How to Call a Landline Using Globe (TM) SIM

In an era dominated by instant messaging and video calls, the humble landline might seem like a relic. Yet, there are crucial moments when you absolutely need to dial a fixed-line number. Perhaps you need to contact a government office, confirm a bank transaction, reach out to a local business for customer support, or call a relative who prefers the stability of a home phone.

If you are a Touch Mobile (TM) subscriber—powered by the Globe network—you might find yourself confused about how to bridge the gap between your mobile phone and a landline. Do you just dial the number? Is there a special code? How much will it load cost you?

This guide cuts through the confusion. We will walk you through exactly how to call a landline using your TM SIM, ensuring you can make that important call without wasting your load on failed attempts.

Why Call a Landline from a Mobile?

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s briefly touch on the “why.” Even with smartphones in everyone’s pocket, landlines remain vital infrastructure in the Philippines.

• Official Business: Most banks, government agencies (like SSS, Pag-IBIG, or DFA), and utility companies (Meralco, Maynilad) use landline numbers for their official hotlines.
• Emergency Services: While 911 is accessible via mobile, local police stations and fire departments often rely on direct landline numbers for faster local response.
• Work Requirements: If you are applying for jobs, interviewers from HR departments frequently call from office landlines and may ask you to call them back on the same number.
• Reliability: During power outages or signal fluctuations, wired landlines often remain operational when cell towers are congested.

Knowing how to connect to these numbers using your TM SIM is a practical skill that saves time and frustration.

Understanding the Format: The Anatomy of a Landline Call

Calling a landline isn’t as simple as tapping a contact name. To connect successfully, you need to understand the structure of the phone number. A standard Philippine landline call from a mobile phone generally follows this format:

Area Code + Landline Number

1. The Area Code

This is the most critical part that mobile users often forget. Because your TM SIM is mobile, it doesn’t belong to a specific geographic location. Therefore, you must tell the network which province or city you are trying to reach.

• Manila (NCR): The area code is 02.
• Cebu: The area code is 032.
• Davao: The area code is 082.

If you dial only the 7-digit or 8-digit landline number without the area code, you will likely hear a recording saying the number is incomplete or cannot be reached.

2. The Landline Number

This is the unique 7 or 8-digit identifier of the phone you are calling.

• Note on 8-digit numbers: In Metro Manila and neighboring provinces (area code 02), landline numbers migrated to an 8-digit format in 2019. If you have an old contact saved with 7 digits, you need to add a specific identifier digit based on the service provider (e.g., adding ‘8’ for PLDT or ‘7’ for Globe).

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Call a Landline

Here is the foolproof method to place that call using your TM SIM.

Step 1: Check Your Load Balance

Calling a landline is not typically free. Standard regular load rates apply unless you are registered to a specific promo that includes landline calls.

• Regular Rate: Standard charges usually hover around Php 7.50 per minute for calls to landlines.
• Ensure you have enough load to cover the duration of your conversation.

Step 2: Identify the Area Code

Determine the location of the landline you are calling. Here are common area codes in the Philippines:

• 02: Metro Manila, Rizal, San Pedro (Laguna), Bacoor (Cavite)
• 032: Cebu
• 033: Iloilo
• 034: Negros Occidental
• 045: Pampanga
• 074: Baguio
• 082: Davao City

Step 3: Dial the Number Correctly

On your mobile keypad, enter the number in this specific sequence:

[Area Code] + [Landline Number]

Example 1: Calling a PLDT landline in Metro Manila
If the number is 8123-4567, you dial:
02 8123 4567

Example 2: Calling a landline in Cebu
If the number is 123-4567, you dial:
032 123 4567

Step 4: Press Call and Wait

Hit the green call button. You should hear the standard ringing tone. If you hear a fast busy tone or a recording, double-check if you used the correct area code.

How to Call Using Budget-Friendly Promos

Paying Php 7.50 per minute is expensive, especially if you are waiting on hold for customer service. Thankfully, TM offers promos that make calling landlines much more affordable.

While promo offers change frequently, you should look for “All-Net” or specific “Duo” offers.

Also Read:EZ50 TM (Globe): Best Mobile Data Promo

TM Easy Plan (Postpaid Option)

If you frequently call landlines, you might consider the TM Easy Plan. This often comes with built-in call minutes to all networks, which sometimes covers landline calls depending on the specific package terms.

Registering for Unli-Call Promos with Landline Credits

Check the latest TM promos by dialing *143#. Navigate to the “Call” or “Combo” menus.

1. Dial *143#
2. Look for “All-Net” promos.
3. Read the description carefully. Some “All-Net” promos strictly mean all mobile networks (Smart, TNT, Dito, Globe, TM) and do not include landlines.
4. Look specifically for add-ons that mention “Landline” or “Duo”.

Tip: Globe (TM’s parent network) sometimes offers SuperDuo promos. This assigns a virtual landline number to your mobile, allowing unlimited calls to landlines within a specific area code. Check if this offer is available to TM subscribers in your area via the GlobeOne app or *143#.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the right number, calls can fail. Here is how to troubleshoot:

1. “The number you dialed is incorrect.”

• Cause: You likely forgot the area code or used the wrong one.
• Fix: Check the location of the business or person you are calling. If they are in Manila, ensure you put 02 before the 8-digit number.

2. “You do not have enough load.”

• Cause: You might be registered to an “Unli-Call” promo, but that promo only covers mobile-to-mobile calls.
• Fix: Load regular credit (at least Php 10.00 for a 1-minute call) or register for a promo that explicitly states it includes landline minutes.

3. Dropped Calls

• Cause: Weak signal or network congestion.
• Fix: Move to an area with better signal reception (look for 4G or 5G indicators). If calling during peak hours (like Friday evenings), wait a few minutes and try again.

4. 7-Digit vs. 8-Digit Confusion (Metro Manila)

• Cause: You are dialing an old 7-digit Manila number.
• Fix: You must convert it to 8 digits.
  • If it was a PLDT number, add 8 at the start.
  • If it was a Globe landline, add 7 at the start.
  • If it was a BayanTel number, add 3 at the start.

Important Cost Considerations

Calling a landline is generally considered a premium service on prepaid SIMs.

• Standard Rate: Approximately Php 7.50 per minute.
• Charging Increments: Calls are usually charged by the minute. If you talk for 1 minute and 5 seconds, you will likely be charged for 2 minutes.
• Toll-Free Numbers: Be careful with “Toll-Free” 1-800 numbers. While free from a landline, dialing these from a mobile phone usually incurs regular mobile rates unless specified otherwise.

Conclusion

Calling a landline using your TM SIM doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. The secret lies in treating your mobile phone like a long-distance caller: always include the area code.

Remember the golden rule: Area Code + Landline Number.

By keeping your load balance sufficient and knowing the geographic location of the person you are calling, you can connect seamlessly. Whether you are chasing up a job application or clarifying a bill, you now have the knowledge to make that call with confidence.