Globe Telecom to Launch First GCASH Mobile App for Apple iPhones

Philippine telecommunications giant Globe Telecom, through its internationally acclaimed mobile commerce service GCASH, announces the first in the industry with the launch of the GCASH mobile app for Apple iPhones by March 2012. The GCASH iPhone app will be available for download at iTunes App Store for free. The new GCASH iPhone app makes it more convenient for users to do their GCASH transactions like sending money, buying airtime load, and paying bills, without the need to memorize keywords or access numbers. In addition, the app boasts of a new feature enabling users to send money not only to people in their phonebook, but also to their e-mail and Facebook contacts. "The new GCASH mobile app for iPhones will make our customers enjoy doing their GCASH transactions," said Paolo Baltao, President of G-Xchange, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Globe and operator of GCASH. "We are setting a new standard for customer experience in the field of financial services." When a subscriber launches the GCASH mobile app, he just needs to type in his mobile number and Mobile PIN (MPIN) to log in. He will be greeted with his "moneybook" which lists down all his GCASH transactions for the month in real-time. Clean and intuitively-designed screens will guide the subscriber in doing his GCASH transactions.

Smart partners with Vodafone for new services

Dominant mobile network Smart Communications Inc. has partnered with European telecom giant Vodafone for the development of new and innovative services for the Philippine market. Smart announced on Tuesday that the partnership would develop a strategy for the company’s rollout of its long-term evolution of high-speed broadband Internet network in the country with the help of Vodafone. The deal also gives Smart access to Vodafone’s deep pool of knowledge and resources, including state-of-the-art technology and best practices in the areas of cross-border roaming, marketing and customer value management. “We are proud to be the preferred partner of Vodafone in the Philippines, as we work together to meet the growing demand among multinational businesses for sophisticated voice, data and roaming solutions within and beyond the Asia-Pacific region,” Smart International and Carrier Business Division head Alex Caeg said. Vodafone officials were in Manila last January for a series of training workshops with Smart employees. Vodafone’s online team conducted the training with Smart’s senior management and online customer management team, among others, as participants.

Globe Telecom Implements Flash Networks' Complete Harmony Services Gateway

Globe Telecom, a leading telecommunications provider in the Philippines (PSE: GLO) and Flash Networks, the leading provider of mobile Internet optimization and monetization solutions, today announced the expansion of their relationship with the implementation of new Harmony value-added services. Following the successful deployment of Harmony Web & Video Optimization and Harmony Analytics, Globe is now launching Harmony Monetization solutions to provide their subscribers with a superior user experience. To compensate for the unique complexities of wireline coverage in the Philippines, Globe provides Filipino users access to the Internet through mobile broadband dongles and smartphones. To keep up with this growing demand, Globe has chosen to tap Flash Networks and its suite of mobile Internet optimization and monetization solutions to continuously give its subscribers the best experience. As video becomes an increasing portion of data traffic, the data load is magnified. Harmony helps Globe meet the increased demand for mobile data by reducing data load on the network, which improves the quality of the user experience, frees up bandwidth, and lowers transport costs. In addition, Harmony Analytics provides Globe with insight into their mobile traffic, thereby enabling better network planning while monitoring and solving user quality of experience issues. In addition, by implementing Flash Networks' Web Monetization solutions, Globe offers its users a one-stop-shop to simplify access to a selection of rich content, including news, social networks, multiple search tools, bookmarks, up-to-date account information, and a variety of data plans, all from a single location. "Since choosing Flash Networks as our optimization vendor back in 2008, we see them as a committed long-term partner in the evolving needs of our dynamic market," said Peter Bithos, Senior Advisor for Consumer Business of Globe Telecom. "We believe that Flash Networks' flexible and broad offering will allow us to provide our subscribers with faster browsing and smoother video viewing, while helping us better engage with our subscribers by recommending relevant content and simplifying account access management." "We are thrilled to have been chosen by Globe to execute their mobile data strategy," said Liam Galin, President and CEO of Flash Networks. "As early adopters of new technologies and services, Globe provides their subscribers with the most innovative solutions that exist in the market today, ensuring that they continue to receive the best possible user experience." With the rapid penetration of social media and availability of more affordable smartphones among Filipino mobile phone owners, Globe looks at its mobile data business to sustain momentum after the segment posted substantial growth as of end-December 2011. The company's mobile browsing revenues closed at P2.0 billion in 2011, up 52% from previous year's levels driven by the increased smartphone penetration among Filipino subscribers coupled with the Company's introduction of various affordable mobile data plans. The company also strengthened its portfolio of services that promote the use of mobile internet for social networking, search engine, e-mail services as well as entertainment through the use of mobile applications or apps. To support the suite of broadband and data services that it offers, Globe has started to embark on a US$790 million network modernization program to prepare its network for more bandwidth-heavy services such as broadband and data. The massive modern network rollout is expected to provide subscribers with a more stable and reliable network coverage nationwide, giving them an unparalleled service experience.

