NTC extends migration date to eight-digit landline numbers

The Philippines’ National Telecommunications Commission has extended the migration to eight digit landline numbers in the Greater Metro Manila area by six months, at the request of the banking industry.

The Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) and the Credit Card Association of the Philippines (CCAP) have requested more time to prepare for the introduction of eight digit landline numbers by implementing the necessary changes to their operations and systems.

As a result, the NTC has ordered local operators to extend the migration date to October 6 from March 18.

Both Globe Telecom and PLDT have announced they will comply with the demand and informed customers of the delay.

Globe Telecom has stated that until January 5, customers still incorrectly dialing an old 7-digit number will hear a special announcement stating that the format has been changed to 8 digits.

The company has also pledged to continue remaining customers of the upcoming migration over all available channels – including SMS, email and social media – up to the deadline.

“We will make the necessary adjustments when it comes to our internal systems and communication efforts to ensure smooth service continuity for all of our affected customers,” Globe general counsel Froilan Castelo said.

“Our teams are continuously working closely with the NTC and other telcos to assist affected customers before, during, and after the migration.”