0996 What Network Philippines – Globe or Smart?

If you’ve come across a mobile number starting with 0996, you might be wondering which network it belongs to. Understanding the prefix of a phone number is essential for various reasons such as identifying the network for call rates, checking for promotions, and troubleshooting network issues. In this article, we will explore 0996 what network it belongs to and everything you need to know about it, specifically focusing on Globe Telecom and TM.

Prefix	Network
0996	TM / Globe

Read the method of different sims registrations in the Philippines

• Globe Sim Registration (Link)
• TM SIM Registration Link – Complete Method
• GOMO SIM Registration – Complete Guide

The 0996 prefix is primarily associated with Globe Telecom and its affordable prepaid service brand TM (Touch Mobile) in the Philippines. These two brands have long been popular in the country, offering various mobile services like prepaid plans, unlimited texting, affordable call packages, and data bundles.

While Globe Telecom serves users across all income levels with a broad range of services, TM caters primarily to budget-conscious customers, including students and those looking for more affordable options.

So, if you come across a mobile number starting with 0996, it is likely to be a TM (Touch Mobile) number under Globe Telecom. TM offers prepaid mobile plans, often providing affordable data and call/text bundles to meet the needs of everyday users.

The 0996 prefix helps identify a mobile number that belongs to either Globe Telecom or TM. While 0996 is predominantly used for TM, it’s important to know that, like other prefixes, the number could potentially belong to another network if the user has switched providers through Mobile Number Portability (MNP).

MNP, introduced in 2020, allows customers to keep their original mobile number, including the prefix, when they switch from one network to another. So, while 0996 is commonly associated with Globe Telecom and TM, it may no longer guarantee that a number with this prefix still belongs to TM or Globe.

Currently, 0996 is predominantly associated with Globe Telecom, specifically under its TM (Touch Mobile) brand. TM is Globe’s budget-friendly mobile service, targeting customers who prefer low-cost options for calls, texts, and data. This makes 0996 a popular prefix for those who use TM’s prepaid services.

However, Mobile Number Portability (MNP) has made it possible for users to port their 0996 numbers to another network, including Smart Communications, DITO, or others. Therefore, while 0996 is linked to Globe/TM by default, it can now belong to other carriers if the user has changed their network.

Understanding 0996 what network is helpful for several reasons:

1. Cost Management
   Knowing that 0996 is tied to Globe/TM means that calls and texts made within the same network are often cheaper. If you’re using TM, calling another 0996 number or texting within TM might offer discounted rates or even free services, depending on the plan you have.
2. Exclusive Promotions
   Telecom providers like Globe and TM offer exclusive promotions for users within their network. By identifying that a number starts with 0996, you can take advantage of TM’s prepaid plans and Globe’s exclusive offers, such as data bundles, unlimited text messages, and affordable calling options.
3. Troubleshooting Network Issues
   If you experience network issues such as poor signal strength or dropped calls, knowing that 0996 is tied to TM or Globe helps you pinpoint the cause of the issue. If the problem is network-wide, it’s easier to contact the correct service provider for assistance.
4. SIM Registration
   If you need to register a 0996 number with the government, you’ll know that the number is part of TM under Globe, and you can follow the appropriate registration procedure for Globe/TM subscribers.

While 0996 is linked to TM, it’s also important to note that TM is a brand under Globe Telecom. Globe is one of the Philippines’ leading telecommunications companies, offering a wide range of services to both prepaid and postpaid users. TM, on the other hand, is a more budget-friendly prepaid service designed for customers who need affordable mobile plans.

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between Globe and TM:

• Globe: Offers premium services, including high-speed internet, postpaid plans, and premium promotions. It is generally used by customers who want more data, better speeds, and additional services.
• TM: Focuses on offering affordable plans and is a popular choice for users who want basic prepaid services like call, text, and data bundles at a lower cost.

Even though TM is an affordable option, it benefits from Globe’s nationwide network, meaning users of 0996 (TM) can still enjoy wide coverage and reliable service in most areas of the Philippines.

No, 0996 is not a free number. Like all other mobile numbers, it is associated with prepaid or postpaid plans offered by Globe and TM. When you call or text a number starting with 0996, it will be subject to the standard rates for Globe/TM users, unless you are using a specific promo or plan that includes free calls or texts.

For example, TM users may benefit from promo packages like EasySURF, which bundles data, calls, and texts into one affordable plan. However, if you’re calling 0996 from a network like Smart or DITO, the standard inter-network charges will apply unless you’re using a specific plan or promotion that allows free calls and texts across networks.

With the introduction of Mobile Number Portability (MNP), the 0996 prefix is now more flexible. Before MNP, the prefix was strictly linked to TM under Globe Telecom, but now, users can keep their 0996 number even if they decide to switch networks. This means a 0996 number could now be associated with Smart, DITO, or another carrier if the user has ported their number.

For example, if a TM user with a 0996 number switches to Smart, their number will still begin with 0996, but it will be hosted on Smart’s network. This flexibility allows users to change networks without losing their phone number, including the prefix.

1. What network does the 0996 prefix belong to?

The 0996 prefix is primarily associated with TM (Touch Mobile), a budget-friendly prepaid service under Globe Telecom in the Philippines. However, with Mobile Number Portability (MNP), 0996 could now belong to another network if the user has ported their number.

2. Can the 0996 prefix belong to Smart or other networks?

Yes, due to Mobile Number Portability (MNP), a 0996 number originally from TM can now belong to Smart, DITO, or other networks if the user has switched providers while keeping their original number.

3. Is 0996 a free number?

No, 0996 is not a free number. It is a regular mobile number linked to TM or Globe Telecom, and calls or texts made to or from a 0996 number are subject to the standard rates unless specific promos or plans are in place.

In conclusion, the 0996 prefix is primarily associated with TM, a prepaid mobile service brand under Globe Telecom. However, with the implementation of Mobile Number Portability (MNP), the 0996 prefix is no longer strictly tied to TM or Globe. Users can now port their numbers to other networks, such as Smart or DITO, while retaining the same number, including the 0996 prefix.