PLDT reduces NDD rates by 30%

The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) announced yesterday that it will reduce by an average of 30 percent its national long distance direct dial (NDD) rates to just P3 per minute starting today.

This single, flat, VAT-inclusive rate will apply to NDD calls between any two PLDT phones, anywhere in the country. For instance, a call from Manila to Cebu, that used to be charged at P6.05 per minute will now cost only P3. A call from Davao to Manila, that used to be charged at P6.60 per minute will also cost just P3.

PLDT NDD calls to other landlines will also benefit from a reduced rate. These calls will be charged from P3.50 to P5 per minute. Previously these calls were charged at rates ranging from P4.40 to P6.60.

Calls from a PLDT phone in Manila to a non-PLDT phone in Cebu, which used to cost P6.05 per minute, will now be charged P4 per minute, while calls from a PLDT phone in Davao to a non-PLDT phone in Manila, which used to cost P6.60 per minute, will now be charged P5 per minute.

"PLDT’s new NDD rates are part of a series of initiatives that the company is implementing to make its products and services more competitive while, at the same time, providing more value to its customers," said Joaquin L. San Agustin, PLDT vice president for national retail marketing.

"Simplifying its rate structure allows the company to increase efficiencies, and improve customer patronage, which in the long-term means maximization of company resources and opportunities," he said.

Prior to this new rate reduction, PLDT used a five-step scheme where calls would be charged depending on the air kilometer distance from where the call was made to the location of the called party.

"PLDT NDD offers fast, clear and immediate connections by just dialing 0 + area code + called party telephone number. Customers may also avail of a free value-added offering – the DDD security code. This is a unique feature that ensures only authorized calls are made from customer phones," San Agustin said.

The new rates are available using any of the following PLDT products – PLDT landline, Teletipid (PLDT’s prepaid landline), Touch Card, Fonkard Plus and PLDT’s network of business offices, call malls and public calling offices nationwide.

Customers who want NDD service on their PLDT phones may simply call 171 or visit any PLDT business office for free NDD activation. PLDT NDD service can be activated within three days upon receipt and approval of request.

PLDT is the principal supplier of domestic and international telecommunications services in the Philippines with more than six million customers. It is also the country’s leading communications provider for high-end, broadband data services.