Globe to power WiFi for EDSA revolt celebrations

The EDSA People Power Commission has tapped Globe Telecom to provide WiFi internet access over a portion of the historic avenue, to mark the 26th anniversary of the 1986 people's revolt that toppled a dictatorial government.

This is the second year that The Edsa People Power Commission, headed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, and Maria Montelibano, partnered with Globe Telecom to provide broadband Internet facilities that will empower spectators to post status messages, photos and messages on social networking sites as the events unfold.

Carrying the theme, "Edsa 26: Anong Taya Mo Para Sa Pilipinas Natin?," the bulk of activities will be happening in the morning of February 25 at the People Power monument along EDSA or Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue. Delos Santos is taught to be the first Filipino academician and a man of many talents.

Aside from the traditional ecumenical ceremonies, President Benigno Aquino III is expected to address the nation during the morning rites.

Globe is in the thick of a US$700-million massive mobile network modernization program nationwide.

The network modernization program, touted as the most significant investment of Globe in the last two decades, includes an all-IP infrastructure, pervasive 3G coverage, double fiber optics capacity, 4G and LTE readiness, and overall quality and resiliency.

Once completed, Globe said its new network and IT systems are not only designed to address all current customer needs but would also have the capacity and capability for more sophisticated use of mobile and broadband technologies.

Globe provides free WiFi at NAIA

The free WiFi will allow passengers to work online, check email or travel itineraries, and surf the Internet while waiting for their flights.

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is one of the busiest airports in the world.

In 2010, the airport served over 27 million travelers, and an additional 18 million flew domestic routes.

Gil Genio, head of the international and business markets of Globe Telecom, said Globe recognizes the increasing need of people to stay connected and in touch whether via mobile phone or the internet.

“As we modernize our network and deliver faster broadband service, we are giving back to the Filipino people by powering the gateway to the Philippines with free WiFi service,” he said.

Vicente Guerzon, MIAA assistant general manager for security and emergency services, said they are happy to have the support of partners like Globe Telecom in making the airport one of the best in the world.

Present at the launching at the NAIA Terminal 1 lobby were Guerzon, lawyer Cecilio Bautista, assistant general manager for airport development, Genio and Rizza Maniego Eala, head international business group.

Smart sees spikes in smartphone sales, gets ready to meet demand

WIRELESS leader Smart Communications, Inc., has seen spikes in smartphone sales from both ends of the market driven by the strong takeup of its Netphone as well as of iPhone 4S.

"We have seen tremendous spikes in smartphone sales from both ends of the market— Netphone sales alone have reached the 100,000 mark and has since been the best- and fastest-selling smartphone in the company’s history," said Gio Bacareza, head of Broadband Internet and Data Services.

Bacareza said sales of iPhone 4S sales exceeded all expectations making it most sought-after premium smartphone from Smart.

He said Smart is taking measures to speed up the acquisition and the delivery of smartphones to its wireless centers and to its customers to avoid long wait.

It has put in place the Smart Online Store (store.smart.com.ph) where customers can avail of Smart’s products online and even includes free nationwide delivery until June 30, 2012.

Existing Smart postpaid subscribers are also rewarded with various freebies and discounts via the Smart Rewards loyalty program.

Smart reported that the number of subscribers using smartphones has doubled in its network during the last four months of 2011.

The climb is in sync with the International Data Corporation’s (IDC) report that the worldwide smartphone market grew by as much as 54.7 percent year over year in the same period.

Bacareza said that all Android phones from Smart now have SmartNet installed including the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, the first smartphone in the world which uses the new Android version 4 (Ice Cream Sandwich) operating system.

Meanwhile, Smart subscribers who purchased Android devices from third party retailers can still use SmartNet by downloading the app from the Android Market.

In December of the same year, Smart officially entered the Apple market as it became the first in the Philippines to make available the iPhone 4S.

Dubbed as "the most amazing iPhone yet", the iPhone 4S features Siri, Apple’s patented voice assistant technology, Facetime video calling for Apple devices, and a high-definition 8-megapixel still and video camera.

The Apple iPhone 4S is available for as low as P999/month with Smart’s iPhone Plan 999.

Smart also carries the latest, the best, and the widest range of smart devices across all operating systems.

