Many of you may have received missed calls or text messages on your phone from an unknown number starting with “0985”, which often makes you wonder what network is this? and many other things. But you may not have been able to find the answer, especially with the increasing number of mobile prefixes in the Philippines. In today’s article, we will share information about 0985 What Network. We will try to give you every possible information about this prefix. So let’s get started.
What Is a Mobile Prefix?
Before taking a deep dive into it, firstly we can understand what is a mobile prefix? So, a mobile prefix is the first four digits of a Philippine mobile phone number. These digits help identify which telecom network the number originally belonged to. For instance, in the number 09851234567, in which “0985” is the mobile prefix and the next digits (1234567) are the subscriber’s unique number.
Currently, there are hundreds of mobile prefixes in use which are assigned by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to telecom providers like Smart, Globe, and DITO.
Each prefix is tied to a specific network, though things have gotten a little more complicated since the introduction of mobile number portability
0985 What Network?
The mobile prefix “0985” originally belongs to the Smart Communications network which is often called “Smart,”. It is one of the major mobile service providers in the Philippines which is operated by PLDT, Inc., and has millions of subscribers nationwide.
So, if you see a number starting with 0985, then don’t panic. There are high chances that it’s a Smart number, unless the user has switched networks via number portability.
Why Is It Important to Know the Network?
Here are a few practical reasons why this is important to know:
1. Call and Text Rates Can Vary
Although many mobile promos now offer unlimited texts or calls to all networks, there are still some budget-friendly promos that apply only to the same network (also called in-network).
If you call someone using a Globe number, you could be charged extra. That is why it helps to know whether a number like 0985 is within your network, so that it could save you a few pesos.
2. Internet Data Promos
Some promos offer data bonuses or specific inclusions that depend on the recipient’s network. Certain services may also use network recognition for bundling or promotions. So, it is important to know the network.
3. Scam Awareness
Knowing the origin of a prefix also helps to be cautious with unfamiliar numbers. For instance, if someone claims to be calling from one’s network’s customer service but their prefix doesn’t match, that’s a red flag. Scammers often use fake or redirected numbers, and being aware of the usual prefixes helps you stay alert.
4. Troubleshooting Issues
Sometimes, calls or texts would not go through. Maybe a friend’s number is not receiving your messages. If you know their prefix is 0985 and you are a Globe user, it might be easier to narrow down if the issue lies with inter-network messaging or a specific telco problem.
A Closer Look at Smart Communications
Smart Communications is one of the leading mobile service providers in the country. It offers prepaid, postpaid, and broadband services. Smart owns several other popular brands under its roof:
- TNT (Talk ‘N Text) – Budget-friendly brand under Smart
- Sun Cellular – Previously independent, now merged with Smart
- Smart Bro – Mobile broadband services
Smart has consistently invested in infrastructure, especially in 5G connectivity and mobile internet, providing competitive services across the country.
Other Smart Prefixes
Besides 0985, here are some other Smart prefixes you might encounter:
0907, 0908, 0909
0910, 0911, 0912
0920, 0921, 0928
0930, 0938, 0939
0947, 0948, 0949
0950, 0951, 0961
0963, 0968, 0969
0970, 0971, 0981
0989, 0998, 0999
If you see numbers starting with any of these, they are most likely Smart numbers, unless changed due to Mobile Number Portability (MNP).
What Is Mobile Number Portability (MNP)?
In 2021, the Philippine government enforced the Mobile Number Portability Act, which allows mobile users to switch from one network to another without changing their number. This means you could move from Smart to Globe or DITO and still keep your “0985” number.
This has made prefix-based network identification a bit trickier. Just because someone’s number starts with 0985 doesn’t guarantee they’re still using Smart, they could have moved to Globe or DITO.
So while prefixes like 0985 originally help in determining the network, they do not always tell the full story anymore.
If you need to be absolutely sure of the network for promo or technical reasons, you can:
- Ask the person directly
- Use apps or tools provided by your telecom provider to check network compatibility
- Call customer support for clarification
How to Easily Check a Mobile Prefix
However, it is not easy to learn hundreds of prefixes to identify networks. So, here are a few quick ways to check a mobile prefix:
1. Online Prefix Checkers – Several websites have up-to-date lists of mobile prefixes and their corresponding networks.
2. Telecom Apps – Smart and Globe apps often have features to determine network compatibility for promos.
3. Printed Lists or Notes – If you frequently call or text people from different networks, keeping a printed prefix list by your workspace or phone could be handy.
4. Ask Your Contact – Sometimes, the easiest way is just to ask: “Are you still using Smart with that number?”
In Summary
0985 is a mobile prefix which helps identify the network a number originally belonged to, originally assigned to Smart Communications in the Philippines. Knowing a number’s network helps a person save on calls/texts, choose the right promos, and avoid potential scams.
While it might seem like a small thing, understanding mobile prefixes like 0985 can go a long way in helping you manage your phone usage more wisely. Whether you’re a student watching your load budget, a parent staying in touch with family, or a small business owner juggling calls, knowing the network behind a number is still useful in today’s mobile-savvy world.