Smart unveils ‘Simple, Smart Ako’ campaign featuring South Korean superstar Hyun Bin

Tweet

Mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. has made a splash as it unveiled its new campaign featuring South Korean superstar Hyun Bin, who has endeared many Filipinos with his hit K-dramas and movies.

This is the first time a local telecoms company has tapped a South Korean superstar to be the face of its brand, and is a bold statement for Smart as it asserts its commitment to bring amazing experiences to Filipinos through digital technology.

Hyun Bin Phenomenon

“The ‘Hyun Bin Phenomenon’ is pretty much due to digital technology -  Filipinos have developed the craze because they are able to stream his shows, hear the buzz about him online, share their excitement with their friends, and even get to interact with him through social media,” says Jane Basas, SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business at Smart.

“This makes him a perfect ambassador for Smart as we empower Filipinos with technological solutions made easy so they can enrich their daily life and pursue their passions,” she adds.

“Filipinos are some of the warmest fans in the world, and I am thankful to Smart for giving me a way to reach out to everyone in the Philippines. Indeed, Smart has brought us closer than ever,” says Hyun Bin, who first won the hearts of Filipinos in 2005, when a local TV network aired a Tagalog-dubbed version of his romantic comedy drama, ‘My Name Is Kim Sam Soon.’

‘Simple. Smart Ako.’

In Smart’s latest TV commercial, Hyun Bin rides a sports car and zooms past the city streets – a fitting reference to the blazing speeds by which Filipinos can enjoy their daily dose of entertainment powered by Smart LTE and Giga Promos. The ad strongly concludes with Hyun Bin delivering Smart’s new tagline in Filipino, “Simple. Smart Ako.”

“'Simple. Smart Ako' sums up our company’s approach all this time to make amazing technology available, and more importantly, simple for every Filipino,” says Alfredo S. Panlilio, Smart President and CEO and PLDT Chief Revenue Officer.

Smart draws from its history of innovating the simple things that are life-changing – from making mobile phones accessible to ordinary Filipinos, pioneering groundbreaking products such as Smart Load and Pasaload, to democratizing mobile Internet along with its massive 3G and 4G network expansion.

“We are embracing our role as a digital lifestyle enabler that keeps innovating to make the life our customers simpler. Now that the world becomes more and more complicated, we believe that what matters most in life are the simplest things,” Panlilio adds.

Country’s fastest mobile data network

Smart’s new campaign follows a string of awards from third-party mobile analytics firms that recognize Smart as the country’s fastest mobile data network.

Ookla, the global leader in internet testing and analysis, cited Smart as The Philippines’ Speedtest Awards Winner for mobile network speed during Q1-Q4 2019. To win this award, Smart achieved a Speed Score™ of 17.40, with average speeds of 19.62 Mbps for download and 9.45 Mbps for upload.

On the other hand, Opensignal, an independent mobile analytics firm, reported in its April 2020 Mobile Network Experience Report* for the Philippines that Smart remained ahead of competition in terms of Video Experience, Upload and Download Speed Experience, Voice App Experience, Games Experience, and 4G Availability.

Giga Life for everyone

These citations are a result of the continuous network expansion and upgrade of Smart on its mobile data network, which now supports a wide range of Giga Promos catering to the different passions and needs of customers.

Smart offers Giga Video for subscribers who want to binge-watch the latest K-dramas, online shows and series, and Giga Stories for those who love sharing their experiences with friends and loved ones on social media.

Smart also offers Giga Games for avid mobile gamers, and Giga Music for those who want their daily dose of tunes and podcasts, and Giga Work for easy access to a wide range of productivity apps to make work and school life simpler and more convenient.

Smart customers can register to Giga promos by simply dialing *123#.

Know more about Smart’s promos and services by following Smart’s official accounts on Facebook at www.fb.com/SmartCommunications, Twitter and Instagram at @LiveSmart.

Smart widens lead in overall mobile data download speeds – OpenSignal

Tweet

“Phenomenal growth” for overall download speeds in PH

PLDT wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. has almost doubled its overall mobile data download speeds over the past year largely because of improved LTE availability and speeds, according to a just-released analysis by independent mobile analytics company OpenSignal. 