Among those in its roster of smart devices are the 5.3-inch Samsung Galaxy Note (free at Unlimited Data Plan 2000), the Meego-powered Nokia N9 (free at Unlimited Data Plan 2000), and the thinnest Blackberry ever the Blackberry Bold 9900 (P1,200 at All-In Plan 3500).

Making available the best devices, however, is only a part of the equation as Smart readies its network to meet the increased demand for mobile data.

Under its P67.1 billion modernization program, Smart, together with its parent company Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) is set to complete the country’s first true fourth-generation (4G) wireless network by as early as June 2012.

A network is deemed 4G-ready when it is able to deploy High Speed Packet Access Plus (HSPA+) and Long Term Evolution (LTE) services.

With a compatible device, Smart’s HSPA+ and LTE networks can deliver speeds of up to 84Mbps and over 100Mbps, respectively.

"Once our network transformation is complete, we will be able to instantly switch on HSPA+ or LTE in areas where they are needed," said Bacareza.

"Couple that with the best data packages we are already offering such as UNLIsurf and Always On and Filipinos are assured of a truly world-class mobile experience."

Earlier, Smart said its subscribers which, as of end-September, totals 47 million, are expected to experience enhanced quality of voice, SMS and broadband services once it completes its modernization program by the middle of this year.

Smart said it has completed the first phase of its two-year modernization program.

"Our subscribers will experience the benefits of additional capacity in the enhanced quality of our voice, SMS and broadband services, especially once we complete the testing and optimization of our modernized sites," said Orlando Vea, Smart chief wireless adviser.

The company is capable of providing up to 200 percent additional capacity on a "push-button" approach or as needed to meet the demands of customers.

Despite the significant increase in capacity, energy costs for the completed sites across the country has decreased by an average of 20.54 percent in the second half of 2011.

"This translates not only to savings but also to a reduction of Smart’s carbon footprint. Imagine the cumulative effect once we complete the conversion of thousands of our sites nationwide to the multi-technology single radio access network (RAN) system under our modernization program," he added.

With multi-technology single RAN, a base station can simultaneously handle different technologies, from 2G, 3G, HSPA (high-speed packet access) to LTE (long term evolution), allowing an operator such as Smart to quickly shift to new technologies through advanced software defined radio (SDR) capability depending on market needs in a cost-efficient manner.

The conversion to multi-technology single RAN requires the total replacement of base station equipment with smaller, cost-efficient structures that consume less power and subsequently reduce carbon emission.

"A recipient of the GSM Association’s first-ever Green Mobile Award in 2009, Smart is consistent in its efforts to be earth-friendly in its operations. We have pioneered the use of renewable energy to power 114 off-grid cell sites nationwide, and we are doing it again by reducing our carbon footprint with smaller, less power-hungry equipment under our modernization program," Vea said.

The work is being undertaken in phases by Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) in Metro Manila and Bulacan; Ericsson in north and south Luzon; and Huawei in the Visayas, Mindanao, Palawan and Bicol.

Globe launches $700-M program

GLOBE Telecom on Wednesday launched a $700-million mobile-network modernization program at Malacañang which President Aquino promptly described as a rightful bet on a country like the Philippines that has become a “virtual gold mine for the telecommunications sector.”

Mr. Aquino witnessed the ceremonial signing of the contracts between Globe and Huawei on the project, and another between Globe and Alcatel-Lucent, to manage the project, at Malacanang’s Rizal Hall.

“We would like to thank Globe for this massive investment, for placing a bet on our country’s future that enables us to address the problems really in a much quicker pace to the ultimate benefit of our people,” he said.

In an interview with reporters after the event, Globe chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala said, “We are here today to show our commitment to the economy by continuing to invest heavily in the infrastructure that the country needs.”

Ernest Cu, Globe president and chief executive officer, said the company’s infrastructure upgrade “allows Globe to compete harder and more aggressively in the future, because our operating costs will be lower.”
Cu said Globe expects “significant savings” in operating expenses on a year-on-year basis, once the modernization is complete.

“The Philippines is in a very highly competitive climate when it comes to telco services, as you know. And so we fully expect that level of competition will continue in 2012, because we have two strong companies competing with each other—the incumbent, and of course, the challenger Globe Telecom,” he said.

He said, “As more and more smart phones come into the country, the profile of use of a subscriber would change from just voice/calling, SMS, to include a lot of browsing on the Internet,” which is why the Globe network “is being built the way it is, this is made in anticipation of the change in habit of the Filipino mobile phone user.”

When asked, Cu said Globe expects to “sustain the momentum” it has enjoyed in the past five quarters, through this year.

