ll know what it means. It’s not just digits. It’s Smart Communications history, tech evolution, and a tiny piece of our growing digital lives.

Whether you’re an OFW checking on your fam in the Philippines, a teen with three SIM cards for promo hacks, or just someone wondering how to stretch your load to payday — this number matters.

Freqeuntly Asked Questions

0960 what network

0960 is a mobile prefix in the Philippines that belongs to Smart Communications. It is used for both prepaid and postpaid numbers.

0960

0960 is a Smart-issued mobile number prefix assigned by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in the Philippines.

what network is 0960

0960 is officially assigned to Smart Communications and is commonly used by their subscribers across the country.

0960 globe or smart

0960 is a Smart prefix, not Globe. However, due to Mobile Number Portability, some users may have ported it to other networks.

is 0960 smart or globe

0960 is originally a Smart Communications prefix. If not ported, it still belongs to Smart.