The analysis report, which covers the months of May 2017 to April 2018 and is available on OpenSignal’s blog, noted the country’s “phenomenal growth in overall download speed”. “Overall download speed” is an OpenSignal metric that takes into account 4G and 3G download speeds, and, the level of access consumers have to each type of network, which is referred to as “availability”

“From our March-to-May 2017 test period to our most recent February-to-April test period… Smart’s overall speed almost doubled in our measurements. That’s amazing growth for any operator,” OpenSignal Lead Analyst Kevin Fitchard said.

 Improved coverage and higher data speeds

The mobile analytics firm noted the increase in Smart LTE speeds starting September last year.

“After September (2017), Smart’s speeds really began to take off,” Fitchard said, adding that OpenSignal’s data showed that this can be attributed to Smart beginning to close the once huge gap between itself and its competitor in 4G/LTE availability, and Smart’s LTE speeds beginning to increase at a faster rate.

“These OpenSignal test results show that our sustained investments in upgrading our network are paying off and enabling us to deliver world-class mobile data service to more customers in more areas of  the country,” said Mario G. Tamayo, PLDT and Smart Senior Vice President for Network Planning and Engineering.

“As we continue to deploy LTE, LTE-Advanced and carrier aggregation technology to more areas like Batanes, Baguio, Puerto Princesa, Quezon City and Sarangani, we are on track to meet our commitment to the National Telecommunications Commission to achieve 90% municipality coverage for 3G and 4G mobile broadband by this year,” Tamayo added.

Building the lead in speed

OpenSignal reports over the past several months show that Smart has been building up its lead in LTE data speeds.

In the State of Mobile Network – Philippines report released by OpenSignal in March 2018, data showed Smart strengthening its lead in LTE download speeds nationwide and dominating in all major regions, noting that Smart’s nationwide LTE speeds were at 12.5 Mbps, compared to the competition’s 7.7 Mbps. Between the March 2017 and March 2018 OpenSignal reports, Smart’s 4G/LTE availability also increased from 40% to 60%.

The report states, "With tested speeds of 12.5 Mbps, Smart won the OpenSignal award for 4G download speeds, making it the third time it has done so. The operator is pulling away from its sole competitor in this category too. We found Smart's 4G speeds increased by 2 Mbps in the last six months while [the competitor's] speeds remained steady at just over 7 Mbps."

“Right after our last Philippines report was published, the separation between Smart and [its competitor] in overall speed suddenly started getting wider. Our results show Smart’s 4G speeds began growing much faster and its 4G availability continued to tick upwards, while [its competitor’s] remained relatively static,” Fitchard said.

Tamayo said this was due to the stepped up deployment of LTE and LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) facilities in Smart’s mobile network.  In the first three months of 2018, Smart installed over 1,300 more LTE base stations across the country. These base stations use various radio frequency bands, specifically the 700 MHz band for better coverage and indoor penetration, and the 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz bands for additional capacity.

The installation of multiple LTE base stations in existing cell sites has paved the way for the activation not only of LTE but also LTE-A which can deliver significantly faster mobile data services to customers through carrier aggregation.  This feature of LTE-A boosts mobile data speeds by combining the capacity of two up to five frequency bands, Tamayo said.

“On mobile, as shown by the experience of other countries, the key to achieving world-class data speeds is to activate both LTE and LTE-Advanced facilities in our mobile network.  Of course, this network roll out must be accompanied by the adoption of more LTE and LTE-Advanced-capable mobile phones and devices,” Tamayo added.

Improved experience, businesses

In areas like Marikina and Quezon City, where Smart has already activated carrier aggregation combining up to 5 frequency bands, internal tests showed customers enjoying download speeds ranging from 30 Mbps to 200 Mbps, depending on density of traffic and handset capability, whereas small business owners and retailers have also reported an increase in earnings, boosted by improved mobile internet experience in their area, Tamayo said.

Parent company PLDT has committed historic levels of resources to support network transformation. Capital expenditures is expected to reach P58 billion this year, including allocations for the aggressive rollout of its fiber broadband service, which also supports the stepped-up deployment of the mobile network by providing high-capacity links for cellular base stations, Tamayo said. 