“We just expect that same momentum in terms of market share gains, in terms of revenue gains, to continue,” he said.

He said Globe grew to 30 million subscribers in 2011, and will grow even more this year, with the trend toward postpaid subscribers’ growth “picking up.”

“Globe’s subscriber base 18 to 20 months ago, was just around 700,000 to 750,000; today it stands at 1.5 million. So there is maybe a shifting sentiment as far as the public is concerned. They want to move into more post-paid plans now, it’s quite an interesting phenomenon that we’re seeing in terms of this high-end prepaid consumers now opting for a committed plan, Cu said.

Alcatel-Lucent, the project manager and integrator of Globe Telecom Inc.’s $700-million network modernization program, on Wednesday said it wants to take part in government-initiated projects in the Philippines.

“We are talking to a number of government departments and fully expect that we will participate in some of those projects,” said Alcatel-Lucent President Rajeev Singh-Molares in discussions with the media on Wednesday morning.

Molares is in the country for the contract signing with Globe officials held in Malacañang.

Molares refused to say which government agencies Alcatel-Lucent is in contact with.

“At this stage, we’re talking, and it’s best for me not to say any specifics on what we are doing…We are aggressive players. We have many ideas that we’ve done in many parts of the world.”

Alcatel-Lucent is involved in Australia’s national broadband network project. In the country, its largest project is with the Ayala-controlled cellular firm.

Morales said that if ever Alcatel-Lucent would seal a deal with the Philippine government it would not be as big as the contract it inked with the cellular firm.

Globe is undertaking an ambitious network modernization program, touted as the most significant investment it made in the last two decades that costs $790 million. Of the amount, $530 million will be spent in 2012 and $110 million in 2013.

The network modernization, which is expected to be finished after five years, includes an all-Internet protocol infrastructure, pervasive 3G coverage, double fiber optics capacity, 4G and long-term evolution readiness, and overall quality and resiliency.

The cellular firm has tapped Huawei as lead partner and end-to-end network solutions provider, while Alcatel-Lucent was assigned as project manager.

PLDT’s ‘transformation’ program almost complete

The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) group is on the final stretch of its fast-tracked, nationwide P67.1-billion network transformation program.

This was revealed at the sidelines of a courtesy call paid yesterday by Eric Xu, vice chairman and chief executive officer of Huawei, a leading global provider of commercial telecom networks, to Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman of PLDT and wireless unit Smart Communications Inc.

Huawei is one of the telco’s partners in the network initiative, and the courtesy call included a review of the program’s progress.

“While the rest of the industry is just about to lay the groundwork, we’ve already passed the halfway mark of this landmark network undertaking,” said Orlando B. Vea, co-founder and Smart chief wireless advisor.

Originally scheduled to run for three years after its launch in early 2011, the program is scheduled for completion by the middle of this year—taking only a total of a year and a half.

“Most important, our subscribers have already been enjoying the fruits of this endeavor, including superior voice connection and quality, quicker SMS delivery, enhanced data connection speeds, nationwide cove age, and zero downtime, especially in times of disasters,” Vea said.

Once completed, the program is expected to benefit close to 50 million Smart subscribers all over the country, by further enhancing the reliability and quality of its wireless services, including SMS, call, and data services, and Internet access to even the most remote barrios and barangays.

To date, PLDT and Smart have modernized and optimized the network covering the entire Visayas and Mindanao areas, and Bicol in Luzon, with the rest of the country to follow soon.

Aside from Huawei, PLDT and Smart are also working with Ericson and Nokia Siemens Network on the program.

“By tapping the individual strengths of the world’s three biggest network suppliers, we are able to ensure the efficient and timely progress of this initiative,” Vea said.

Once fully completed, PLDT and Smart also expect the transformation program to allow it to reach “blackout areas,” or places that used to have no broadband Internet access thus enabling Internet penetration to even the most remote areas of the country.

Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi Lands at Dozens of the World's Busiest International Airports

