What Network is 064 in South Africa? Understanding Mobile Number Prefixes (2025)

Business / July 19, 2025 / Melly Brown

Have you received a call from a number starting with 064 in South Africa and wondered which mobile network it belongs to? With the dynamic nature of South Africa’s telecommunications sector and the widespread adoption of number portability, identifying the precise network from a mobile prefix can be tricky.

This comprehensive guide by Tech Champ aims to clarify which major mobile providers in South Africa primarily use the 064 number range, explain the impact of number portability, and help you navigate the nuances of South African mobile numbering in 2025.

Understanding South Africa’s Mobile Numbering Plan & The “06” Range

In South Africa, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is responsible for allocating mobile number ranges to various telecommunications licensees. Historically, network operators (like Vodacom, MTN, and Cell C) were assigned distinct prefixes (e.g., 082, 083, 084).

As the demand for mobile numbers grew, newer ranges like “06” were introduced. The “06” prefix (which includes 060, 061, 062, 063, 064, 065, 066, 067, 068, 069) was opened up to accommodate new mobile subscriptions and new entrants in the market.

Crucial Point: Number Portability It’s vital to understand the concept of number portability. Introduced in South Africa to foster competition and consumer choice, number portability allows mobile phone users to switch from one network provider to another while keeping their existing mobile number. This means that while a “064” number was originally allocated to a specific network, it might now be actively used on a completely different network (e.g., a number originally with Cell C could now be with Vodacom or MTN).

For more detailed information on number portability regulations, you can refer to the official ICASA website.

Cell-C

What Network Primarily Uses the 064 Prefix?

The “064” prefix is primarily allocated to Cell C and Vodacom in South Africa. Within the broader 06 range, different blocks are assigned to various operators.

Here’s a breakdown of the primary network associations for sub-ranges within the 064 prefix, based on original ICASA allocations:

Mobile Number Prefix	Primary Associated Network (Original Allocation)
0640 – 0645	Cell C
0646 – 0649	Vodacom

Important Note: This table reflects the original network to which the numbers were allocated. Due to number portability, a number starting with 064 (e.g., 064 123 4567) could currently be active on any of South Africa’s major mobile networks, including Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, or Telkom Mobile, or even an MVNO operating on their infrastructure.

Why Does Knowing the Original 064 Network Still Matter?

While number portability means the original prefix isn’t a definitive indicator of the current network, understanding these allocations can still be useful for:

Historical Context: It provides insight into the growth and expansion of South African mobile networks over time.
Initial Assumption: In the absence of other information, the original allocation is the most probable network where the number originated.
Network-Specific Information: Sometimes, older promotions or services might have been linked to specific number ranges (though this is less common with modern offerings).
Curiosity: Many users are simply curious about the network behind an unfamiliar number.

How to Accurately Confirm a Mobile Number’s Current Network

If you need to know the current network of a South African mobile number, especially for ported numbers, these methods are the most reliable:

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

Beyond 064: Other Key Mobile Number Prefixes in South Africa

South Africa’s mobile numbering plan includes several other important prefixes:

060, 061, 062, 063, 065, 066, 067, 068, 069: Various sub-ranges within these are allocated to MTN, Vodacom, Cell C, Telkom Mobile, and Rain.
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 Landscape

While the 064 prefix in South Africa was originally allocated to Cell C and Vodacom in specific blocks, the reality of number portability means that any 064 number could now be operating on a different mobile network. Understanding these initial allocations, combined with the power of number portability, helps you better navigate South Africa’s dynamic and competitive mobile telecommunications environment.

What network is 081 in South Africa?

What network is 061 in South Africa?

What network is 071 in South Africa?

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