#SmartiPhone 6 is now available for only P999/month under Smart Postpaid

Tweet

Smart is now offering iPhone 6 under Plan 399 with P600 device cash-out per month for 30 months.

There is a one-time cash-out of P1,000 when you avail of the plan.

The iPhone 6 can be availed through the Smart Stores or through the Smart Online Store:http://store.smart.com.ph/view/1434/

Plan 399 includes the following:

· 3GB Monthly Data

· 500MB for FB Messenger, Viber, and WhatsApp

· Unlimited All-Net Texts

· 20 mins All-Net Calls

· Discounted calls to Smart/TNT (P4/min)

Apple iPhone 6 Specs:

Display	4.7-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit widescreen Multi?Touch display with IPS technology
Camera	New 8-megapixel iSight camera with 1.5µ pixels
Memory	32GB, 1GB RAM DDR3 internal memory
Video	1080p HD video recording (30 fps or 60 fps)
OS	iOS 8
Processor	A8 chip with 64-bit architecture M8 motion coprocessor
Battery	Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Color	Available Color: Gold

Others	Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating on front

Smart Postpaid Plans comes with bigger data, unlimited all-net texts, free all-net calls, and free apps each month.

This iPhone 6 offer is good for those who wants an iPhone at an affordable price.

#SmartiPhone6

OPPO F3 and F3 Plus now available at Smart Postpaid Plans

Tweet

The best selling selfie expert smartphones, now with flexible data plans 

and free Rags2Riches cord roll

OPPO’s latest smartphone lineup, the F3 and F3 Plus are now available in Smart Communication’s latest postpaid plans. Customers may now avail the latest OPPO smartphones with only Php800 additional on-top of their selected plan for 24 months contract along with a free intricately made Rags2Riches cord roll for the first 120 orders.

The OPPO F3 and F3 Plus can be availed for as Plan 399 with additional 800 monthly fee for the phone. Plan 399 offers you monthly 3GB data, 20mins all-net calls, unlimited all-net texts and 500MB data allocation for Whatsapp, Viber and FB Messenger. 

Customers can also go higher data, calls and text allocation with up to plan 2,999, giving them flexible terms and cost based on the demands of their everyday lifestyle. Plans 999 and above upgrades the free data to free access to 1 app for the month. 

A Php2,000 cash-out is required for the OPPO F3 Plus, under 30-months plan, while the OPPO F3 has no cash out requirement under 24-months plan. 

Smart All-In Plans

The OPPO F3 series is also available in Smart’s All-In Plans starting at Plan 500 with respective cash-out and options for 24 months to 30 months. Smart All-in plan is best for customers who avail the exact call, text and data services they need. 

The OPPO F3 is a 5.5 inch camera phone with dual selfie cameras for wider selfies and added bokeh effect. Powered by an octa-core processor with 4GB RAM of multi-tasking power, added by its famour 16MP dual-front camera with beautification 4.0 software. All this in an ultra-thin body and 3,200mAH battery for an all-day performance. 

“Our lastest OPPO F3 and F3 Plus in Smart’s postpaid plans is a great way to expand our offerings to our customers. This gives consumers better option for their smartphone lifestyle in the budget and plan they want.” – Stephen Cheng, Brand Marketing Manager of OPPO Philippines. 

For more details about the OPPO F3 and F3 Plus via Smart, please visit http://bit.ly/SmartOPPOF3 and http://bit.ly/SmartOPPOF3Plus or log on to http://smart.com.ph/Postpaid/phones/details/oppo-f3.

Smart provides 15 days of free calls and texts for displaced Marawi residents

Tweet

As part of its ongoing efforts to help and support those affected by the Marawi conflict, mobile services provider Smart Communications has opened up its network to provide free calls and texts catering to Marawi residents affected and displaced by the ongoing crisis.

Starting on June 23, Friday, Marawi residents who are Smart, TNT, and Sun prepaid subscribers will benefit from free calls and texts within the three networks, valid for 15 days, allowing them to get in touch with their loved ones. The service also coincides with the observance of Eid’l Fitr, or the end of Ramadan, on June 26, Monday.