Ruckus Wireless(TM) ( www.ruckuswireless.com ) today announced that its ZoneFlex Smart Wireless LAN (WLAN) system has seen broad, worldwide adoption by many of the busiest airports around the globe looking to bring reliable, high-performance Wi-Fi connectivity to highly trafficked, high-density passenger terminals. With thousands of business and leisure travelers carrying smartphones, tablet computers, and other mobile devices passing through airport terminals and guest lounges every day, airports are one of many public venues where the need for high-capacity, high-performance Wi-Fi connectivity has become an expected service. Among the airports around the world to select Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi products and technology are China's two largest airports - Beijing Capital International Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport - which are using the Ruckus system to offer high-speed wireless networking guest access, as well as to support digital signage and other applications. Mobile device usage is on a significant upward climb in airports and other public areas everywhere, putting strains on airport IT personnel to outfit passenger terminals with advanced Wi-Fi technology capable of handling high user densities and streaming multimedia. In June of 2011, a study conducted by Boingo Wireless showed that smartphone and tablet usage in airports for the first time overtook laptops, with 58.9 percent of users on its network using handheld devices, up from 34.1 percent in June 2010 and 11.5 percent in June 2008. The 2011 study also showed that the iPad alone accounted for 23.5 percent of connections at airports. Forrester Research estimates that more than 25 percent of business airline passengers and 12 percent of leisure travelers go online at airports. Smart Wi-Fi Connects Millions at China's Biggest Airports Beijing Capital International Airport (BCIA) and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (GBIA), China's busiest and second busiest airports by passenger traffic, are deploying the Ruckus ZoneFlex system to provide free hotspot services to passengers. Both the Beijing airport and Guangzhou airport are installing approximately 100 Ruckus ZoneFlex 7962 and 7363 802.11n dual-band indoor access points (APs) to cover the entire passenger terminals, and are also using Ruckus ZoneDirector 5000 WLAN controllers and the FlexMaster network management system to centrally manage the networks. Installation at Guangzhou airport was completed in December 2011, while the installation work at Beijing airport is currently underway and is expected to be completed by March 2012. Beijing JianFei KeLian Technologies, the hotspot provider for these two airports, had conducted vigorous live tests of all the popular WLAN products at the airports for two months. Only Ruckus ZoneFlex APs were able to simultaneously connect 100+ mobile devices, including laptops, smart phones and tablets, reliably at any time. Both airports allow carriers to deploy their own Wi-Fi networks, and Ruckus' patented adaptive antenna and ChannelFly(TM) technologies played a major role in the selection, given their unique ability to mitigate interference and select the best channels for providing hotspot services. In addition, the compact, non-conspicuous design of the ZoneFlex system and mounting options enabled JianFei KeLian to place and install Ruckus APs on walls, ceilings and poles, without affecting the integrity and aesthetics of the terminals. India Flies High With Better Wi-Fi India's largest airport, Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA), has installed Ruckus ZoneFlex 7300 series 802.11n smart Wi-Fi access points throughout its international and domestic terminals and is initially offering free multimegabit Wi-Fi services to millions of passengers that transit the airport every year. CSIA operates five terminals over an operational area of 1,450 acres (5.9 km2) - handling over 29.1 million passengers and 670,235 tons of cargo in 2010. Malaysia's KL International Airport Moves to Better Wi-Fi KL International Airport (KLIA), one of the largest airport sites in the world, has standardized on Ruckus' popular ZoneFlex(TM) indoor/outdoor Smart Wi-Fi products and technology. The new Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi system is initially being used to provide free high-speed hotspot services to the passengers that transit KLIA every year. KLIA recorded growth in terms of passenger movements to 34.1 million in 2010. The Smart Wi-Fi network will also be used by airlines, ground handling and aircraft engineering staff to access an array of applications. Operated by Malaysia Airports, KLIA's facilities span over 100 square kilometers. KLIA's main terminal building alone is equivalent to the size of 72 football fields. According to KLIA, the move to a new airport-wide Wi-Fi system was driven by the need to give passengers the best possible airport experience by providing ubiquitous broadband access, reliable wireless connectivity and consistent performance. The international airports that have deployed the Ruckus ZoneFlex system include: 1. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Malaysia) 22. QingDao International Airport (China) 2. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (Mumbai, India) 23. HangZhou International Airport (China) 3. Linz Airport (Austria) 24. Jinan International Airport (China) 4. Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila, Philippines) 25. NingBo LiShe International Airport (China) 5. Mactan-Cebu International Airport (Manila, Philippines) 26. Wenzhou Yongqiang Airport (China) 6. Larnaca Airport (Cyprus) 27. Nanchang Changbei International Airport (China) 7. Changi Airport Budget Terminal (Singapore) 28. Tianjin Binhai International Airport (China) 8. Cincinnati Airport 29. Hohhot Baita International Airport (China) 9. Sarasota International Airport 30. Wuhan Tianhe International Airport (China) 10. BZN Gallatin Field Airport (Montana) 31. Kunming Wujiaba International Airport (China) 11. Mexico City International Airport 32. Changsha Huanghua International Airport (China) 12. Medellin International Airport (Columbia) 33. Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (China) 13. Maraba Airport (Brazil) 34. Haikou Meilan airport (China) 14. Caxias do Sul (Brazil) 35. Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (China) 15. Goiania (Brazil) 36. Fuzhou Changle International Airport (China) 16. Curitiba (Brazil) 37. Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (China) 17. Porto Alegre (Brazil) 38. ChangChun Longjia International Airport (China) 18. Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) 39. Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (China) 19. Sao Paulo (Brazil) 40. Wellington Airport (New Zealand) 20. Beijing Capital International Airport (China) 21. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (China)

