Anne Curtis, Jane de Leon team up in Smart's new powerful campaign

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Smart Communications, Inc. ,  is the Best Mobile Network in the Philippines for the first half of 2022, according to Speedtest by Ookla.

Bannering the best customer experience that subscribers enjoy on the Smart network, multi-hyphenate star Anne Curtis and rising actress Jane de Leon have suited up as two powerful superheroes in Smart’s latest campaign video, revealing its groundbreaking “Best Mobile Network” recognition from Ookla®, the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence.

A first for a mobile operator in the Philippines, the “Best Mobile Network” award was given to Smart after winning Fastest Mobile Network and Best Mobile Coverage for Q1 to Q2 2022.

“We want to celebrate this milestone by putting together two of today's remarkable women—this generation’s Dyosa and Darna—in one campaign that shows just how Filipinos are empowered with the best mobile experience on the Smart network. Anne has been a long-time Smart user and endorser while Jane is excited to further explore the power of Smart. Like Anne and Jane, we want our customers to enjoy the same powerful experience,” said Francis E. Flores, SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business - Individual at Smart.

Powerful women in their own way

Indeed, as Anne and Jane power through obstacles in the action-packed video complete with dynamic effects and stunts, they assert: “When you have the power of the fastest speed, and when you have the power of the widest coverage, you get the best overall experience.”

According to Flores, although Anne and Jane are in different phases of their careers, both are powerful women in their own special way.

A Smart endorser for over 10 years now, Anne has seen Smart evolve through the years even as she established herself as one of the biggest local celebrities today and remains as the most followed Filipino celebrity on social media.

“I have been a loyal Smart subscriber for years, and it's because Smart has allowed me to do so much - it’s almost like having superpowers. I’ve always been so proud to be part of this family and even happier now that the brand that has empowered me all these years is today’s Best Mobile Network,” said Anne.

On the other hand, Jane is about to make her mark in showbiz as she becomes the iconic Filipino superhero Darna. Her journey in getting this life-changing role serves as an inspiration for everyone to power through challenges, according to Flores.

“I’m happy to be part of the Smart family. I can’t even begin to tell you guys how much this means to me because I’m so excited to endorse a network that really empowers me to do what I want,” said Jane.

Experience the Power of Smart

With Smart’s fastest speeds, subscribers can do and accomplish more – from connecting with loved ones in crystal-clear calls, sending important work and school files in seconds, sharing content on social media in real-time, to enjoying their favorite videos, music, and games seamlessly.

Smart’s widest coverage means subscribers can stay connected more – whether it’s from the comfort of their home or office, the commute to school or work, or outside the city for a well-deserved break.

The latest Ookla Speedtest Awards add to Smart’s recent string of citations that reinforce its network leadership. Last April, independent firm Opensignal declared Smart as the “operator to beat in the Philippines” as it dominated the Opensignal Mobile Experience Awards**, covering the essential aspects of service, especially speed and experience. These awards include Best Overall Experience for Video, Games, Voice App, and Download Speed across all technologies.

Non-Smart subscribers can experience the power of Smart without changing their number through Mobile Number Portability, a service that can be conveniently booked via https://smart.com.ph/Pages/mobilenumberportability and at Smart Stores nationwide. To know more about the Philippines’ Fastest and Best Network, visit www.smart.com.ph.

PLDT underscores innovation as key for businesses to succeed in the post-pandemic era

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Businesses need to be agile across their operations and participate in digital ecosystems to succeed in the post-pandemic world according to the country’s largest integrated telecommunications provider PLDT.

PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio

During the recent Franchise Asia Philippines Virtual International Conference, PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio stressed that Filipinos need to embrace resilience and adaptability to overcome the difficulties brought by the pandemic.

“It has become imperative to adapt and act fast—pivoting processes and operations to survive, and build resilience for a sustainable future ahead,” said Panlilio.

The PLDT executive said that the past year had presented the significance of digital transformation in every industry, which now redefines how businesses operate. Panlilio said companies strived to digitize their core processes by putting digital transformation on the top of their priority list as a long-term investment.

“It is the incubation of technology, purpose, and balance that drives people growth, business strategies, and sustainability. At the center of it all is still the customer. Hence, it is imperative to go beyond the hype of new technologies and discover how they can shape our future,” he added.