The public service is open to residents still caught in Marawi City, as well as residents who have evacuated the besieged area.

Eligible Smart, TNT, and Sun subscribers shall receive a notification within the next few days to inform them how they can avail of the call and text services without incurring charges.

“We realize that mobile communication serves as a vital lifeline in disaster and crisis situations. By providing our special service to those affected by the ongoing conflict in Marawi, we enable our brothers and sisters to reconnect with their loved ones and draw strength from each other in these trying times,” said Ramon R. Isberto, PLDT and Smart Public Affairs Head.

Smart’s call and text services are part of the PLDT group’s ongoing efforts to support government and military operations, and help those affected by the conflict not just in Marawi City but also in neighboring areas, where most of the residents have gone to for help and safety.

Smart has put up Libreng Tawag stations at evacuation centers in Iligan City, and assisted in distributing relief goods and personal hygiene kits at evacuation centers in Lanao del Norte.

Smart has also donated Php2 million worth of mobile services to soldiers deployed in Marawi, and has teamed up with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to provide communications support to civil military operations and rescue groups.

Smart, along with PLDT, is also providing Internet connectivity at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Operations Center in Iligan City.

Top five global brand Vivo forges an exciting partnership with Smart Communications

Tweet

Smart Communications, Inc. and Vivo Mobile Tech, Inc. tie up to provide better smartphone experience to Filipino consumers. (L-R) Gerard Milan, Smart Prepaid brand marketing head, Miriam Choa, Smart Prepaid marketing head, Hazel Bascon, Vivo Philippines vice president and head of sales, and Annie Lim, Vivo Philippines brand director

Gerard Milan, Smart Prepaid brand marketing head, Miriam Choa, Smart Prepaid marketing head, Hazel Bascon, Vivo Philippines vice president and head of sales, and Annie Lim, Vivo Philippines brand director sign the contract finalizing their partnership. 

With a vision of providing the optimum smartphone experience for Filipino consumers, Vivo Mobile Tech Inc., top five premium global smartphone brand1, inked a partnership with Smart Communications, Inc., the country’s leading wireless services provider, last March 22 at the PLDT Ramon Cojuangco Building in Makati City.

“As part of our aggressive roll-out of our LTE network across the country, we are excited to work with top smartphone manufacturers like Vivo to bring more LTE-capable devices into the local market,” said Patrick Tang, vice president and head for Smart Postpaid Brand and Device Management.

“LTE gives the best mobile data experience to our customers, and more LTE devices in the market means that more people will be able to take advantage of and enjoy the powerful LTE network that Smart is putting in place,” he added.

Meanwhile, Hazel Bascon, Vivo Philippines vice president and head of sales, said this partnership means better connections for consumers. “With this tie-up, our customers will be able to make improved connections, whether on the web or with each other, because Smart has always been known for its premium service.” 

“The high-quality features of Vivo mobile phones, combined with Smart’s exclusive promos, and speedy and reliable services, ensure a greatly enhanced smartphone experience for Filipino customers,” she added.

Also present during the signing event were Annie Lim, Vivo brand director; Miriam Choa, Prepaid marketing head; and Gerard Milan, Smart Prepaid brand marketing head.

In this tie-up, Smart will provide Vivo with LTE prepaid SIMs that will feature the following exclusive add-ons for 12 months: Free 100MB data per month upon activation of SIM, and a reward of an additional 300MB data for every accumulated P150 worth of load within a month. 

The branding teams of Smart Communications, Inc. and Vivo Philippines after the signing of their tie-up, which will feature Smart mobile promos.

The Smart LTE prepaid SIMs will be given to customers for free, for every purchase of Vivo handsets, with specific units to be announced soon.

For inquiries about this promo from Smart and Vivo, visit the Vivo website at vivoglobal.ph, or check out their Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/VivoPhil), 

Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vivophil/) and 

Twitter (https://twitter.com/vivo_phil) accounts. 

