When trying to identify a South African mobile phone number, the first three digits (or four digits, in the case of newer ranges) indicate which cellular network originally issued the SIM card.
Important Note on Mobile Number Portability (MNP): Under the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) Portability Regulations, users can switch networks (e.g., from Vodacom to MTN) while keeping their original phone number. Therefore, a prefix tells you the original issuing network, but it is not a guarantee of the current active network.
For the USSD codes used to check airtime, data and balances on each network, see our South African USSD Codes hub.
Legacy Mobile Prefixes (07x and 08x)
The older 07x and 08x numbering blocks were generally allocated to operators as complete 3-digit prefixes. While MNP applies, these blocks are historically assigned as follows:
| Prefix | Original Issuing Network(s) |
|---|---|
| 071 | Vodacom, MTN |
| 072 | Vodacom |
| 073 | MTN |
| 074 | Cell C (0741 formerly Virgin Mobile SA) |
| 076 | Vodacom |
| 077 | Vodacom |
| 078 | MTN |
| 079 | Vodacom |
| 082 | Vodacom |
| 083 | MTN |
| 084 | Cell C |
Note: The 075 prefix is historically Protected and reserved; it is not currently active for consumer mobile networks.
Modern Sub-Block Allocations (06x and 081)
As the legacy ranges were exhausted, newer numbering blocks (such as the 06x range) were allocated by ICASA at a more granular, 4-digit sub-block level. While ICASA’s Numbering Plan Regulations dictate the structure, the operator-level allocations below reflect publicly corroborated historical assignments rather than a single public ICASA schedule.
| Prefix Range | Sub-Block Allocations |
|---|---|
| 060 | 0600 Liquid Telecom • 0601-2 Telkom • 0603-5 MTN • 0606-9 Vodacom |
| 061 / 062 | Cell C |
| 063 | 0630-5, 0638-9 MTN • 0636-7 Vodacom |
| 064 | 0640 MTN • 0641-5 Cell C • 0646-9 Vodacom |
| 065 | 0650-4 Cell C • 0655-7 MTN • 0658-9 Telkom |
| 066 | Vodacom |
| 067 | 0670-2 Telkom • 0673-5 Vodacom • 0676-9 Telkom |
| 068 | 0680-5 Telkom • 0686-9 MTN |
| 069 | 0690 MTN • 0691-9 Telkom |
| 081 | 0810 MTN • 0811-5, 0817, 0819 Telkom • 0816 Rain • 0818 Vodacom |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which network is 068 in South Africa?
The 068 prefix is split between Telkom and MTN. The sub-blocks 0680 through 0685 were originally allocated to Telkom, while the 0686 through 0689 blocks belong to MTN.
Which network is 063 in South Africa?
The 063 prefix is shared by MTN and Vodacom. The sub-blocks 0630-0635 and 0638-0639 were allocated to MTN, while 0636-0637 were allocated to Vodacom.
Which network is 081 in South Africa?
While commonly associated with Telkom (which holds the 0811-0815, 0817, and 0819 ranges), the 081 block is highly fragmented. MTN holds 0810, Rain holds 0816, and Vodacom holds 0818.
Can I be sure of a network just by looking at the prefix?
No. Due to Mobile Number Portability (MNP), millions of South Africans have moved to different service providers while keeping their original numbers. The prefix only indicates where the number originated.
Sources:
ICASA Numbering Plan Regulations (2016)
ICASA Amendment of the Numbering Plan Regulations (2023)
ICASA Number Portability Regulations (2018)
ICASA Numbering
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