0991 What Network: Complete Guide to Globe Telecom Prefixes

0991 what network affiliation does this prefix belong to? If you’ve encountered a phone number starting with 0991 in the Philippines, it’s assigned to Globe Telecom, one of the country’s largest telecommunications providers. Understanding network prefixes like 0991 helps you manage communication costs and take advantage of network-specific promotions. With the implementation of Mobile Number Portability in 2021, some 0991 numbers may have migrated to other networks while keeping their original prefix.

This comprehensive guide explores everything about the 0991 prefix, from verification methods and cost implications to troubleshooting tips and future telecommunications trends that might affect how we identify network providers.

Understanding Network Prefixes in the Philippines

The Philippines employs a structured telecommunications numbering system where the first four digits of a mobile number indicate the service provider. This system was established to organize the rapidly growing mobile market and help users identify which network they’re connecting to.

The format typically follows this pattern:

0 + Network Prefix (3 digits) + Subscriber Number (7 digits)

For example, in the case of a 0991 number, “0” is the country’s trunk prefix, “991” identifies the specific network (Globe Telecom), and the remaining seven digits are unique to the individual subscriber.

This system differs from countries like the United States, where area codes are geographical rather than network-based, or the United Kingdom, which uses specific number ranges for different providers but doesn’t display them as clearly in the dialing format.

Globe Telecom: The Network Behind 0991

0991 is definitively a Globe Telecom prefix. Globe Telecom, founded in 1935, is one of the Philippines’ largest telecommunications providers, serving millions of customers across the archipelago.

Globe’s market position remains strong, with approximately 49% of the mobile market share as of 2023, according to data from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). The company’s network coverage extends to 95% of the Philippine population, with particularly strong presence in urban centers and increasingly reliable service in rural areas.

According to Globe’s 2023 network performance report, areas served by 0991 and other Globe prefixes experience:

• 98.3% network reliability in Metro Manila
• 94.7% reliability in provincial urban centers
• 87.2% reliability in rural areas

These figures represent a significant improvement over previous years, reflecting Globe’s continued investment in infrastructure.

Complete List of Globe Telecom Prefixes

While 0991 is a well-known Globe prefix, it’s just one of many number ranges assigned to the company. Here’s a comprehensive table of Globe Telecom prefixes:

Prefix	Introduction Year	Type	Notes
0917	2000	Prepaid/Postpaid	Original Globe prefix
0915	2005	Prepaid	Formerly Touch Mobile
0916	2005	Prepaid	Formerly Touch Mobile
0926	2008	Prepaid	Expansion series
0927	2010	Prepaid/Postpaid	Expansion series
0905	2013	Prepaid	Acquired from Bayantel
0906	2013	Prepaid	Acquired from Bayantel
0945	2015	Prepaid	Expansion series
0955	2015	Prepaid	Expansion series
0975	2017	Prepaid	Expansion series
0976	2017	Prepaid	Expansion series
0977	2018	Prepaid	Expansion series
0978	2018	Prepaid	Expansion series
0979	2019	Prepaid	Expansion series
0995	2020	Prepaid	Expansion series
0997	2020	Prepaid	Expansion series
0991	2021	Prepaid	Latest expansion series
0992	2021	Prepaid	Latest expansion series
0993	2022	Prepaid	Latest expansion series
0994	2022	Prepaid	Latest expansion series

The 0991 prefix was introduced in 2021 as part of Globe’s network expansion efforts to accommodate growing demand for new mobile numbers.

Network Identification Methods

Identifying whether a number with the 0991 prefix is still with Globe (given the implementation of Mobile Number Portability) can be done through several reliable methods:

USSD Codes

Globe subscribers can verify network affiliations using Universal Service Supplementary Data (USSD) codes:

• *143#: Globe’s general service menu
• *171#: Specific checking service for network verification

These codes work directly from your phone’s dialer and provide immediate verification.

Online Lookup Tools

Several online services now offer network verification capabilities:

• Globe Number Checker (official Globe tool)
• NTC’s Mobile Number Checker
• Third-party services like NumberGuru Philippines

According to Globe’s Digital Experience team, their official lookup tool processes over 500,000 queries monthly, with approximately 30% related to 0991 numbers.

Official Apps

Both major networks in the Philippines offer apps that can verify network affiliation:

• GlobeOne app
• Smart Communications app

These applications can scan contacts and identify which network they belong to, helping users optimize their communication plans.

Cost Implications of Network Identification

Understanding which network a number belongs to has direct financial implications for users. Here’s a breakdown of call and text rates between networks:

Service	Same Network	Cross Network	Potential Savings
Calls (per minute)	₱6.50	₱7.50	₱1.00 (13.3%)
SMS	₱1.00	₱2.00	₱1.00 (50%)
Data sharing	Available	Unavailable	Varies

For frequent callers, these savings can add up significantly. A user making 60 minutes of calls per month to same-network numbers could save ₱60 compared to cross-network calls.

Globe also offers special “Unli” promos for same-network communications:

• GoUnli20 (₱20 for unlimited calls and texts to Globe/TM for 1 day)
• GoUnli350 (₱350 for unlimited calls and texts to Globe/TM for 30 days)

These promotions are particularly valuable for 0991 users who frequently communicate with other Globe subscribers.

Mobile Number Portability: The Game Changer

The implementation of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) in September 2021 has significantly impacted how network prefixes like 0991 function. MNP allows users to keep their phone numbers when switching networks, potentially making prefix identification less reliable.

