You’ve probably come across a number starting with 0904 and paused to ask yourself what network it’s from. Many Nigerians try to figure out the network behind unfamiliar prefixes to manage airtime rates or just get clarity before picking up. Now you can stop guessing. Here is everything you need to know about the 0904 prefix in Nigeria, the network it belongs to, and other related insights.
What Network Uses 0904 in Nigeria?
Numbers starting with the 0904 prefix are assigned to Airtel Nigeria. This numbering range was officially added to Airtel’s list following approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). So if you see 0904, it is safe to assume the call or message is coming from an Airtel line.
Why Does Airtel Use 0904?
As Airtel Nigeria’s subscriber base grew, it needed more numbering ranges to accommodate new customers. In early 2020, the company was granted the 0904 prefix by NCC to expand its capacity. That addition joined other Airtel prefixes like 0901, 0902, and 0907.
Airtel has maintained rapid growth and wide 4G coverage across Nigeria, so the newer prefix helps ensure more Nigerians can join the network.
How Can You Tell If a Number Starting with 0904 Is Airtel?
Even though 0904 is officially Airtel’s prefix, Nigeria has mobile number portability (MNP). This means people can keep their number when switching networks. Here are simple ways to confirm if a specific 0904 number is still on Airtel:
- Install a caller‑ID or line‑checker app that detects network providers.
- Call the person and ask, or send a WhatsApp message, most Nigerian users will gladly share their network provider when asked.
What Other Airtel Prefixes Should You Know?
Airtel uses several prefixes besides 0904. Here are the main ones in Nigeria:
- 0802
- 0808
- 0701
- 0708
- 0812
- 0901
- 0902
- 0904
- 0907
- 0912
Seeing one of these prefixes means it likely came from Airtel, although porting could change that in some cases.
5 Common FAQs About 0904 and Airtel
1. Is 0904 still active for new Airtel SIM cards?
Yes, the 0904 series is still active. Airtel continues to issue new SIMs with this prefix in regions where other ranges are full.
2. Can 0904 numbers be ported to another network?
Yes, if someone ports their number from Airtel to MTN or Glo, the prefix remains 0904 even after switching. To confirm the current network, you should use network lookup tools.
3. Does Airtel charge any different rate for 0904 numbers?
No. Airtel treats 0904 like any other of its prefixes. Call and data rates are the same across prefixes under Airtel’s plan.
4. How will I know if calls from 0904 are airtime scams?
Unknown callers with 0904 may be legitimate Airtel users. But it pays to be cautious. If they ask for personal information or money, avoid engaging and use call-block tools.
5. Are there other prefixes similar to 0904 I should watch?
Yes, Airtel has other number ranges like 0901, 0902, 0907 etc. If you want to check any Nigerian number, cross‑reference a full list of prefixes to identify the likely provider.
What to Do if You Get Calls from Unfamiliar 0904 Numbers
- Save known Airtel contacts so you can easily recognize them.
- Use call‑ID apps to identify numbers and see which network they are from.
- Block unwanted numbers if they seem suspicious or spammy.
- Report scam attempts to the Nigerian consumer protection platforms or your network provider.
Full List of Mobile Network Prefixes in Nigeria by Provider
| Network | Common Prefixes |
|---|---|
| Airtel | 0802, 0808, 0701, 0708, 0812, 0901, 0902, 0904, 0907, 0912 |
| MTN | 0803, 0806, 0703, 0706, 0810, 0813, 0814, 0816, 0903, 0906, 0913 |
| Glo | 0805, 0807, 0705, 0811, 0815, 0905, 0915 |
| 9mobile | 0809, 0817, 0818, 0908, 0909 |
Even though mobile number portability now allows people to switch networks and keep their numbers, 0904 still originally belongs to Airtel. So, while it’s possible that some 0904 numbers have moved to other networks, most are still with Airtel. That said, it’s always smart to double-check using tools like live number lookup if you want to be sure. This helps especially if you’re trying to manage call rates or avoid spam. So next time you get a call from a 0904 number, you’ll have a pretty good idea it’s likely Airtel unless you confirm otherwise.
