Globe: COVID-19 surge affecting customer support, as BPOs report infections

MANILA - Globe Telecom on Tuesday said its customer support services have been affected by the recent surge in COVID-19 cases as BPOs and other service providers of the company reported infections among their staff. 

Globe said one of its service providers had to close down one of its sites after staff got infected with COVID-19. 

“The same action was taken by another Globe partner BPO after a substantial number of its agents were placed under quarantine,” the company said.

Manpower support for customer service operations dropped nearly by half, while support for back office, social media, and after-sales dropped to 49 percent, 66 percent, and 57 percent respectively, of pre-pandemic levels.

"The temporary closure of some partner BPOs, ongoing social distancing measures which limit the number of personnel in offices, suspension of BPO operations when employees get infected, and the very fear of BPO agents to report for work only to contract the virus has been a challenge for us in sustaining our promise to support our customers,” said Rebecca Eclipse, chief customer experience officer of Globe.

Gobe said it is encouraging customers to use self-service apps for basic inquiries and requests.

Postpaid and prepaid mobile customers can use the GlobeOne app for the most frequent inquiries.

Globe At Home prepaid and postpaid subscribers, meanwhile, can use Globe At Home app. 

“We are concerned about the general well-being of our customer service representatives who still report to work despite the health risks. This is why we are doing our best not only to address their needs but also to ease their workload so they can focus on things that need their personal attention,” added Eclipse.

The telco said it is exploring work-from-home arrangements for customer service agents but is concerned that the rising number of online scams, fraud and social engineering may put customers’ privacy and security at risk.

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GCash transactions up 700 percent due to pandemic demand

MANILA - Mobile wallet GCash said Monday transactions spiked 700 percent in May as Filipinos turn to e-commerce during the coronavirus lockdown.

Customers loaded their GCash wallets using Instapay and paid for purchases on Google, Apple and Lazada more than they did during the same month in 2019, GCash said in a statement.

“GCash is empowering Filipinos to do more with less through our best-in-class platform. Through GCash, we are helping stir up economic activity by bringing merchants and consumers closer, at least digitally,” GCash president and CEO Martha Sazon said. 

Food delivery and online grocery shopping became more popular while fund transfers using GCash and Instapay are now the preferred mode of domestic remittance, it said. 

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno earlier urged Filipinos to use electronic channels to reduce human-to-human contact and reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus.

news.abs-cbn.com

PLDT, Globe gear for data demand as COVID-19 keeps millions in Philippines indoors

MANILA - PLDT Inc and Globe Telecom said Wednesday they were taking steps to meet demand for data and keep connections stable as the 30-day Luzon lockdown forced millions in the Philippines to stay home.

PLDT will offer a free "speed boost" for its fiber subscribers, bringing the minimum internet connection to 25 Mbps until April 30, it said in a statement. 

"We are taking steps to address the need of customers and the public for enhanced internet services during this COVID outbreak," PLDT Inc said.

The boost is expected to meet the "expected greater need for data" of its customers, the telco said.



PLDT's wireless unit Smart Communications also offered free access to official websites starting March 11, it said.

Subscribers can access the Health department's official website, its NCOV tracker, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the Philippine Information Agency for free, Smart said.

GLOBE TELECOM

Globe subscribers can also access the official sites of the DOH and the NDRRMC on free data, the telco said.

Globe and TM users who subscribed to KonsultaMD can get in touch with doctors via the 79880 telehealth hotline without any mobile call charges, it said.

The telco cautioned that using websites or apps to download movies or content illegally "hogs bandwidth." Subscribers should be "conscientious" with internet use while most Filipinos are working from home, Globe said. 

Both PLDT and Globe have announced a 30-day payment extensions to settle their monthly bills. 

"Globe believes that the extension of the bill payment will be one less worry for our customers especially during these difficult times," president and CEO Ernest Cu said.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Globe releases first 5G phone, to spend P63 billion for network expansion

MANILA - Globe Telecom on Thursday said it was releasing the first 5G phone in the Philippines for its premium subscribers and will spend P63 billion to further expand its network this year. 

The Ayala-led telco, which launched commercial 5G services last year for home broadband subscribers, said it would now offer the Huawei Mate 30 Pro for its Platinum mobile subscribers

The telco said it would transform areas within major business districts to 5G mobile-capable sites within the year. 