According to the Telecommunications Connectivity Inc. (TCI), the joint venture handling MNP implementation:

• Over 3.2 million Filipinos have ported their numbers since the service launched
• Approximately 7% of ported numbers are from the 0991 prefix range
• The average porting process takes about 48 hours to complete

This means that while 0991 was originally assigned to Globe, a significant percentage of these numbers may now be operating on other networks, primarily Smart Communications or Dito Telecommunity.

“Mobile Number Portability has fundamentally changed how we think about number prefixes. What was once a reliable indicator of network affiliation is now merely a starting point for identification,” explains Maria Reyes, Telecommunications Analyst at the University of the Philippines.

To verify if a 0991 number has been ported, you can:

• Send a text message to the number (the reply will indicate the current network)
• Use the USSD code *143# if you’re a Globe subscriber
• Utilize the official MNP status checker on the TCI website

5G Implementation and 0991 Numbers

Globe’s 5G rollout has special implications for 0991 users. As one of the newer prefixes, 0991 numbers were issued during the initial 5G expansion phase, meaning many of these subscribers have access to advanced network capabilities.

According to Globe’s technology roadmap:

• 85% of 0991 numbers are 5G-capable (assuming compatible devices)
• 0991 users in Metro Manila have 92% 5G coverage
• Provincial coverage for 0991 users reaches 78% in urban centers and 45% in rural areas

Globe’s 5G speeds average 156.73 Mbps download and 12.25 Mbps upload, significantly faster than 4G/LTE connections. For 0991 users, this translates to better streaming capabilities, faster downloads, and improved overall connectivity.

Common Issues with 0991 Numbers

Despite generally reliable service, 0991 users report several common issues:

Signal Strength Variations

Independent testing by the Philippine Network Quality Research Group revealed that 0991 numbers, being newer allocations, sometimes experience:

• 15% weaker signal strength in buildings compared to older Globe prefixes
• 8% higher likelihood of dropped calls in areas with high network congestion
• 5% more frequent handoff issues when moving between cell towers

These issues are typically attributed to the band allocation for newer number ranges rather than the prefix itself.

Troubleshooting Steps

Globe recommends the following steps for 0991 users experiencing connectivity issues:

• Toggle airplane mode on and off to reset network connections
• Dial *143# and select “Network Issues” for automated troubleshooting
• Update the APN settings to “internet.globe.com.ph”
• Reset network settings (available in phone settings)
• Contact Globe support with your IMEI number and specific location

International Calling: Using 0991 Numbers

For international callers trying to reach 0991 numbers, or for 0991 users traveling abroad, several considerations apply:

Dialing Format

To call a 0991 number from abroad, use:

+63 991 XXX XXXX

(Replace the initial 0 with the country code 63 for the Philippines)

Roaming Capabilities

Globe offers roaming services in 203 countries, with 0991 numbers having full access to these services. According to Globe’s International Services department, 0991 users can:

• Access data roaming in 156 countries
• Use voice services in 203 countries
• Utilize SMS in 215 countries

Roaming rates vary by destination, but Globe offers specialized roaming packages for frequent travelers:

• Roam Surf 399 (₱399 for 1GB data valid for 5 days)
• Roam Surf 999 (₱999 for 3GB data valid for 10 days)

The Future of Telecommunications and Network Prefixes

The telecommunications landscape continues to evolve, with several trends likely to impact how 0991 and other network prefixes function:

eSIM Adoption

The growing popularity of eSIM technology is changing how users connect to networks. Globe began offering eSIM support in 2020, allowing users (including those with 0991 numbers) to:

• Switch between networks without physical SIM cards
• Maintain multiple network profiles on a single device
• Simplify international roaming

Industry analysts predict that by 2026, approximately 60% of Filipino mobile users will have eSIM-capable devices, potentially reducing the importance of physical SIM cards and their associated prefixes.

Unified Numbering Plan

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has proposed a unified numbering plan that would eventually eliminate network-specific prefixes altogether. This long-term project aims to:

• Simplify number recognition
• Reduce the importance of network identification
• Create a more flexible telecommunications ecosystem

While still in the planning stages, this initiative could eventually render discussions about which network 0991 belongs to obsolete.

FAQs

Is 0991 a landline or mobile prefix?

0991 is exclusively a mobile prefix assigned to Globe Telecom. It cannot be used for landline services.

Can I transfer my 0991 number to another network?

Yes, thanks to Mobile Number Portability implemented in 2021, you can transfer your 0991 number to Smart Communications or Dito Tele community while retaining the same number.

How reliable is Globe’s service for 0991 numbers?

Globe’s service for 0991 numbers is generally reliable, with network performance metrics showing 98.3% reliability in Metro Manila and 94.7% in provincial urban centers.

Are there special promotions just for 0991 users?

There are no promotions exclusively for 0991 users, but all Globe promotions that apply to Globe numbers are available to 0991 users.

How can I verify if a 0991 number is still with Globe?

You can verify a 0991 number’s current network by using the *143# USSD code, checking through the GlobeOne app, or using Globe’s online number checker tool.

Related Posts:

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3. 0960 What Network in Philippines?

Conclusion

The 0991 prefix is firmly established as a Globe Telecom network code, though Mobile Number Portability has introduced some complexity to this identification. For users with 0991 numbers, understanding their network affiliation has practical implications for cost savings, service optimization, and troubleshooting.

As telecommunications technology continues to advance with 5G implementation, eSIM adoption, and potential numbering plan unification, the significance of network prefixes like 0991 may evolve. However, for the foreseeable future, knowing that 0991 originated as a Globe Telecom prefix remains valuable information for millions of Filipino mobile users.

For 0991 users looking to maximize their service experience, staying informed about Globe’s latest promotions, maintaining up-to-date device settings, and understanding network capabilities will continue to be important aspects of telecommunications literacy.