1 according to International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker (http://www.idc.com/promo/smartphone-market share/vendor;jsessionid=7595C1498F4F0FBF496CC767E273121B)

Terrence Romeo shares tips to Gilas Pilipinas hopefuls at #ManokNgBayan event

Tweet

“Kumain ng maraming Chooks-to-Go.”

Smart Communications Inc. and Bounty Agro Ventures, Inc. (BAVI), makers of Chooks-to-Go, have partnered to support Gilas Pilipinas’ renewed quest for basketball glory. 

As the latest addition to the Gilas family, Chooks-to-Go, the fastest-growing and largest rotisserie chicken chain operated by BAVI, has honored Manny V. Pangilinan and Smart during its #ManokNgBayan event. 

During the launch, GlobalPort Batang Pier star Terrence Romeo gave the Gilas aspirants a few tips. For Romeo, it all boils down to hard work, discipline, and keeping the faith. 

“Kailangan palaging may hard work sa ensayo at sa laro, taposmag-pray kay God,” said the returning Gilas guard. He even jokingly included, “kumain ng maraming Chooks-to-Go,” referring to Gilas’ new patron which hopes to take the national squad to new heights and achieve the Philippines’ dream of making it to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Terrence Romeo makes a grand entrance as Gilas Pilipinas members are introduced during the #ManokNgBayan partnership launch event of Chooks-to-Go and Smart Communications.

#PHforPokemonGO campaign ! Smart to Welcome Pokemon GO in the Philippines with Free Access for Subscribers

Tweet

Welcome Pokemon GO! 

One with the legions of Filipinos excited for the arrival of Pokemon GO in the country, leading mobile services provider Smart Communications has announced that it will give subscribers 7 days of free data access to Pokemon GO upon the launch of the hit game in the Philippines. This offer is available on both Android and iOS users.

Smart and TNT subscribers who are using iPhones or Android smartphones can enjoy 7 days free data access to Pokemon GO upon accessing the game and start playing without data charges for 7 days upon the launch of the game in the country.

A worldwide phenomenon

A location-based augmented reality mobile game, Pokemon GO lets players assume the role of a trainer who discovers and catches Pokemon or “pocket monsters” as if in real life using the GPS and camera of their smartphones.

Players level up their Pokemon and battle other trainers to gain Pokécoins that can be spent on in-game items.

Developed by Niantic Labs in partnership with Nintendo affiliate The Pokemon Company, Pokemon GO has swept gamers since it was first launched in the USA, Australia and New Zealand on July 6. The game is now available in over 30 countries, including Japan, where the original Pokemon game and anime series originated.

#PHforPokemonGO campaign

“Smart is one with the whole nation in waiting for Pokemon GO to finally go live in the Philippines, and we are very excited to welcome the game in our own big way,” said Kathy C. Carag, Smart Mobile Business Head.

“Smart subscribers nationwide can look forward to more special treats and promos that will allow them to make the most of their Pokemon GO experience.”

Drumming up the excitement among millions of Filipino fans, Smart joined the rally for #PHForPokemonGO on social media since the game was released in select markets last July 6. On Twitter alone, the anticipation and clamor for the game reached more than 14 million impressions on over the last couple of weeks for Smart and Pokemon Go.

Leveled-up Pokemon GO experience

Smart and TNT subscribers can easily level up their gameplay via convenient and secure Pokemon Go in-app purchases even without a credit card.

With Smart’s Google Direct Carrier Billing for Android users, subscribers can easily purchase Pokecoins, Pokemon Go’s currency mainly used for buying items that will help gamers catch Pokemons – directly charged to their prepaid load or postpaid account. 

Smart Postpaid subscribers who are iPhone users can also conveniently buy Pokecoins, charged to their monthly billing, through Smart’s Pay-With-Mobile service.

Catch the latest updates on Pokemon GO by following Smart’s official accounts on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SmartCommunications), Snapchat (LiveSmartPH), Twitter and Instagram (@LiveSmart).

Smart Padala strengthens leadership in remittance, launches new campaign with Angel Locsin as brand ambassador

Tweet

Angel Locsin

Smart Padala, the remittance brand of PayMaya Philippines (formerly Smart eMoney, Inc.), launches today its new campaign with Angel Locsin as its brand ambassador as part of efforts to further strengthen its leadership in the remittance service industry.

