PLDT Group taps Filipinos in Singapore for prepaid mobile service
MANILA, Philippines, January 17, 2006 – Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., through subsidiary PLDT Singapore, has struck a deal with M1, one of Singapore’s innovative mobile and IDD (international direct dial) service providers, to tap Filipinos in Singapore for a new prepaid mobile service.
The new mobile service, targeted for launch in the first quarter of this year, will be marketed under the Smart brand by PLDT Singapore. This will be similar to the 1528 Smart service launched in Hong Kong in 2004.
Smart will use M1’s network and operational infrastructure to offer voice and SMS services to the estimated 130,000 Filipinos working in Singapore. It will also offer value-added services such as Filipino-centric content and m-commerce services that will meet the needs of the Filipino community in the region.
This new venture will build on the existing close ties between M1 and Smart, which are both pioneer members of the regional group of mobile operators, Asia Mobility Initiative (AMI), formed in 2003.
PLDT Global President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio said PLDT Global, the parent company of PLDT Singapore, and Smart will bring their respective strengths in addressing the needs of the Filipino community in Singapore.
“We are confident that our mobile services in Singapore, with the value of the PLDT and Smart brands and the uniquely Filipino features, will be a perfect fit for our OFWs. They can now avail of more affordable and content-rich services not available before,” said Panlilio.
“Partnering with M1 definitely strengthens our position to provide excellent service since we will utilize M1’s infrastructure,” he added.
“This partnership will enable M1 to serve a very specific segment of mobile customers by leveraging on the unique competitive advantage that PLDT and Smart enjoy within the Filipino community,” said M1 Chief Executive Officer Neil Montefiore.
“Leveraging on the Smart brand and the good understanding of the communication needs of this community, PLDT Singapore will be able to offer a suite of products and services that are tailor-made to appeal to customers. PLDT Singapore will of course be strongly supported by the excellent network and operational infrastructure provided by M1,” he said.