Struggling to determine which network a phone number belongs to? In this comprehensive post, learn about the key GSM prefixes in Nigeria, how they correlate to each network, and how you can quickly confirm your own line. We’ll also show you how to buy airtime and data from SmartSMSSolutions for all major networks.
Importance of Knowing GSM Prefixes
- Call Rates: On-net vs. off-net call rates may differ, so knowing the network can save costs.
- Promotions: Some promos or bonuses are network-specific.
- Porting: Mobile number portability exists, but prefixes largely help identify the original network.
Overview of Major Networks
According to recent industry data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), MTN Nigeria maintains the largest subscriber base, holding around 40% of the market share. Globacom (Glo), the country’s indigenous operator, follows with approximately 27%, while Airtel Nigeria claims close to 26%, reflecting its international background and strong urban footprint. 9mobile (formerly Etisalat) rounds out the list with about 7% market share, supported by its reputation for innovative data packages and post-rebrand efforts. These figures highlight a competitive telecommunications landscape, where each network continually enhances coverage, pricing, and service quality to attract and retain subscribers.
Common Phone Number Prefixes in Nigeria
Below is a simplified list; note that new ranges might be introduced over time:
9mobile Prefixes
- 0809 - 234809 - 9mobile
- 0817 - 234817 - 9mobile
- 0818 - 234818 - 9mobile
- 0909 - 234909 - 9mobile
- 0908 - 234908 - 9mobile
Airtel Nigeria
- 0701 - 234701 - Airtel Nigeria
- 0708 - 234708 - Airtel Nigeria
- 0802 - 234802 - Airtel Nigeria
- 0808 - 234808 - Airtel Nigeria
- 0812 - 234812 - Airtel Nigeria
- 0901 - 234901 - Airtel Nigeria
- 0902 - 234902 - Airtel Nigeria
- 0904 - 234904 - Airtel Nigeria
- 0907 - 234907 - Airtel Nigeria
- 0912 - 234912 - Airtel Nigeria
- 0911 - 234911 - Airtel Nigeria
Glo (Globacom Nigeria)
- 0705 - 234705 - Glo
- 0805 - 234805 - Glo
- 0807 - 234807 - Glo
- 0811 - 234811 - Glo
- 0815 - 234815 - Glo
- 0905 - 234905 - Glo
- 0915 - 234915 – Glo
Mtel
- 0804 - 234804 – Mtel
MTN Nigeria
- 0703 - 234703 - MTN Nigeria
- 0706 - 234706 - MTN Nigeria
- 0803 - 234803 - MTN Nigeria
- 0806 - 234806 - MTN Nigeria
- 0810 - 234810 - MTN Nigeria
- 0813 - 234813 - MTN Nigeria
- 0814 - 234814 - MTN Nigeria
- 0816 - 234816 - MTN Nigeria
- 0903 - 234903 - MTN Nigeria
- 0906 - 234906 - MTN Nigeria
- 0913 - 234913 - MTN Nigeria
- 0916 - 234916 - MTN Nigeria
- 07025 - 2347025 - MTN Nigeria (Previously know as Visafone)
- 07026 - 2347026 - MTN Nigeria (Previously know as Visafone)
- 0704 - 234704 - MTN Nigeria (Previously know as Visafone)
- 0707 - 234707 - MTN Nigeria (Previously know as ZoomMobile)
Multilinks
- 07027 - 2347027 - Multi-Links
- 0709 - 234709 - Multi-Links
Currently largely inactive and no announcement of number series recycling yet
Smile
- 07020 - 2347020 – Smile
Starcomms
- 07028 - 2347028 - Starcomms
- 07029 - 2347029 - Starcomms
- 0819 - 234819 – Starcomms
Currently largely inactive and no announcement of number series recycling yet
Note on Porting: Mobile number portability can shift a phone number from one network to another without changing the prefix. Always confirm by calling or using a USSD check if in doubt.
How to Check Your Phone Number on Each Network
- MTN: Dial *311*1*1# or *663#
- Glo: Dial *135*8#
- Airtel: Dial *121*3*4# (or follow prompts under *121#)
- 9mobile: Dial *248#
Other Essential USSD Codes
- MTN: Balance *310#, Airtime Recharge *311*PIN#
- Glo: Balance *310#, Airtime Recharge *311*PIN#
- Airtel: Balance *310#, Airtime Recharge *311*PIN#
- 9mobile: Balance *310#, Airtime Recharge *311*PIN#
Purchasing Airtime and Data for All Networks
With SmartSMSSolutions, you can buy airtime and data for any network:
- One Platform: Eliminates the need to dial multiple USSD codes or use scratch cards.
- Instant Delivery: Airtime or data is delivered immediately upon payment.
- Safe Transactions: Multiple payment gateways for secure processing.
For data bundles specifically, visit SmartSMSSolutions Data Products to choose the plan that fits your usage.
- The 2025 Telecom Outlook
- Number Expansion: Expect more prefixes as the subscriber base continues to grow.
- 5G Rollout: Networks are likely to expand 5G coverage, driving further growth and new SIM registrations.
- Regulatory Framework: NCC continues to streamline SIM registration to ensure security and identity management.
Understanding the GSM prefixes in Nigeria can save you money and time, especially when dealing with multiple lines. Even though mobile number portability adds complexity, knowing the usual prefix ranges for MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile remains valuable. Don’t forget to leverage SmartSMSSolutions for easy airtime and data purchases, ensuring you remain seamlessly connected as Nigeria’s telecom sector evolves toward 2025.