The new campaign aims to reinforce the brand message of Smart Padala which is PadaLapit. 

Based on data from the first National Baseline Survey on Financial Inclusion released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas mid-2015, it is estimated that on average, Filipinos take around 22 minutes to reach the nearest financial services touch point. It also costs an average of P43 for a roundtrip fare.

With 15,000 Smart Padala centers nationwide, there is a Smart Padala center in almost every municipality so users do not need to travel, spend for the fare, and consume time just to send or receive money remittances. Smart Padala makes home feel closer by sending the remittances of family breadwinners to their loved ones in the most accessible, convenient, and secure manner. These centers include the recently launched Smart Padala International flagship stores that enable Filipinos to receive the remittances of their loved ones abroad.

“Since the brand was launched over ten years ago, Smart Padala has been enabling our countrymen to send and receive money anywhere in the country in a fast, easy, secure, and affordable manner. With this campaign, we reaffirm and strengthen this ‘PadaLapit’ brand that has made us a fixture of Filipino life,” said Benjie Fernandez, co-COO of PayMaya Philippines and COO of Voyager Innovations.

Known to be a family-oriented celebrity and an advocate of various causes, Angel Locsin was chosen by Smart Padala as the ideal ambassador for the brand as it intensifies its push for financial inclusion. 

“Angel Locsin represents the family and service-oriented values of Smart Padala. Aside from being a devoted daughter, she also supports advocacies such as the Philippine Red Cross and women’s rights. We’re happy to welcome her to the Smart Padala family,” said Lawrence Ferrer, Vice President and Head of Domestic Business at PayMaya Philippines.

“I’m proud to be the new ambassador of Smart Padala. Naniniwala ako sa brand dahil malaki ang naitutulong ng Smart Padala sa mga manggagawa at pamilyang Pilipino. By representing the brand, I hope to help in Smart Padala’s mission to uplift more lives and communities,” said Angel Locsin. 

On top of enabling mobile money remittance, Smart Padala also fosters entrepreneurship in the community. 

“The backbone of our business is our army of Smart Padala community partners. Part of our mission is to help families and communities by providing micro-entrepreneurship opportunities. Anyone can be our partner and open a Padala center — all they need is a cellular phone, our basic business documentary requirements, and the driving passion to be of service,” said Paolo Azzola, Managing Director and co-COO of PayMaya Philippines. 

“PadaLapit Lang With Smart Padala” from L-R: Benjie Fernandez, co-COO of PayMaya Philippines and COO of Voyager Innovations; Smart Padala ambassador Angel Locsin, Paolo Azzola, Managing Director and co-COO of PayMaya Philippines; and Lawrence Ferrer, Vice President and Head of Domestic Business at PayMaya Philippines

PadaLapit Lang with Smart Padala!

With 15,000 Padala centers nationwide, sending money to loved ones anywhere in the country can be as simple as buying mobile load from a nearby sari-sari store. 

To make mobile money more inclusive, Smart Padala launched last year its Pick-Up Anywhere service, which allows users to send money to anyone, regardless of mobile network, to be redeemed at any Smart Padala center nationwide. 

It also launched promos such as Padalang Padalow for lower customer service fees and incentives to Padala partners. 

“Smart Padala is truly a Filipino brand. It has made its mark not only as the global pioneer in mobile money but as an inclusive financial services enabler, making lives easier for the unconnected, unbanked and uncarded. We are committed in bringing this vision of bridging the digital divide through relevant services such as Smart Padala,” said Orlando B. Vea, President and CEO at PayMaya Phiippines. 

PayMaya Philippines is the digital financial services unit of PLDT and Smart Communications (Smart), under the Voyager Group. Aside from Smart Padala, among its innovative services include: PayMaya, the leading over-the-top digital payments app in the Philippine market; PayMaya Business, suite of solutions for businesses of any size; and Smart Money, the pioneering mobile money service linked to the Smart SIM and mobile phone. 