RESEARCH ALERT-CIMB Research downgrades SingTel to neutral

CIMB Research downgraded its rating on Singapore Telecommunications Ltd to neutral from outperform and eased its target price to S$3.36 from S$3.37. By 0143 GMT, shares of SingTel were 1.6 percent lower at S$3.08. The shares are little changed so far this year versus a 12 percent rise in the benchmark market index. STATEMENT: On Monday, SingTel reported a fourth consecutive fall in quarterly profit, hurt by weak results at home and in India due to higher costs. CIMB Research said SingTel could be hurt as rivalry in Australia's mobile sector remains stiff and competition could intensify in Philippines. "We are a little more negative on the stock as we think fixed broadband competition in Australia may intensify ahead of the introduction of the next generation broadband, similar to what happened in Singapore," it said in a report. The brokerage also said it expects SingTel to report flat earnings growth in the next few quarters.

Smart ‘Netphone’ sales surge to ‘record levels’

Sales of Smart Communications’ corporate-branded “Netphone” have reached record levels, making it the best- and fastest-selling device the company has ever carried. In a statement over the weekend, the company attributed the success of the Netphone, built by Chinese manufacturer Huawei, to the combination of its state-of-the-art features and affordability. “We have seen tremendous spikes in smartphone sales from both ends of the market—Netphone sales alone have reached the 100,000 mark and has since been the best- and fastest-selling smartphone in the company’s history,” Smart Broadband Internet and Data services head Gio Bacareza said. He said the success of the Netphone exhibited the Filipino market’s willingness to switch to smartphones, at the right price point. Launched late last year, the Netphone refers to a line of devices powered by Google’s Android operating system. The device also features several applications developed by Smart. Bacareza likewise said its sales of the Apple iPhone, which Smart is offering for the first time, “have exceeded all expectations making it most sought-after premium smartphone from Smart.” Smart earlier reported a doubling of the number of subscribers using smartphones in its network during the last four months of 2011. This is in line with the 54.7-percent growth in worldwide smartphone sales, Smart said, citing a report from International Data Corp. (IDC). Smart said making more devices available was part of its strategy to increase demand for more profitable mobile data services. Under its P67.1-billion modernization program, Smart, together with its parent company Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), is set to complete the rollout of its fourth-generation (4G) wireless network by June 2012.

Globe Nets P9.8B In 2011

With its mobile business exceeding market expectations in 2011, Globe Telecom, Inc. hauled in P67.8 billion in service revenues, 9% higher than the normalized level of P62.0 billion in the previous year although its net income inched up 1 percent only to P9.8 billion. The high service revenues offset its rising operating expenses and depreciation. Hence, Globe’s core net income rose 11 percent from P9.1 billion to P10 billion. However, the telco’s reported net income only inched up 1 percent to P9.8 billion as prior year's results included P526 million in non-recurring adjustments pertaining to prepaid load credits that have either expired or have been used up. Globe’s full-year mobile revenues reached P54 billion, up 8% year-on-year on the strength of its subscriber growth due to its customizable post-paid plans, unlimited services and all-network offers plus additional revenues from mobile browsing. Specifically, its post-paid mobile phone subscribers grew from 1.1 million to 1.5 million during the comparative period. Globe’s pre-paid services closed 2011 with total subscribers of 15.5 million, up 12 percent while Touch Mobile (TM) hauled in 13.1 million subscribers, registering a 13 percent increase. The brand refresh campaign focusing on the aspirations of the Filipino youth together with innovative local and international services renewed interest for the telco’s pre-paid offerings. On the other hand, the telco’s broadband revenues rose to P7.5 billion, up 30% from previous year, riding on the rising demand for fast and reliable internet connectivity. As Globe continued the roll-out of its 4G HSPA+ network and boosted the speed performance of its key broadband products, subscribers increased by 31 percent from 1.1 million to 1.4 million in the comparative period. Globe’s operating expenses for 2011 included certain professional, advisory, and legal fees associated with the Company's IT and network transformation programs. Results also covered P350 million in accelerated depreciation expenses related to a pilot implementation of the network change-out in Davao City, a key market and focus area. Excluding these transformation-related expenses, Globe’s consolidated EBITDA would have expanded 7 percent compared to the reported 6% growth. Core net income would have grown 15% as against the reported 11 percent growth. Overall, the gains which the telco made last year will enable Globe to sustain the growth of its business in 2012, stressed President and CEO Ernest L. Cu. “The next two years will be a critical period for Globe as we execute on our network modernization programs to make customer experience our key differentiator,” Cu said. To finance its capital expenditures for 2012, including its network modernization and IT transformation program, the company is undertaking a P15-billion Retail Bond Program This will enable the Telco to tap the retail market in one or more tranches over the next 12 months. The bonds will be offered to both institutional and retail investors. Meanwhile, in line with Globe's amended dividend policy of distributing between 71 to 90% of prior year's core net income, its Board of Directors declared the first semi-annual cash dividend of P32.50 per common share, payable on March 16, 2012 to shareholders on record as of February 24, 2012.