Globe said it spent 34.2 percent of its revenues in 2019 to improve internet services and fulfill its commitment to provide 2 million homes with at least 10 Mbps connectivity by the end of 2020.

“Amid competitive pressures and rising challenges in the operating environment, Globe continues to fulfill its long-term commitment to provide the Philippines with first-world internet connectivity,” Cu said.

Cu said last year that prices for 5G handsets needed to come down before the technology becomes more widely adopted by mobile subscribers. 

source: news.abs-cbn.com

iPhone 11 prices revealed, to arrive Oct. 25

MANILA - Apple has announced prices for its newest line of iPhones which are set to arrive here on Oct. 25.

Like its previous offerings, Apple's latest and greatest phones don't come cheap, with the least expensive iPhone 11 featuring 64GB of storage costing P47,990. 

The most expensive iPhone 11 Pro Max with 512GB of storage meanwhile costs P95,990.

Both Globe Telecom and Smart will start taking preorders for the new iPhones starting Oct. 18. 

iPhone 11

P47,990 - 64GB
P50,990 - 128GB
P56,990 - 256GB

iPhone 11 Pro

P67,990 - 64GB
P76,990 - 256GB
P89,990 - 512GB

iPhone 11 Pro Max

P73,990 - 64GB
P82,990 - 256GB 
P95,990 - 512GB 
With the launch of the new iPhones, Apple has implemented a P10,000 cut in the price of last year's iPhone XR, which now lists 
at P40,990 for the base model featuring 64GB of storage. 

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Globe to launch 5G broadband for homes

MANILA -- Globe Telecom will launch a 5G broadband service in Pasig City this week, becoming the first Filipino carrier to make the next generation connectivity standard available commercially.

The services can offer speeds of between 50 to 100 Mbps, Globe Telecom Director for Technology Strategy Gerhard Tan told ABS-CBN News.

Independent internet speed-testing firm Ookla earlier pegged Globe's current average download speed at 11.36 Mbps and upload speed at 4.94 Mbps.

"For now, scattered pa lang 'yung pag-oofferan namin ng 5G because we are still in the process of integrating it in selected cities," he said.

(For now, our 5G offering is scattered because we are still in the process of integrating it in selected cities.)

It will take some time before the entire country can enjoy 5G, which requires putting up base towers and small cells that are closer to each other, Tan said.

"There are some challenges in terms of laying down fiber especially in areas where they won't allow us," he said. "The capability of technology as of now is to deliver at home broadband."

"Even across the globe, part of the capability of offering 5G is to start with delivering higher speed for at home broadband," he said.

Devices should also be 5G-capable for these to fully enjoy the benefits of the next generation connectivity, Tan said.

"The key thing there is your phone should operate on a 5G capability. Otherwise, your phone would not experience the benefit of the technology," he said.

Globe has yet to announce pricing for the 5G broadband service.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Shares up on telco gains, buck regional downtrend

MANILA - Share prices traded higher on Wednesday, boosted by gains in Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. and Globe Telecom, after the two companies purchased San Miguel Corp.'s telecommunications business.


The Philippine Stock Exchange index was up 1.26 percent at P7,495.09 in late trading. Tokyo and Hong Kong stocks fell.

PLDT was up 2 percent to P1,938 while Globe was 1.66 percent higher to P2,450. San Miguel was down 2.44 percent to P80.

The P70-billion deal, wherein rivals PLDT and Globe each bought a 50-percent stake in San Miguel's telecommunications assets, effectively ended the conglomerate's bid to crack the market duopoly.

"At the end of the day, the third player didn't really materialize. What you have is still PLDT and Globe and they still have to fight for market share, and the expectation there is still on and that has an impact on their margins," BPI Securities analyst Jomar Lacson said.

San Miguel "can now redeploy capital towards more profitable investments," he said.

Lacson said he saw two to three more weeks of volatility, in the run-up to the Federal Reserve meeting by end-June, where it may, or may not raise interest rates.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

SM, Globe ink deal with 'Star Wars'

MANILA - The anticipation is building up for the "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" movie, which opens in the Philippines next week.

Various merchandise items have become the hot gift choices of the season.

Several video games and mobile apps are also now the "in" thing, and a life-sized X-wing fighter is on display at the SM Mall of Asia.

"That was made locally, so it was one to two months in the making, but of course, with the guidance of Disney because we want to stay true to the actual design of the X-wing fighter," said Ria Canteras of SM Lifestyle Entertainment.

