but it is not the case with pldt. pampanga and tarlac have the same area code, but you can't just dial only the 7-digit number if you're calling the other province, you have to include the area code.

as for dialling with the area code within the province, i sometimes use the caller ID feature to make the call. but our phone's caller ID feature includes the area code hence it dials with the area code. i only found out that i was being charged with an NDD call for my local call when i looked at the billing statement.