To know more about Smart Padala, visit www.smartpadala.ph and like its official Facebook page, www.facebook.com/SmartPadalaPH.

PLDT HOME bags the best digital innovation award in CIO Asia for data sharing service

Tweet

PLDT HOME and Smart’s data sharing service was recognized as among the most notable digital innovations in the region.

PLDT HOME, the home digital services unit of telecoms leader PLDT, has been recognized for its leadership in digital innovation in Asia for its pioneering data sharing initiative, in partnership with Smart Communications (Smart), in the recent CIO Asia Awards.

PLDT HOME won in the Leadership category and is one of only five outstanding companies in the region included in the Roll of Honour list at the 15th Annual CIO Asia Awards .

“The PLDT HOME DSL data sharing offer is just the beginning of more game-changing converged innovations from PLDT and Smart. This recognition from CIO Asia fuels our inspiration to raise the bar and continuously break new ground in digital and mobile technology,” PLDT VP and Home Marketing Director Gary Dujali said.

The converged data sharing service from PLDT HOME and Smart is a product of collaboration between the Business and IT teams of the country’s digital and mobile leaders. It is the Philippines’ first data plan that enables subscribers of Home DSL service to share their data allocation with their family’s Smart-powered mobile phones.

It is offered under the Speedster Fam Plan 1299 which gives PLDT HOME DSL subscribers speeds of up to 10 Mbps and a monthly data allocation of 50 gigabytes. By upgrading their Speedster Plan with a Smart Mobile Plan 399 or Plan 600, subscribers can share up to 6 gigabytes of their monthly allocation to their mobile phone lines which they can use even outside the home.

In its citation, CIO Asia Awards said that PLDT HOME and Smart’s data sharing service is “particularly relevant in the Philippines where large, closely-linked family units are common.”

Also in the Honour Roll in this year's awards are Singapore's National Library Board for the Innovation category, Philippines' Manila Water for Transformation, US’ Avnet Inc. for Growth, and Malaysia’s Fraser & Neave Holdings Berhad for Performance.

The CIO Asia Awards is a “prestigious annual listing of the top Asian companies that have deployed information and communications technology to derive the highest strategic value and to yield the greatest returns for their key operations and businesses." It was organized by CIO Asia, a leading resource for IT and digital developments in the region.

To know more about the PLDT HOME Speedster Fam Plan 1299, log on to pldthome.com

Smart to usher in new frontier of mobile entertainment with Samsung Gear VR

Tweet

Unrivaled mobile services leader Smart Communications, Inc. is set to take the Filipino mobile lifestyle to a new frontier as it will soon offer the Samsung Gear VR, the world’s first consumer-focused virtual reality system.

A state-of-the-art headset which Samsung first launched last November, Gear VR offers an immersive and interactive virtual reality experience through a wide range of exciting mobile content, that include games, movies, apps, 360 videos and 360 photos, among others.

Touted as the best portable VR device in the market today, the Gear VR will soon be available to Smart Postpaid subscribers on select Samsung Plans through convenient payment options. 

“We are excited to bring the Gear VR soon in the Philippines as a welcome addition to our suite of meaningful and innovative products that enable subscribers to unlock the full power of their devices” said Ariel P. Fermin, Executive Vice President and Consumer Business Head at PLDT and Smart.

“The virtual reality platform is the future of mobile entertainment, and through the Gear VR our beloved subscribers will be able to peek into that future and boost their mobile entertainment experience anytime and anywhere they want,” Fermin added.

The Gear VR is seamlessly compatible with the latest Samsung Galaxy phones – namely the S6, S6 edge, S6 edge+ and Note 5. The device uses the handset as its processor, and displays content through a Super AMOLED screen.

By simply slipping in any compatible Samsung smartphone in front of the Gear VR lens, users can instantly transport themselves in 3D and CG animated worlds, as well as 180 or 360-degree live action scenes. The portable device features a touchpad, back key, volume key and focus adjustment wheel, as well as a gyro, accelerometer and proximity sensors for a complete out-of-this-world experience.

