Skip to content 
Which network is 060 in South Africa is one of the most searched queries in mobile telecom circles. Whether you’re trying to identify a caller, vet a SIM card, or just understand where your new number falls, the 060 prefix carries important information. In a country with multiple mobile and virtual network operators, knowing which numbers belong to which networks can save time, avoid confusion, and improve how you manage contacts.
South Africa’s mobile numbering system is managed by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), and prefixes like 060 are allocated to specific networks—but it’s more layered than it seems.
Understanding Mobile Number Prefixes in South Africa
South African mobile numbers typically start with a three-digit prefix that indicates the original network that issued the number. Historically, this was a reliable way to identify a user’s provider. For example:
- 082, 072 → Vodacom
- 083, 073 → MTN
- 084 → Cell C
- 081 → Telkom or MVNOs
- 060 → Multiple network allocations
However, mobile number portability has blurred the lines. Today, even if a number starts with 060, it may not remain with its original network.
Which Network Is 060 in South Africa (As of 2025)
060 Numbers and Their Allocated Networks
Which network is 060 in South Africa? The answer is multiple networks. ICASA has allocated various 060 prefixes to different operators over time. Here’s a breakdown of the 060 number ranges and which providers they were originally assigned to:
| Prefix | Originally Assigned To |
|---|---|
| 0600 – 0605 | Telkom Mobile |
| 0606 – 0609 | FNB Connect |
| 0603 | Afrihost Mobile (MTN MVNO) |
| 0607 | Me&You Mobile |
| 0608 | Standard Bank Mobile |
| 0609 | Trace Mobile |
These assignments are official but not exclusive anymore. Because of number portability, users can switch networks and retain their numbers. So a 0603 number might’ve started on Telkom, but it could now be running on MTN.
How to Verify the Active Network for a 060 Number
Prefixes alone no longer guarantee accurate network identification. Here’s how to verify which network a 060 number is actually on:
Use USSD Codes (Free on most networks):
- Vodacom: 135501#
- MTN: 1314# or 1235055#
- Cell C: *147# > Services > Check number network
- Telkom: No direct USSD—use their app or call support
Alternatively, third-party apps and websites (like Truecaller or online number checkers) can help confirm which operator is hosting a number today.
Virtual Operators Using 060 Ranges
Which network is 060 in South Africa, and why MVNOs matter
Many 060 numbers now belong to Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). These are smaller brands that lease network capacity from the major operators (Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom) and sell their own SIMs under different names.
Popular MVNOs using 060 include:
- FNB Connect – Runs on Cell C
- Me&You Mobile – Hosted by Cell C
- Afrihost Mobile – Powered by MTN
- Standard Bank Mobile – Hosted by Cell C
- Trace Mobile – Hosted by Cell C
So even though the number starts with 060, the backend network delivering the service could be any of the Big Four. This makes the prefix alone less meaningful unless you check the SIM metadata.
Why This Confuses Consumers
- Caller ID mismatch: You assume it’s Telkom, but it’s actually MTN.
- Data bundle incompatibility: Buying Vodacom-only bundles for a number now ported to Cell C.
- Fraud risk: Scammers may use 060 numbers from lesser-known networks.
- Ported numbers retain old prefixes: But function entirely under new systems.
Understanding which network is 060 in South Africa avoids all these frustrations.
The Regulatory Framework Behind 060 Numbers
ICASA governs the allocation of number ranges in South Africa. They assign blocks like 0601 to 0609 to networks based on license agreements and usage capacity. Each block has 10 million possible numbers, enough for massive scale.
Networks must:
- Prove capacity before requesting blocks
- Report usage stats
- Return unused numbers if required
But there is no law preventing users from porting their number to a different network after activation.
Mobile Number Portability: What It Means for 060
South Africans can switch networks while keeping their number. This process is known as Mobile Number Portability (MNP) and is available for both prepaid and contract users.
How it works:
- Send a port-out request to your current provider
- Receive a confirmation SMS
- Accept new SIM from new provider
- Network switches backend within 24–48 hours
Even after porting, your number—060, in this case—remains the same, but it now routes through a new network’s infrastructure.
Is 060 a VoIP Number?
Some assume that 060 is reserved for VoIP or internet-based numbers. That’s not true.
- 060 can be used for standard SIM-based mobile communication.
- VoIP providers like Switchtel or FreshPhone typically use non-mobile prefixes (e.g., 087 or 010).
- If you’re using 060 on a VoIP system, it’s either a redirection or special integration—not a norm.
How to Tell If a 060 Number Is Scam or Legit
South Africa has seen rising fraud cases via mobile numbers, including 060s.
Tips:
- If a 060 number is sending random SMS links—block it
- If it’s claiming to be your bank—call the bank to confirm
- If it asks for PINs or OTPs—ignore it
- Check it against scam reporting platforms
Again, the prefix alone doesn’t determine legitimacy—context matters.
Can Businesses Use 060 Numbers?
Yes, absolutely. Businesses often buy 060 numbers in bulk from MVNOs or as part of promotional campaigns. These numbers can be fully functional, support RICA registration, and run data/voice like any other number.
Some startups and fintech companies intentionally choose 060 to stand out from traditional 082/083 spaces.
Should You Buy a 060 Number Today?
Pros:
- Less saturated
- Associated with newer networks offering aggressive pricing
- Can port to another network if needed
- Often linked to data-heavy deals or digital banks
Cons:
- Some skepticism due to unfamiliar prefix
- Network reliability may vary depending on MVNO
- USSD codes and mobile banking may lag behind older networks
So if you’re wondering which network is 060 in South Africa, the better question might be: “What matters more—prefix or performance?”
Chicken Licken’s Franchise Cost: 2025 Guide
Conclusion: Which Network Is 060 in South Africa
Which network is 060 in South Africa? The simple answer: it’s not just one. 060 numbers are distributed across multiple mobile networks and MVNOs, including Telkom, FNB Connect, Me&You Mobile, Afrihost Mobile, and others. Because of mobile number portability, a 060 number might operate on a different network than the one it was issued from.
If you’re managing contacts, running SMS campaigns, or just trying to understand where a call is coming from, the prefix isn’t enough anymore. Always verify the current host network using available tools. In today’s mobile world, portability rules—and prefixes only tell half the story.
Get the latest entrepreneurial success stories, expert tips, and exclusive updates delivered straight to your inbox — Sign up for Entrepreneur Hub SA’s newsletter today!