The Star Wars universe is expanding, and it has cemented its footprint in the Philippines this year with its partnership deals with the SM group and Globe Telecom.

Several Philippine companies have also partnered with Star Wars, hoping to ride on the strength of the iconic entertainment brand.

It's the companies that are paying to become Star Wars partners with Disney not even needing to spend much.

Many Filipino fans are happy with the expansion of the Star Wars brand in the country.

"When we first saw the trailer, even while wearing our costume, we were in tears. It took many years for another movie to be made," said Star Wars fan Arnel Serioso.

SM would not say how much it had to pay to use the Star Wars brand, but it said the investment was worth it as it can use Disney, Pixar and Star Wars titles for the next five years.

"We'll have more interactive activities. Anybody would want to partner with Disney because it was passed on from one generation to the other," said Canteras.

This trend has become a global phenomenon with all kinds of Star Wars themed products launched--ice cream, multivitamins, and even a commercial aircraft.

Here in the Philippines, expect to see more Stormtrooper or Darth Vader characters as well as Star Wars exhibits in various establishments across the country.

Star Wars is multi-billion dollar brand and it's not surprising that many companies would like to partner or use the brand because even in a business sense, "the force is strong with this one."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Want to see the Samsung Galaxy S6, S6 Edge?

MANILA - The much-anticipated Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge are now available for viewing and live demo at select Globe stores.

In a statement, Globe said that as of Sunday, units of the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge have been made available in the following Globe stores: Greenbelt, Glorietta, Shangri-la, SM Megamall, Rockwell, Trinoma, SM North EDSA, SM Mall of Asia, Robinson’s Galleria, Alabang Town Center, SM Dasmarinas, Ayala Center Cebu, Abreeza Mall, Limketkai Mall, and SM Baguio.

Globe stressed that that these units are for viewing and demo purposes only.

“Aside from giving our postpaid customers the privilege of being the first to experience the latest Samsung smartphones with our myLifestyle Plan," Globe's vice president for postpaid business Erli Valdez said. "We are also enriching their mobile experience with free access to entertainment content such as Spotify and HOOQ as well as a free premium item when they pre-order online until April 5.”

Earlier this week, Globe announced that it has opened a pre-order site for the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge for Globe postpaid and Platinum customers.

All units ordered through this site may be claimed starting April 18.

Through Globe's myLifestyle Plan offers, the Samsung Galaxy S6 32GB may be purchased at Plan999.

This includes unlimited calls and texts to Globe/TM subscribers, GoSURF499 inclusive of 3GB mobile internet, free access of Facebook, free Spotify Premium for three months, free HOOQ for three months, free Gadget Care and Navigation Bundle for one month, and free 1GB of Globe Cloud.

For those who would opt for the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, Plan 1499 is offered for the 32GB unit.

This comes with unlimited calls and texts to Globe/TM, GoSURF999 inclusive of 5 GB mobile internet, free access of Facebook and Chat, free Spotify Premium for three months, free HOOQ for three months, Gadget Care and Navigation Bundle for one month, and free 1GB of Globe Cloud.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Video-on-demand service HOOQ now available in PH

MANILA, Philippines - Asia's newest video on-demand service HOOQ will soon be available in the Philippines, as it announced a partnership with Globe Telecom.

HOOQ is a start-up joint venture between Singtel, Sony Pictures Television and Warner Bros. Entertainment which was launched last week.

Under the partnership, Globe subscribers can avail of unlimited online streaming access and an offline viewing option to more than 10,000 movies and TV shows.

Customers can watch Hollywood films from partners Sony and Warner Bros., such as Harry Potter, Spider-Man and Inception and TV series such as Gossip Girl, Friends and Smallville.

Filipino film and TV shows will be available through partnerships with
ABS-CBN, Viva Communications and Regal Entertainment.



"Across the emerging economies, people have amazing stories and love stories. However, a few billion people have no quality way of seeing the best stories from Hollywood or their local market. HOOQ will change that. HOOQ will change the way people in emerging markets consume and enjoy entertainment," said HOOQ Chief Executive Officer Peter G. Bithos, who was previously Globe's chief operating advisor.

"The Philippines is a natural first market for us. Filipinos’ dual love of local and Hollywood content combined with their digital savviness makes the Philippines a perfect place for us to start," he added.

HOOQ's first partnership is with Globe Telecom.

