What Network is 0902 in Nigeria? | Network Provider

Have you ever received a call from a 0902 number and wondered which network it belongs to? Knowing the network of a number can be helpful for choosing the right tariff plans, sending bulk SMS, or understanding call charges.

In Nigeria, every mobile number starts with a unique prefix that identifies its original network. With the 4 different major telecom providers in the country, including MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile, it’s essential to know these prefixes.

This article will explain what network 0902 belongs to, how Nigerian mobile number prefixes work, and how to send bulk SMS to Airtel numbers.

What Network is 0902 in Nigeria?

The 0902 prefix in Nigeria is owned by Airtel Nigeria. Airtel is one of the largest telecommunication providers in the country, offering services like calls, data plans, SMS, and mobile banking.

So when you see numbers beginning with 0902, you already know that is an Airtel network.

See also: Telegram will Now Share User IP Address and Phone Numbers

What are Nigerian Mobile Number Prefixes?

Mobile number prefixes are the first four digits of a phone number after the country code (+234 in Nigeria). These prefixes indicate the original network a number belongs to. For example:

  • MTN: 0803, 0810, 0903
  • Airtel: 0802, 0902, 0701
  • Glo: 0805, 0811, 0905
  • 9mobile: 0809, 0817, 0909

Prefixes help simplify the identification process. For instance, if you know 0902 belongs to the Airtel network and the network that 0903 belongs to, you can easily decide on network-specific services or promotional packages.

However, due to number portability, users can transfer their numbers to a different provider.

See also: My Network is Slow: How to Boost Your Network in Nigeria

Why are Network Prefixes Useful?

Network prefixes in Nigeria are useful because they identify the specific telecom provider associated with a mobile number.

Each provider, such as MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile, has designated prefixes that help users determine which network the number belongs to, aiding in both dialing and billing processes.

This organization enhances the efficiency of telecommunications and facilitates network management

How Can Prefixes Help in Identifying Network Providers

Mobile prefixes are vital for recognizing the network provider associated with a phone number. Here’s how they can help:

#1. Affordable Calls and SMS

Many telecom providers offer cheaper rates for calls and SMS within their network. Knowing the prefix ensures you use these offers wisely. For example, Airtel offers discounted Airtel-to-Airtel call rates.

#2. Bulk SMS Campaigns

If you are running a bulk SMS campaign targeting Airtel users, prefixes like 0902 make it easier to filter numbers and send messages only to Airtel subscribers.

#3. Data Plan Optimization

Some data plans or bonuses apply specifically to the provider’s subscribers. If a data package mentions “Airtel numbers/network only,” identifying prefixes like 0902 will help.

#4. Targeted Marketing

Businesses can use prefixes to identify the most popular networks in a region and target marketing campaigns effectively.

#5. Avoiding Portability Confusion

While mobile number portability exists, knowing prefixes gives you a general idea of the original network, saving you from unnecessary confusion.

See also: Latest Update on how to Share Data on MTN and Other Networks 2025

How to Send Bulk SMS to Airtel Numbers

Sending bulk SMS is an efficient way to communicate with multiple Airtel users at once. None of the Airtel USSD codes can help you do this.

So, here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Compile Airtel Numbers

Start by collecting the Airtel numbers you want to send SMS to. Ensure the numbers have valid prefixes like 0902, 0802, or 0701.

Step 2: Choose a Bulk SMS Platform

Sign up on a reliable bulk SMS platform like:

  • Nigeria Bulk SMS
  • SMS Live 247
  • SmartSMSSolutions

These platforms allow you to send messages to multiple numbers at once.

See also: Code for BVN Check on all Nigerian Network 2025

Step 3: Upload the Numbers

Log in to the bulk SMS platform and upload the Airtel numbers. Some platforms let you upload in .csv or .txt formats for convenience.

Step 4: Compose the Message

Write a short and clear message. Keep the message relevant and under 160 characters to ensure it delivers as a single SMS.

Step 5: Filter for Airtel Prefixes

Before sending, filter the numbers by Airtel prefixes (e.g., 0902, 0802). This ensures your SMS targets Airtel subscribers only.

Step 6: Send the SMS

Click the “Send” button and monitor the delivery status on the platform. Bulk SMS platforms often provide a dashboard to track messages.

See also: How to Remove Private Number on Samsung, Infinix, and Other Android Phones

FAQs

Is 0902 an Airtel line?

0902 is an AIRTEL number. A phone number that starts with 0902 is an Airtel number, e.g. 09020731021.

How do I know if my line is MTN or Airtel?

Typically, MTN phone number prefixes end with 0, 3, and 6 while Airtel phone number prefixes end with 2 and 8. With this information, the next time you want to know if a number is MTN or Airtel, just a quick look at the number prefixes is enough to provide you with an answer.

How do I get details of a number?

On the Truecaller app, there aren’t any restrictions per se. In fact, there are added benefits, like: With the app, you can simply copy and paste numbers from anywhere on your phone, social media, or the web to identify the name behind the number using the phone number search function.

How to check Airtel sim owner name?

You can contact the mobile number’s service provider and ask them to supply you with the identity of the sim owner. You must cite a good justification for your request, such as a legal need.

How can I find out which network a mobile number is on?

Use the IPQS free carrier lookup tool to look up cell numbers, VOIPs, and landlines in any country. Perform a free phone carrier lookup on any phone number in any country. Phone number carrier lookups are an easy way to check which country and service provider a phone number currently is allocated to.

Conclusion

The 0902 prefix in Nigeria belongs to the Airtel network. Mobile prefixes play a crucial role in identifying network providers and helping users take advantage of call rates, data plans, and SMS offers.

If you find this article helpful, kindly share your thoughts in the comment section and follow us on our social media platforms on X (Silicon Africa (@SiliconAfriTech)), Instagram (SiliconAfricaTech), and Facebook (Silicon Africa).

References

  • Ekomiami.com – Nigerian Phone Numbers: Prefix For All Nigerian Networks
  • Onetouch.ng – How to Identify MTN, Airtel, GLO & 9mobile Number: Prefix

Recommendations

Olarewaju Daniel
Olarewaju Daniel
Articles: 142