Telcos to implement 8-digit landline numbers in Metro Manila by March 2019

All landline customers of both Globe Telecom Inc. and PLDT Inc. in the Greater Metro Manila with a +02 area code will move to an eight-digit telephone number format in March next year.

In separate advisories, both telecommunications companies said the shift to an eight-digit format was in line with the directive of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued in October.

"NTC issues Memorandum Order No. 10-10-2017 on October 27, 2017, directing all telecommunications companies in the Philippines to migrate all customers within the area code 02 to eight-digit telephone numbers, from the existing seven digits, not later than March 31, 2019," Globe said in an advisory.

According to the Ayala-led company, its customers will add an "identifier", the number 7, before the current seven-digit number.

As an example, a Globe customer with an existing landline of DUO of (02)576-4567 will have his number changed to (02)7576-4567 on March 18, 2019.

Meanwhile, Bayan Telecommunications customers will follow the numbering format (02)3000-XXXX to (02)3499-XXXX effective March 18, 2019.

According to Globe, it will have a three-month transition period from March 18, 2019 to June 17, 2019, during which customers who will still incorrectly dial the old seven-digit number will hear a special announcement that the format has been changed.

"We are working closely with the NTC and other telcos to assist customers before, during, and after the migration," said Globe General Counsel Froilan Castelo.

"We would like to see all our customers being aware of this change before it comes into effect," he added.

For its part, PLDT said its customers will add the identifier '8' before their current seven-digit numbers starting on March 18, 2019.

This covers those in Metro Manila, the Rizal Province, San Pedro in Laguna, and Bacoor in Cavite.

"For PLDT customers, update your number by just adding '8' before your existing number," the Pangilinan-led telco said in an advisory posted on its Facebook account.  —NB, GMA News