"Our partnership with Globe Telecom, the leader in digital partnerships in the Philippines, helps us bring Philippine customers a premium video service and new form of entertainment that combines the best of Hollywood, Asian and Philippine video content across all devices," Bithos said.

A Nielsen report in 2014 showed more Filipinos were viewing online video content, with 85% watching at least weekly, the second highest in the region.

"To meet their needs, we see the video-on-demand services offered by HOOQ as a critical offering representing the future of the industry. Now that consumers have access to a variety of international and local content, entertainment will now be more personal, and with Globe, this means experiencing it with the highest quality," Ernest Cu, President and CEO of Globe Telecom, said.

Globe Telecom will provide its customers with the ability to download HOOQ, which will soon be available to customers on a plan-based service for P199 per month. It will also be offered as a bundled service with the telco’s GoSURF and Tattoo broadband services.

After the Philippine launch, HOOQ will be rolled out across Asia soon.

The service will also be accessible to all customers in the Philippines through its website – http://HOOQ.tv. Through HOOQ.tv, customers can watch videos of their choice and pay for the subscription by credit card.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Wondering why there's no signal? Smart explains

MANILA, Philippines - The government has ordered mobile phone operators to temporarily suspend cellular services in Metro Manila and other nearby areas, as Pope Francis attends various events in the metropolis.

Mobile phone subscribers had complained of erratic service on Thursday evening when the Pope arrived in Manila, and on Friday morning when he was in Malacanang and Manila Cathedral.

"In compliance with an order to mobile phone operators from government authorities, the cellular services of Smart and Sun Cellular were temporarily suspended today (Friday) in Metro Manila, including some municipalities of nearby provinces. This was done in the interest of public safety during the ongoing visit of His Holiness Pope Francis," Smart head for public affairs Mon Isberto said in a statement.

Smart has 69 million mobile subscribers, including Talk 'N Text, and Sun Cellular.

Isberto appealed for understanding from its subscribers "if similar situations arise in the next few days here in Metro Manila as well as other sites on the Papal itinerary."

Earlier, Smart and Globe issued separate advisories to its subscribers explaining the temporary disruption of services during the Pope's visit.

"You may have experienced temporary loss of mobile signal and internet connection during Pope Francis' arrival, especially in the areas surrounding his motorcade route. This was done in compliance with the directive of the National Telecommunications Commission for security reasons. We hope for your understanding," Globe said on its Facebook page.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

DOJ to Smart, Globe: Don't mislead customers with 'unli Internet'

MANILA, Philippines - "Unlimited" internet service means unlimited, the Department of Justice reminded telco giants Smart Communications and Globe Telecom.

The DOJ warned Smart and Globe not to mislead subscribers with "unlimited" Internet packages, which usually are throttled after reaching the data limit.

"While there is nothing wrong with advertisements and promotions, what is promised must be delivered. Our laws require not only truth in advertising but also fairness in packaging and consistency in the provision of the service," Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima said in a statement.

An advisory was issued after the DOJ-Office for Competition received complaints about various "unli" promos.

The DOJ issued a 9-page advisory last December 9, insisting the imposition of fair usage policy on unlimited internet service is
inconsistent with the provisions of the Consumer Act of the Philippines, particularly on fair packaging and misleading trade practice and advertisements.

The DOJ reminded the telcos that such practice is punishable with a fine of not more than P10,000 or jail time of at least five months to one year or both.

Also, non-compliance with the requisites of fair packaging can also be criminally penalized by a fine of not more than P20,000 or imprisonment of not more than two years.

The DOJ said data throttling renders "unlimited" data promos as inconsistent with the marketing claims, and ultimately misleading.

"The imposition of data throttling on unlimited internet could also be regarded as a violation of the provisions prohibiting false, misleading or deceptive advertisements, hence, deemed punishable in accordance with law," the DOJ said.

At the same time, the DOJ said the Department of Trade and Industry has received 40 complaints regarding intermittently slow to almost Internet service, while 18 complained about restricted "unlimited" services.

The DOJ said Smart started imposing the Fair Use Policy in 2010, while Globe started implementing it in January this year.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Globe extends free call service for OFWs

MANILA, Philippines - Globe Telecom is extending its Libreng Tawag (free call) services to the Philippines from eight countries by another day.

On Monday, Globe started offering the free call service, allowing overseas Filipino workers who are living in Spain, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong, United States and Italy to contact their family and relatives who may have been affected by typhoon "Ruby."

