What is the 071 Network in South Africa? Understanding Mobile Number Ranges (2025)

Uncategorized / July 19, 2025 / Melly Brown

Ever wondered which mobile network provider a “071” phone number belongs to in South Africa? You’re not alone! With multiple mobile network operators (MNOs) and the introduction of number portability, it can sometimes be confusing to identify the originating network from a cell phone number prefix.

This guide will demystify the 071 network code in South Africa, breaking down which providers use these numbers and why understanding these ranges remains useful in 2025.

You may also need to check: What network is 061 in South Africa?

Understanding South Africa’s Mobile Numbering Plan

In South Africa, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) allocates number ranges to various telecommunications providers. Initially, each major mobile network operator (MNO) was assigned distinct prefixes (e.g., 082 for Vodacom, 083 for MTN, 084 for Cell C). However, as subscriber bases grew and new operators entered the market, additional number ranges were allocated.

The introduction of number portability further complicated this. Number portability allows a mobile subscriber to switch networks (e.g., from Vodacom to MTN) while keeping their existing phone number. This means a number that originally started with a “071” prefix might now be on a different network.

Despite number portability, the initial allocation of number ranges still provides a strong indication of the originating network, which can be helpful for various reasons, such as checking network coverage, anticipating call costs (though less relevant with bundled minutes), or simply satisfying curiosity.

071

The 071 Network Code: Who Uses It?

The “071” mobile number range is primarily allocated to MTN and Vodacom, South Africa’s two largest mobile operators. The specific sub-ranges within 071 determine which of these giants the number likely originated from.

Here’s a breakdown of the 071 mobile number prefixes and their primary associated networks:

Mobile Number Prefix	Primary Associated Network (Original Allocation)
0710	MTN
0711 – 0716	Vodacom
0717 – 0719	MTN

Important Note on Number Portability: While the table above shows the original network allocation, keep in mind that due to number portability, a “071” number might have been ported to another network (e.g., Cell C or Telkom Mobile). Therefore, while these ranges indicate the likely originating network, it’s not a guaranteed current network for every single number.

Why is Knowing the 071 Network Still Relevant?

Even with number portability, understanding these number ranges offers a few benefits:

Historical Context: It helps in understanding the evolution of mobile networks in South Africa.
Troubleshooting: In rare cases of network-specific issues or promotions, knowing the original network might provide some context.
Curiosity and Identification: For many, it’s simply a quick way to identify which major player a new contact’s number might belong to.
Network Specific Deals: Sometimes, promotional deals or bundles might be tied to calls made within the same network (on-net calls), making this knowledge slightly relevant for budgeting, although most modern plans include ample cross-network minutes.

Other Key Mobile Number Ranges in South Africa

Beyond the 071 range, South Africa uses several other prominent mobile number prefixes:

060 – 069: This broader range is used by various mobile providers, including MTN, Vodacom, Cell C, Telkom Mobile, and newer entrants like Rain. Numbers in this range were generally introduced later as the initial 07 and 08 ranges became saturated.
072, 076, 079: Primarily Vodacom numbers.
073, 078: Primarily MTN numbers.
074: Primarily Cell C numbers (though some sub-ranges were used by Virgin Mobile before its discontinuation).
081: Primarily Telkom Mobile numbers (including sub-ranges for Rain and Vodacom).
082: Historically and predominantly Vodacom numbers.
083: Historically and predominantly MTN numbers.
084: Historically and predominantly Cell C numbers.

How to Confirm a Phone Number’s Current Network

If you need to definitively know the current network of a South African mobile number (especially if you suspect it might have been ported), there are a few methods:

Directly Ask the Person: The simplest and most reliable way is to ask the person whose number it is.
Network Confirmation Services (USSD): Some networks offer USSD codes or SMS services to check the network of a number, though this varies by provider and may incur a small fee or only work for numbers within their own network. It’s best to check with your specific MNO.
Online Tools (Limited Availability): While less common due to privacy concerns and portability, some third-party websites or apps might offer limited network lookup services. However, their accuracy for ported numbers cannot always be guaranteed.

Conclusion: Staying Connected in South Africa

In summary, while the 071 network in South Africa is largely associated with MTN and Vodacom based on original number allocations, the prevalence of number portability means this is not a hard and fast rule for every single number in 2025. Understanding these initial ranges, along with the broader numbering plan, provides valuable insight into South Africa’s dynamic mobile telecommunications landscape.

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