Given this scenario, PLDT and Smart have been leveraging digital technology and a robust network to deliver a world-class customer experience at the forefront of breakthrough innovations in the telco industry.

“PLDT and Smart are establishing programs that can effectively identify, evaluate, and incubate digitization to transform ourselves. By doing so, we are also creating new opportunities and harnessing advanced technologies to chart a path to the next horizon, mindful of our civic duty to help with economic recovery and overall nation-building,” Panlilio said.

Likewise, he mentioned PLDT’s continuous investment in network bandwidth capacity and fast-tracking of its fiber rollout, which has already reached over 524,000 km as of June 2021, a 22 percent increase compared to last year.

The group, through its B2B arm PLDT Enterprise, also continues to upgrade its network of 10 globally certified data center facilities to serve the hyperscaler market. PLDT is optimistic that making the Philippines a strategic hyperscaler hub in the Asia Pacific will propel the country to be the region’s next digital destination of choice by hyperscalers.

“PLDT and Smart continuously support Filipino enterprises by providing them with the best solutions available, exemplifying the most innovative digital transformation, enabling e-Industries, and empowering businesses in all shapes and sizes to evolve and thrive in this new operating condition,” he concluded.

For more information, visit pldtenterprise.com.

Experience the Thrill of Netflix Original Series ‘Kingdom’ with Smart Signature

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Immerse yourself in the hit series in a specially themed online escape room experience.

As fans await the next installment of the hit Netflix original series Kingdom, the world’s leading entertainment service has given viewers a special treat by dropping “Kingdom: Ashin of the North,” a special episode spin-off that tells the origins of the resurrection plant and the story of the mysterious Ashin and her role in the tragic events.

For an even bigger treat and a unique experience, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has teamed up with Mystery Manila to create a specially themed virtual escape room that transports subscribers to a world of unnatural plagues, political conspiracies, and all kinds of chaos found in the award-winning show.

Mystery Manila is known for their experiential and immersive escape rooms but due to the pandemic they have innovated to online escape room executions that still provide the same thrill and excitement that Filipinos know and enjoy.

Smart Signature subscribers can exclusively experience the nerve-wracking Kingdom-inspired virtual escape room starting July 31 by visiting Smartnetflix.mysterymanila.com.

Upon entering the escape room, you will find yourself trapped inside the magistrate’s library surrounded by bloodthirsty zombies. To find your way to safety, you will undergo a series of challenges with clues in the form of books and scrolls, letting you experience the chilling scenes from the horrific Dongnae world.

Race against time, challenge your friends and make the experience even more memorable by posting and sharing it online using the official hashtag #SmartNetflix #EscapeFromDongnae. You may also try customized IG filters @LiveSmart and check to see what role you are destined to play during the zombie outbreak. Learn more about this exciting experience at smart.com.ph/pages/EscapeFromDongnae.

Escape to a world of entertainment with Smart Signature SIM-Only Plans and Netflix

Smart Signature Plans enable subscribers to escape to a world of entertainment by exclusively bundling them with a Netflix Mobile Plan subscription.

By signing up with any Smart Signature SIM-Only Plan, subscribers also conveniently get a monthly Netflix Mobile Plan subscription throughout their 12-month contract, letting them enjoy thousands of award-winning shows, series, documentaries, specials, and feature films right at their fingertips. No need to apply for a separate subscription to immerse in the worlds of Netflix Originals like Crash Landing On You, Money Heist, Stranger Things, The Umbrella Academy, Extraction, Bridgerton, The Crown, and more. And if you already have an existing Netflix subscription, you can tie it to your Signature Plan and get a discount on your monthly subscription!

Signature SIM-Only Plans start at PHP 999.00 per month with Plan S, which is inclusive of 10 GB open access data, unlimited All-Net texts, unlimited All-Net calls, and 150 minutes of calls to PLDT—along with the bundled Netflix Mobile Plan subscription. Discover more about Signature Plans with Netflix at smart.com.ph/Netflix.

Powered by the country’s fastest mobile data network

Smart Signature is powered by Smart, recognized by third-party analytics firms as the country’s fastest mobile data network Ookla and OpenSignal.