Globe said it will continue the “Libreng Tawag” program in the 8 countries and territories until 11:59 PM EST on December 9 or about 12:59 PM on December 10 in the Philippines.

The telco said the free calling service, which started on December 8. was well-received overseas.

"Globe is bringing its ‘Libreng Tawag’ initiative to eight countries around the world with some of the biggest OFW and migrant populations, knowing how important it is during these trying times for families separated by geography to communicate with each other and send messages of encouragemen,” said Globe Senior Vice President for International Business Rizza Maniego-Eala.

Globe is providing the Libreng Tawag services for an extra day on the following locations:

In Saudi Arabia, the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, the downtown district in Balad, and partner stores of Globe, including in Riyadh, will serve as locations for the calling stations.

In Spain, Filipinos can avail of "Libreng Tawag" at 4 strategic points along Joaquín Costa Street in Barcelona.

In Italy, Globe stores in Rome and Milan will have calling stations for Filipino.

In the United Kingdom, Filipinos can call home at no cost at Earl's Court in London.

In Hong Kong's Central District, Filipinos can call the Philippines for free.

In Singapore, OFWs can avail of the service at the Lucky Plaza along Nathan Road.

In Canada, Filipinos can get call cards for free in Winnipeg in Manitoba; Joyce-Collingwood in Vancouver; Calgary in Alberta; St. Catherine’s in Niagara; Montreal in Quebec; and in Eastern and Western Ontario.

In the United States, Pinoys can get complimentary Globe call cards at Seafood City branches.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Globe offers free calls from 8 countries to PH

MANILA, Philippines - Globe Telecom is offering Libreng Tawag services to the Philippines from eight countries, including the United States and Saudi Arabia.

Overseas Filipino workers who are living in Spain, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong, United States and Italy can avail of the free call service to check up on their relatives who may have been affected by typhoon "Ruby."

Globe has set up free calling stations in these 8 countries, which have among the highest number of Filipino migrants and expatriates in the world.

Libreng Tawag will be available until 11:59pm EST on December 8, 2014.

"We realize how important it is for our kababayans abroad to get in touch with their families especially during calamities," Gil Genio, Globe Chief Operating Officer for Business and International Markets, said.

Rizza Maniego-Eala, Globe Senior Vice President for International Business, said the free calling services are available at Globe stores in Milan and Rome in Italy.

"For Spain, UK, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Singapore and Hong Kong, this public service started yesterday and is being offered through some of the accredited Globe retailers in those countries," she said.

"For the United States, Libreng Tawag in the west coast will be available in all branches of Seafood City through our partnership with them while Filipinos in the east coast will be served via web through the subscribed access service of Lunex, the Globe partner servicing the area."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Globe vows to restore network 'as soon as weather permits'

Weather unfavorable for actual field work, company says

MANILA -- Telco giant Globe Telecom said Sunday its network operations team has initiated "service restoration process" in areas affected by Typhoon Ruby.

In a statement, the company said that as of 2 p.m. on Sunday, this process "mainly involves assessment of the typhoon’s impact on network infrastructure as weather remains unfavorable for field personnel to do actual field work."

Still, the company’s operations team in Visayas is ready to address network concerns brought by Typhoon Ruby, weather permitting, senior vice-president for corporate communications Yoly Crisanto said in the statement.

“The safety of our employees is our main priority at any given time. Needless to say, the company is ready to execute service restoration as soon as weather permits. We’re hoping to undertake actual field work by tomorrow (Monday),” she said.

Globe said initial assessment indicates there are no major outages caused by Typhoon Ruby, which made landfall in Eastern Samar Saturday night.

Service disruptions were due mostly to power outages and "misalignment of antennas" following strong winds brought by the typhoon, Crisanto said.

As part of its preparation for Typhoon Ruby, Globe implemented "preemptive measures" that include a temporary service interruption of mobile coverage in Eastern Samar.

"Full restoration may be completed within a 48-hour period after recovery efforts are initiated," the statement said.

As of 12 noon on Sunday, Globe said service interruptions have been monitored in some areas in the provinces of Biliran, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte and Western Samar.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Globe, Smart unveil iPhone 6 prices

MANILA – Ayala-led Globe Telecom and Smart Communications Inc. have unveiled pricing details for the Apple iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.

