The numerous and now confusing first 4 digits codes for MTN, Airtel, Glo and Etisalat MSISDN (Subscriber Number)

During the early days of the 4 major GSM network in Nigeria, we have their familiar first 4 digits subscriber code numbers as;

MTN: 0803

ECONET/V-Mobile/Zain/Celtel/Airtel: 0802

Glo: 0805

Etisalat: 0805

One cannot doubt the fact that above that those codes associated with the GSM networks were very familiar to their subscribers.

But as time goes on, expansion sets in and the codes were expanded and we began to see codes like 0806 for MTN, 0808 for Airtel, 0807 for Glo and 0817 for Etisalat.

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Presently as we speak, the codes have grown astronomically into something now even confusing for subscribers and very difficult to easily identify which codes belong to which network.

They have grown into about 22 different four digits GSM mobile number codes for the entire networks and this time around people no longer bother to memorize all the codes.

In order for us to still differentiate them, we took out time to categorize the codes into each of the GSM networks providers that the codes belong to, so you can easily take a look at them and henceforth be able to easily identify the codes number and the GSM network they belong to.

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Below are the categorizations of these mobile code numbers to their various GSM network providers;

1.      MTN – 0803, 0806, 0703, 0706, 0814, 0816, 0813, 0810

2.      Airtel – 0802, 0808, 0701, 0708, 0812

3.      Glo – 0805, 0705, 0807, 0815

4.      Etisalat – 0809, 0817, 0818, 0909, 0709

Now, by just taking a look at those codes, you should be able to easily identify the number and the network when you see numbers that start with the codes while receiving phone call or text message.

Another great advantage of knowing those codes and the network they belong to is that when making your calls, you will agree with me that on-net calls are often cheaper than off-net calls, so you will be able to take charge of your calls by so doing and enjoy cheaper call rate.