Globe's Enhances Payment Centers Services

Inspired by some of the biggest carriers and retailers worldwide, Globe Telecom Inc. converted half of its payment centers nationwide to full-service concept stores to lure in more customers. It was the first telecommunications firm to transform its stores from utilitarian payment and transaction centers to a one-stop shops showcasing the latest gadgets and consumer mobile technologies. “We will continue to expand our Concept Store to more areas in strategic locations in the country to address the special needs and concerns of customers,” explained Ramon Matriano, Globe’s consumer sales head. Globe’s Concept Stores offer customer and after-sales support with the shopping experience. The blueprint Globe pioneered set the model for a retail concept followed by other telcos in the country. Last year, Globe opened retail concept stores in Metro Manila at Trinoma, Gateway Mall, SM City Taytay, Eastwood Mall, Robinsons Galleria, SM City Novaliches, SM City Marikina, SM City Masigan, Araneta Square, Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall, Shangri-La Plaza, Market Market, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, Robinsons Place Manila, SM City Manila, SM City Sucat and Festival Supermall. Elsewhere in Luzon, the telco established concept stores at SM City Calamba, SM City San Pablo, SM City Lipa, SM City Bacoor, SM CIty Batangas, SM City Dasmariñas, Tanauan, Solenad Nuvali, SM City Legaspi, SM City Naga, SM City Lucena, SM City Baguio, SM City Tuguegarao, Santiago City (Isabela), SM City Marilao, SM City Pampanga, SM City Clark, Waltermart Plaridel, Waltermart Sta. Maria, Balanga, Graceland Malolos and San Jose, Nueva Ecija. In Visayas and Mindanao, Globe installed concept stores at the SM CIty Bacolod, SM City Delgado, SM City Iloilo, Elizabeth Mall, Toledo (Cebu), Dumaguete City, Iligan Gaisano Mall, Davao Gaisano Mall, SM City Davao, Robinsons Cagayan De Oro and Abreeza Mall (Davao). Globe also added new features to the Concept Store such as a dedicated hotline for on-the-go customers who don’t have the time to queue at the stores for their after-sales concerns. The Globe Concept Store features a contemporary design layout, featuring a wide array of working mobile phones and gadgets that customers can actually try and test. There are also laptops with Wi-Fi and broadband connections for customers to do in-store surfing. Select Stores now have "Tech Coaches or device experts selected from a pool of shop specialists, that can help customers on their smartphones and setup their apps, among others. Last December, during the nationwide iPhone 4S launch, Globe introduced special customer sessions or one-on-one tutorials for iPhone 4S availers to help educate them on the phone’s newest features and downloadable apps.

Mobile Internet free on Mondays with Smart 'Always On'