Globe said it is offering the 16-gigabyte iPhone 6 at P2,099 per month and the 16-GB iPhone 6 Plus at P2,299 per month under Plan 1299 for a period of 24 months.

The new smartphones are also offered to prepaid subscribers for P37,500 for the iPhone 6 for 16GB; P43,000 for the 64GB; and P48,500 for the 128GB.

The iPhone 6 Plus, on the other hand, is priced at P43,000 for the 16GB; P48,500 for the 64GB; and P54,000 for the 128GB.

Globe said iPhone Forever subscribers who are on their 13th to 24th will be allowed to trade-in or pay a cash out for the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.

Smart, meanwhile, announced that the iPhone 6 is available under a monthly plan of P1,799 for the 16GB, P2,049 for the 64GB, and P2,153 for the 128GB.

The iPhone 6 Plus is available for a monthly payment of P2,049 for the 16GB, P2,153 for the 64GB, and P2,345 for the 128GB under the iPhone Plan 999 for a 24-month contract.

The latest iPhone models are available under Smart’s iPhone Plan 1799, Data Plan 2000, and Data Plan 3000 with a corresponding cash out of P5,000 to as high as P26,300 for the iPhone 6 and P5,000 to as high as P30,900 for the iPhone 6 Plus.

Smart’s iPhone offers also come with free all-net texts, all-net calls plus consumable data every month which can be used for video and music streaming, file uploads, and downloads, and chatting.

“We know many Filipinos are keenly anticipating the arrival of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, and the good news is they can now get these bigger iPhones from the country’s biggest mobile network. Subscribers can enjoy surfing the Internet, taking photos, downloading apps or playing games on the new iPhones that are now powered by Smart’s expansive coverage nationwide,” said Smart postpaid marketing head Kathryn Carag.

Carag added that existing Smart subscribers can upgrade to the new iPhones through the Wipeout promo.

Subscribers of Globe and Smart can now pre-order the latest Apple smartphones, which is scheduled to be released in the Philippines on November 14.

Apple launched the iPhone 6 featuring a 4.7-inch Retina HD display and iPhone 6 Plus with a 5.5-inch display in September.

Apple earlier said the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will be available in more than 115 countries by the end of the year.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Globe, Smart to release iPhone 6 in November

MANILA – Subscribers of both Globe Telecom and Smart Communications Inc. may soon get their hands on Apple's latest iPhone models.

The rival firms announced on Wednesday that the much-awaited iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will be available to their subscribers starting November 14.

Smart spokesperson Ramon Isberto said the company is looking forward to the positive response of the Philippine market.

"Market response has been very positive, and there is much anticipation," he said.

He added that subscribers in the Philippines can take full advantage of the robust long term evolution (LTE) network of the PLDT Group using the new devices.

"The enhanced features of the iPhone 6 will be fully enjoyed in Smart’s LTE network," he said.

Smart subscribers can pre-order beginning November 7. Globe subscribers, on the other hand, can now pre-register via Globe’s website.

Apple launched the iPhone 6 featuring a 4.7-inch Retina HD display and iPhone 6 Plus with a 5.5-inch display in September.

Apple earlier said the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will be available in more than 115 countries by the end of the year.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Globe releases bundles for Samsung Note 4

MANILA -- Good news for Samsung aficionados! Globe Telecom has launched its Samsung Galaxy Note 4 promo that has a complete postpaid plan bundled with access to lifestyle suites.

For P1,899 a month at Plan 999 with P900 monthly cashout, Globe said customers can get the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 with the photo and chat bundles, which allow access to a set of lifestyle apps that connect users to mobile Internet anytime. Furthermore, Globe's postpaid plan bundle also comes with additional 1.5 worth of GoSURF data monthly, free three-month subscription to Spotify Premium, and free one-month subscription to Gadget Care.

With the Photo Bundle for P299 a month, customers can access Instagram, InstaSize, PhotoGrid and Photo Repost, allowing them to take and edit photos, make collages, as well as add captions and filters using the 16-megapixel rear camera, 3.7 megapixel front-facing camera, and wide selfie mode of the Samsung Galaxy Note 4.

The Chat Bundle, on the other hand, gives customers access to top messaging apps Facebook Messenger, KakaoTalk, Line, Viber, WhatsApp and WeChat, connecting users to their contacts not just from other networks but also from around the world. This is available for only P299 a month.

Using the S Pen’s Elaborate Brush Effect with calligraphy feature, Note 4 users can also share their notes, scribbles and photos.

