International Toll-Free Service

International Toll Free Service is a direct toll call, which allows a toll-free subscriber in the Philippines to be assigned a toll-free number and to receive a call from another country without having to charge the calling party. It is sometimes referred to as a “FREE TO THE CALLER” call. Number format varies from country-to-country.

Universal Toll-Free

Universal Toll Free is a service enhancement of International-800, which enables a toll-free subscriber to be allocated a single global free phone number(s) that can be accessed from different countries. Its number format is + 800-XXXX-XXXX. The "+" indicates the IDD prefix of the country where the call is being made, "800" as toll-free service identification and the 8-digit (XXXX-XXXX) as specific subscriber assigned toll-free no.

Benefits

• Greater Business opportunities
  Companies can evaluate new market opportunities without the expense of a full-scale advertising roll-out
• Improves accessibility to target market
  gives customers convenient way to place orders or access service departments. It also demonstrates commitment to clients ensuring their satisfaction.
• Improved customer service
  Too often, companies lose contacts with their customers as soon as a transaction is completed. Being accessible through 800 Service, customers are assured that you are just a call away.
• Convenience and Flexibility with 800 Service
  A toll-free number shall be dedicated for a company’s use. And even if there’s office relocation locally, the toll-free subscriber keeps the number. So, overseas and domestic customers & callers can continue to reach the company without being inconvenienced.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between International & Universal-800?
   The main difference between ITFS and UIFS is the numbering format. International Toll-Free number format varies from country-to-country because each country/carrier adopt different numbering plan. While Universal Toll-Free (UIFS) Service provides a single global Universal International Freephone Number (UIFN) accessible from countries where the service subscriber chooses to receive toll-free calls.
2. What is the dialing format?
   ITFS Number Format: differs from country-to-country
   Access covers 37 countries

   UIFN Number Format: + 800-XXXX-XXXX.
   Access covers 25 countries

3. Can a customer choose the toll-free number?

   For International Toll-Free Service
   

   No, the prospective client is only limited to the numbers corresponding to the XXXX. Toll free access numbers vary because the numbering format differs in every country.

   For Universal Toll-Free Service
   

   Yes, the prospective client has the option to choose toll-free numbers 8-digit number combination/s. This is the reason why the prospective subscriber is requested to list down additional 3 or more toll-free numbers (8-digit) in order of priority, which is subject to the availability of the toll-free number.

   Like: + 800-xxxx-xxxx

4. How does it work?
   
   A caller in another country simply dials the International toll-free number and the call passes through the 5ESS international gateway facilities. The toll-free number is translated to the NRN via the International Network switch and routed to the terminating telephone number of the subscriber. There is no PLDT operator intervention.
5. Does a customer need to have an IDD feature to be able to receive an I-800/ U-800 call?
   
   No, the telephone can receive an I-800/U-800 call with or without IDD capability.
6. How can we avail of the service?
   
   Prospective customers need to fill-out and submit the Service Application Form (SAF) and Service Agreement (SA).
7. What are the requirements for application of I-800 service?
   
   • Must have an existing PLDT telephone or trunk line number registered (owned) by the subscribing company.
   • Must accomplish service application form and service agreement:

     • With PLDT Relationship Manager
       Application form shall be provided by Relationship Manager
     • Without PLDT Relationship Manager
       Service application forms can be secured from any PLDT Business Office and must be signed by a company representative upon submission.
8. What is the requirement needed if the telephone is not registered under the applicant's name?
   
   In case the telephone number is not registered to the subscribing company/applicant, a letter of authorization must be submitted to, stating that the subscriber-on-record is authorizing the use of the telephone and that the latter guarantees payment of all the toll-free calls charged to the telephone number.
9. Is the prospective subscriber required to immediately pay the subscription fee upon application for the service?
   
   Yes, all one-time fees shall be paid first to any PLDT Business Offices prior to service activation.
10. How fast can the service be delivered?
    
    I-800 Service can be activated 7 working days from receipt of the Service Application Form and Service Agreement. (1-5 countries)

    U-800 Service can be activated 9 working days from receipt of the Service Application Form and Service Agreement. (1-5 countries)

11. How are we going to know if the service is activated?
    
    We usually request the foreign carrier to do the test call from the country/countries where I-800 Service is provided. Likewise, we secure the name of the subscriber’s contract point to validate the test call conducted. Subsequently, verbal advice or a letter is sent by Sales to customer notifying the actual service activation date.