Ookla, the global leader in internet testing and analysis, named Smart as the country’s fastest mobile data network in the second half of 2020, after it achieved a Speed Score™ of 24.99, with average speeds of 20.08 Mbps for download, and 7.42 Mbps for upload, based on 3,915,679 user-initiated tests taken with Speedtest®. Ookla has also cited Smart as the country’s fastest mobile data network for three years in a row now.

On the other hand, Smart recently scored a rare sweep in the April 2021 Philippines Mobile Network Experience Awards by independent analytics firm Opensignal*, beating the competition across all metrics in three essential aspects of service: Coverage (4G Coverage Experience, 4G Availability), Speed (Download and Upload Speed) and Experience (Games, Video and Voice App).

Smart also enables subscribers to upgrade their digital experience with Smart 5G, the fastest 5G network in the Philippines for Q1 2021 according to Ookla, with median download speeds of 190 Mbps or more than double the competition’s speeds for the same period.

Sign up as a new subscriber or upgrade your current Smart Postpaid Plan at Smart Stores nationwide or the Smart Online Store at store.smart.com.ph.

Get Closer with Son Ye Jin and Hyun Bin this July via Smart Hallyu Hangouts

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Here's how you can virtually meet Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin this via Smart Hallyu Hangouts

Leading mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. is bringing Filipino fans closer to their favorite Korean superstars through Smart Hallyu Hangouts, a series of online shows where subscribers can watch their idols.

Smart Hallyu Hangouts pilots on July 16 with multi-awarded Korean actress and Smart Signature endorser Son Ye Jin while Hyun Bin takes on the Smart Hallyu Hangouts stage on July 31.

It’s the closest thing fans can get to a physical fan meet during the pandemic, where they get a chance to virtually watch Son Ye Jin through a live feed from South Korea.

“I may not be able to meet you all in person, but I’m thankful for this opportunity through virtually. I wish we can all meet with a smile soon, so until then, please stay safe and healthy,” said Son Ye Jin in a previous video message.

“As we continue to bring our subscribers closer to their passions through simple and easy ways using our fast and reliable network, we are launching the Smart Hallyu Hangouts series with Son Ye Jin in the first virtual show to give fans the best experience despite the limitations of the pandemic. We prepared a very special episode for you guys so hope to see you all there,” said Jane J. Basas, SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business at Smart.

It will be recalled that Smart made the inevitable a reality when Son Ye Jin and Hyun Bin teamed up for a commercial film back in February. The project marked the first time the two superstars were seen together since the massive success of Crash Landing On You.

How to watch Smart Hallyu Hangouts

For both Smart Hallyu Hangouts episodes, Smart Prepaid, Smart Bro Prepaid, and Prepaid Home WiFi customers who register via the link on the microsite and redeem any Giga reward using GigaPoints are eligible to join the promo.

For Smart Signature subscribers at Plan S (999) and up and Smart Bro Postpaid subscribers, a registration link will be available on July 6, 2021. You may register for the raffle promo from July 6-8, 2021.

For the complete details on how to score tickets to these events, you may visit this link: https://smart.com.ph/Pages/smart-hallyu-hangouts.

Powered by the country’s fastest mobile data network

Smart Hallyu Hangouts is powered by Smart, the country’s mobile data network as reported by third-party mobile internet analytics firm Ookla® and Opensignal.

Ookla, the global leader in internet testing and analysis, named Smart as the country’s fastest mobile data network in the second half of 2020 after it achieved a Speed Score™ of 24.99, with average speeds of 20.08 Mbps for download, and 7.42 Mbps for upload, based on 3,915,679 user-initiated tests taken with Speedtest®. Ookla has also cited Smart as the country’s fastest mobile data network for three years in a row now.

Smart has also scored a rare sweep in the April 2021 Philippines Mobile Network Experience Awards* by independent analytics firm Opensignal, beating the competition across all metrics in three essential aspects of service: Coverage (4G Coverage Experience, 4G Availability), Speed (Download and Upload Speed) and Experience (Games, Video and Voice app). This is the first time an operator in the Philippines won decisively in all categories.

Smart also enables subscribers to level up their digital experience with Smart 5G’s super-fast speeds and ultra-low latency powered by the country’s most extensive 5G network with over 3,000 sites.