Meanwhile, the Navigation Bundle, available for P99 a month, gives customers month-long access to apps such as Waze, GrabTaxi, Google Maps, MMDA, and Accuweather for a hassle-free transport experience around the city.

For those who use their devices for work and productivity, Globe said subscribers can avail of the Work Bundle for P299 a month, which provides access to Evernote, Gmail, and Yahoo Mail, plus free 10 GB Globe Cloud storage that will let them back up and access their messages, contacts, presentations, and other files from any device.

Shopping addicts who want to engage in e-commerce can subscribe to Shopping Bundle, which extends access to sites such as OLX.ph, Ayosdito.ph, eBay, and Zalora, also for P299 a month. These subscribers also get an extra 5% off with their purchases from Zalora.

The navigation, chat, work, shopping, and photo bundles can be availed as a combo service charged to consumables, or as an add-on booster service charged on top of the monthly service fee.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Globe's free Facebook offer inspired Zuckerberg's Internet.org

MANILA, Philippines - Globe Telecom's successful "free Facebook" offer may have inspired the social network's founder Mark Zuckerberg to set up Internet.org, which is aimed at making the Internet accessible to more people.

In a recent forum in Manila, Facebook product partnership manager Jackie Chang spoke about Globe's free Facebook offer.

"Globe was one of the first telecoms to offer free Facebook to millions of customers and what we saw in the Philippines was astounding. Internet and data usage doubled. Because we were able to do that with Globe, we realized that there’s an opportunity to go beyond just free Facebook and give people access to a set of free basic services," she said.

From its test with Globe, Facebook started working with operators on sustainable business models that enable mobile operators to provide access to free services and still continue to support the infrastructure to provide connectivity to people.

Also, Facebook saw the opportunity to add a suite of free basic Internet services that would give access to health, information and education.

Last July, Facebook launched the Internet.org. A brainchild of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, Internet.org's goal is to make affordable internet access available to the two thirds of the world who do not have internet connectivity.

Using the app, people can browse health, employment and local information services without data charges.

As of now, the Internet.org app is available to Airtel subscribers in Zambia.

While the world's cellular infrastructure covers 85 percent of the total population, Chang noted only 30 percent has access to the Internet.

She said basic internet services can be made affordable to everyone by reducing the cost of building infrastructure, using radio spectrum more efficiently, and building open source hardware.

"The future of the world economy is the knowledge economy. If everyone has access to basic financial, health, communication, and education tools, all of us will benefit from the creativity and ideas that others have. At some point we have all been held back by fear. Like the fear of not knowing an important piece of information that may bring an opportunity or not knowing that piece of information that may put you in danger. What if you have all that information in the palm of your hand? This is the question and the problem that we want to answer," Chang said.

Last week, Globe Telecom announced it was bringing back its free Facebook service, in response to rival Smart's free Internet promo for its prepaid subscribers.

Globe had earlier said the free Facebook promo allowed the telco to double its mobile data user base.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Tatt Awards for social media calls for nominations

MANILA -- Tattoo, Globe Telecom’s broadband brand, led the Social Media Day festivities in the Philippines with the launch of this year’s Tatt Awards, which celebrates individuals who have made an impact in the online space.

Tattoo has formed Tatt Awards as a platform for the netizens who "exceed expectations and lead the social media revolution with every content that they share."

Now on its fourth year, Tatt Awards kicked off with a call for nominations during the annual gathering of various social media communities in the country held last Saturday at the Samsung Hall of SM Aura.

“Since its launch in 2011, the Tatt Awards has remained true to its objective of celebrating remarkable individuals who have contributed to bringing social media to where it is today. This year, we saw the 5th Annual Social Media celebration as the perfect partner for us to connect with the growing social media community in the Philippines, helping us determine this year’s top movers and shakers in social media,” Globe SVP for Broadband Business Gilbert Simpao said in a statement.

At Saturday's event, guests submitted their nominations at the Tatt Awards booth.

Tatt Awards 2014 aims to spread its reach to a wider audience even outside the Philippines as it is supported by international digital outlets like Mashable.

The Tatt Awards call for nominations will formally start on Tuesday until July 15. Finalists will then be announced by the end of the month, followed by the awards night on August 8.

Anyone who has a Facebook and/or Twitter account will be able to submit their nominations. Visit http://tattoo.globe.com.ph/TattAwards2014 for more details.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com