The Gear VR comes with pre-loaded trailers and videos, with more exciting apps and content available at the Oculus Store. Users can have loads of fun solving third-person adventure games such as Herobound: Spirit Champion and Adventure Time, or unlocking mysteries and exploring pathways with Land’s End. Shooter game fans will also have a blast with Viral, Smash Hit and Eve: Gunjack, which take users at center of the action with stunning graphics.

Users can also enjoy apps like Oculus Video and Netflix, which allow them to enjoy a virtual private theater set-up while watching their favorite films and series. With the Oculus Social app, Gear VR users from all over the world can hang out in a virtual movie theater while watching videos on Vimeo and Twitch.

“Smart subscribers are always the first to experience the latest in mobile innovations. This is part of our long-standing campaign for more Filipinos to embrace the Smart Life, enriched by our unparalleled breadth of digital content and backed by the country’s most extensive network,” said Fermin. 

Stay tuned to know when the Gear VR will be available at Smart by following its official accounts on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SmartCommunications), Twitter and Instagram (@LiveSmart).

Smart unveils unbeatable plans for Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge Plus

Tweet

Leading mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has unveiled its unbeatable postpaid offers for the much anticipated Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge Plus, aimed at giving you a much bigger Smart Life experience.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 is available under the fully consumable and customizable All-In Plan 1200, with a one-time cash-out of P15,576 or P649 per month via credit card under a contract of 24 months.

On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Edge Plus is available under the feature-packed Surf Plus Plan 1999 under a contract of 24 months, with a one-time cash-out of P7,500.

Beyond Cutting-edge technology

“Both the Galaxy Note 5 and the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus are the embodiment of style-meets-function-meets-cutting-edge technology, and you can make the most of their amazing features only with the country’s biggest and most advanced network,” said Kathy Carag, Smart Postpaid marketing head.

“For sure, with these latest flagship devices, you can experience the Smart Life and enjoy the widest breadth of mobile content and offers that only our robust network can deliver – from your choice of apps, games, music, movies and more all at your fingertips.”

Galaxy Note 5 at All-In Plan 1200

With All-In Plan 1200, you can maximize the features of the Galaxy Note 5 by choosing from over 30 Flexibundles reflecting your passion, lifestyle and communication needs.

For example, you can consume your All-In Plan 1200 by subscribing to Big Bytes 799 to enjoy 4.5GB data for all your surfing needs, as well as Trinet Plus 399, which gives you 500 minutes of calls to Smart, Sun, TNT and PLDT landline, and 2000 texts to all networks.

Galaxy S6 Edge Plus at Surf Plus Plan 1999

On the other hand, you can optimize your Galaxy S6 Edge Plus with Surf Plus Plan 1999, which packs a supersized 9GB of data allowance, 150 minutes of calls and 200 texts to all networks, plus your choice of free app every month – be it Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Spinnr, among many others.

As an added perk, all new and recontracting subscribers for Plans 799 and above get a month’s subscription to the Smart Life Entertainment Bundle 299 for free. This gives them an additional of data for streaming their favorite movies and TV shows on Fox via Viewstream or iFlix, plus access to a host of apps like YouTube, Snapchat, Google, FBMessenger. The bundle also comes with 50 minutes of calls to Smart and TNT; and 500 texts to all networks – on top of the inclusions of their existing plan.

Tens of thousands of new Smart Postpaid subscribers

Smart expects these latest Samsung devices to sustain its remarkable growth in the first half of the year as tens of thousands of new subscribers signed up to enjoy Smart Postpaid’s attractive device and content bundles, backed by the country’s widest LTE network.

Unveiled during Samsung’s Unpacked Event at the New York Lincoln Center last Aug.13, both the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus feature a gorgeous 5.7-inch Quad High Definition screen, a 16-megapixel rear and 5-megapixel front camera, Dual-SIM feature and a 64-bit Octa-Core processor running the latest Android operating system Lollipop.

Be the first to get hold of the Samsung Note 5 and Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus by signing up at smart.com.ph/postpaid/phones/SamsungNote5.

To stay updated on the latest Smart Postpaid offers: 

Log on to smart.com.ph

Follow Smart’s official accounts on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SmartCommunications) and Twitter (@SMARTCares) for updates.