What Network is 061 in South Africa? A Comprehensive Guide to Mobile Prefixes (2025)

Business / July 19, 2025 / Melly Brown

Have you received a call from a number starting with 061 in South Africa and wondered which mobile network it belongs to? With the ever-evolving telecommunications landscape and the introduction of number portability, identifying the originating network from a mobile prefix can sometimes be a puzzle.

This in-depth guide will clarify which mobile providers in South Africa primarily use the 061 number range, discuss the impact of number portability, and help you understand the broader South African mobile numbering plan in 2025.

The Evolution of Mobile Numbers in South Africa

Historically, each major South African mobile network operator (MNO) had distinct prefixes that easily identified them (e.g., 082 for Vodacom, 083 for MTN, 084 for Cell C). However, as mobile penetration soared and new services emerged, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) began allocating new number ranges to meet demand. The “06” range was opened up in 2013 to accommodate this growth.

The key factor that complicates direct network identification is number portability. This service allows users to keep their existing phone number even when switching from one network to another (e.g., moving from Telkom Mobile to MTN). Therefore, while a 061 number might have originally been allocated to a specific network, it could now be operating on a different one.

telkom

The 061 Network: Who Primarily Uses It?

The “061” prefix, part of the broader “06” range, is a relatively newer allocation compared to the well-established “07” and “08” prefixes. Within the 061 range, multiple network operators have been assigned specific blocks of numbers.

Here’s a breakdown of the primary network associations for the 061 prefix based on original allocations:

Mobile Number Prefix	Primary Associated Network (Original Allocation)
0610 – 0613	Cell C
0614	Telkom Mobile
0615 – 0619	Cell C

Important Consideration: Number Portability As highlighted earlier, the network listed above is the original allocation. Due to number portability, a number starting with 061 (e.g., 061 123 4567) could have been ported to any other active mobile network in South Africa, including Vodacom, MTN, or even newer Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) that operate on the infrastructure of these major networks.

Why Does Knowing the Original 061 Network Still Matter?

Even with number portability, understanding the original allocation of the 061 range can still be useful:

Historical Insight: It provides context to the growth and expansion of South Africa’s mobile networks.
Default Assumption: In the absence of other information, the original allocation is the most likely default network the number started on.
Network-Specific Services: Occasionally, older services or promotions might have been tied to specific number ranges.
Curiosity: Many people are simply curious about which network a number might belong to.

How to Confirm a Mobile Number’s Current Network in South Africa

If you need to definitively identify the current network of any South African mobile number, especially if you suspect it has been ported, here are the most reliable methods:

Directly Ask the Subscriber: The simplest and most accurate way is to ask the person who owns the number.
Network Confirmation USSD Codes (Limited): Some mobile networks in South Africa offer USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) codes that allow you to check the current network of a number. This functionality varies between providers and might only work for numbers within their own network, or incur a small fee.
- Check with your specific network provider’s customer service or website for their current USSD options.
Online Network Lookup Tools (Use with Caution): A few third-party websites or applications claim to offer number network lookup services. While some may provide accurate information for ported numbers, their reliability and privacy practices can vary. Always exercise caution when using such services.

The Broader “06” Range and Other Mobile Prefixes in South Africa

The “06” range is a significant addition to South Africa’s mobile numbering plan, accommodating new subscribers and MVNOs. Here’s a glimpse into other common “06” prefixes and some of the other main mobile number ranges in the country:

0600: Primarily Liquid Telecommunications (for specific mobile services).
0601 – 0602: Telkom Mobile
0603 – 0605: MTN
0606 – 0609: Vodacom
062: Primarily Cell C and Vodacom (various sub-ranges).
0630 – 0635: MTN
0636 – 0637: Vodacom
064: Primarily Cell C and Vodacom (various sub-ranges).
065: Primarily Cell C, MTN, and Telkom Mobile (various sub-ranges).
066: Primarily Vodacom.
067: Primarily Telkom Mobile and Vodacom (various sub-ranges).
068: Primarily Telkom Mobile and MTN (various sub-ranges).
069: Primarily MTN.

Other Key Mobile Prefixes:

071: Primarily MTN and Vodacom.
072, 076, 079: Predominantly Vodacom.
073, 078: Predominantly MTN.
074: Predominantly Cell C.
081: Mostly Telkom Mobile, but also includes Rain and some Vodacom sub-ranges.
082: Historically and predominantly Vodacom.
083: Historically and predominantly MTN.
084: Historically and predominantly Cell C.

Conclusion: Navigating South Africa’s Mobile Networks

While the 061 network is primarily associated with Cell C and Telkom Mobile based on its initial allocation, the reality of number portability in South Africa means any 061 number could now be active on Vodacom, MTN, or another MVNO.

Understanding these number ranges offers a useful, albeit not always definitive, guide to South Africa’s vibrant mobile connectivity options. For precise identification, direct communication with the number holder remains the most reliable method.

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