PLDT clarifies new pilot landline scheme

MANILA, Philippines / MAY 25, 2006: PLDT recently received an approval from the National Telecommunications Commission to offer on a pilot basis new landline service packages in selected areas of the country.

The pilot program is being conducted in order to test new service packages on a limited scale and to maximize capacity utilization in certain areas. The new service schemes are designed to provide new subscribers additional options in terms of pricing and service features, said PLDT spokesperson Ramon R. Isberto.

In one proposed economy package, for example, the basic fixed line voice service monthly fee would be set at P300 for residential subscribers. This basic monthly fee remains subject to the currency exchange rate adjustment, or CERA, mechanism.  Subscribers who wish to avail of these economy plans will be levied an incremental P5 per call surcharge for domestic and international long distance calls based on existing per minute rates.  Further, subscribers on the economy plan would not be qualified to enroll in the existing P10 per call unlimited PLDT-PLDT NDD offer or other discounted rates being offered by PLDT.

For economy plan customers who wish to subscribe to either PLDT Vibe internet dial up service or PLDT DSL broadband internet service, they will be charged an internet access fee of P400 per month on top of the basic fixed line voice service fee.  In addition, the existing PLDT Vibe per minute rates or the applicable PLDT DSL monthly fees will be charged.  

This statement is being issued to clarify published news reports on the said promotion.