Do you want to update your Facebook status 1,500 times in a day? Can you possibly tweet 150,000 times within 24 hours? How about reading 1,500 e-mails in a day? The numbers may seem huge, but to do all that, all one needs is about 25MB of data. With Smart Communications Inc., mobile Internet users can have this 25MB worth of mobile Internet absolutely free. Smart is driving the so-called Monday blues away. For the next two Mondays Feb. 6 and 13 all prepaid and postpaid Smart subscribers simply need to text FREE 25MB to 2200 to have 25MB of mobile Internet, for free. “Mobile Internet users don’t realize how little volume of data they actually need to engage all day in the activities they enjoy the most, such as updating their social networks. Through this offer, we hope to encourage Smart subscribers to find out for themselves just how much they can do with 25MB of data,” said Giovanni Bacareza, head of broadband Internet and data services at Smart. Meanwhile, Smart subscribers who prefer to surf the Web their way on other days can always enjoy the telco’s “Always On” Internet packages. These packages from as low as P20 per day for 25MB of data to as much as 2GB of data at P995 for 30 days allow mobile Internet surfers to pay only for the data they wish to consume. While the casual mobile Internet user who would use his or her smartphone only for sending e-mail and social networking can avail themselves of the 25MB Always On plan for only P20 a day, the more active users who are into video streaming and data tethering can avail themselves of a 2GB Always On package for P995, valid for one month. Always On is available to all Smart prepaid and postpaid subscribers. To view the complete Always On menu, go to m.smart.com.ph/volumeplans. To activate a package, simply send ON (amount) to 2200. “With Always On, we are making it easier for Filipinos to enjoy mobile Internet connectivity at a price that fits their budget. Always On eliminates worries of being charged beyond what they are willing to spend,” Bacareza said. Always On reduces the risk of unexpected data charges as it notifies users via SMS once they have consumed 80 percent of their package. Upon expiration, charging will revert to the regular bucket pricing of P10 for every 30 minutes of use.

Wi-Tribe and Greenpacket to Deliver Seamless Broadband Connectivity

Greenpacket, a leading developer of next generation mobile broadband and network solutions has collaborated with wi-tribe (a Qtel Group Company), a leading broadband provider in Pakistan, Jordan and the Philippines. The collaboration comes together for a common goal of delivering a superior and seamless broadband experience to customers across the globe, especially in their markets, in fast emerging countries such as Pakistan, the largest operation for the wi-tribe group. The partnership amalgamates for the supply of Greenpacket’s Wi-MAX modem, UH Shuttle, which supports wi-tribe’s vision to bring superior broadband connectivity, service and content to consumers and businesses globally. True to its mission, wi-tribe provides high performance broadband experience that offers independence and freedom to its customers. “We understand the evolving needs of today’s internet users. With this partnership, we aim to provide users with a convenient, portable solution to instantly connect,” said Mustafa Peracha, CEO of wi-tribe Pakistan. “We are confident that Greenpacket’s high gain modem will further enhance our customer’s accessibility to the internet, offering always-on connectivity and freedom, no matter where they are.” wi-tribe’s global vision is to be a market leader in delivering fast and reliable broadband services globally and aims to increase the broadband market by continuously diversifying and simplifying online access in the emerging markets. wi-tribe Pakistan is also passionate about providing a unique and personalized customer care experience, teamed with instant connectivity and simplified service bundles and applications. According to Kelvin Lee, Senior General Manager of Greenpacket, “We are honored to be partnering with wi-tribe as we share a common goal to deliver broadband access across emerging regions. With our Shuttle, we are truly confident that wi-tribe will meet its vision to be the world’s leading broadband provider, meeting its customer’s expectations of high-speed connectivity and an unparalleled customer care experience.” Emerging countries have shown to be extremely quick at adopting wireless technologies. More and more operators in emerging markets around the world are experiencing exponential growth as subscribers opt to use wireless broadband technologies such as Wi-MAX for their fixed broadband needs. Greenpacket is the world’s third largest supplier of Wi-MAX CPEs. Greenpacket will continue to innovate further across technologies to cater to the diverse needs of different markets for both its software solutions and devices.

Local Mobile Internet Usage Explodes

Free, easy-to-use social networking services which work across smartphones, tablets and other Web-enabled devices are driving mobile internet growth nationwide. Hence, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) intends to use services like SmartNet as a launchpad to boost its over 47.7 million subscribers “We observed that 70% of users with services like SmartNet use their phones to access the Internet, compared to the 10% industry-wide average,” disclosed Smart head for Broadband Internet and Data Services Gio Bacareza. SmartNet, a home-grown service, allows highly social but budget-conscious Filipinos to chat, search and add contacts from the cloud, check their Facebook and Twitter social stream without switching applications, post online updates, among other things, for free. Banking on this momentum and on the 300% surge in the number of Android users in its network, Smart also made the latest SmartNet version downloadable for free from the Android Market. Created specifically for emerging markets, SmartNet has a "Safe Browse" feature which keeps other applications outside SmartNet from accessing the Web in the background – taking away the risk of bill shock, or incurring unexpected data charges. Brisk sales of SmartNet-powered Samsung Galaxy Y Netphone Edition also increased the number of smartphones in the telco’s network. With over 700,000 Android devices – from smartphones to tablets to ‘phablets’ or the hybrid smartphone-tablets – activated globally every day, SmartNet’s support for other Android devices allows more subscribers to maximize the use of their smartphones. “Soon, even non-Smart subscribers can enjoy SmartNet and benefit from its features,” Bacareza announced. “It will allow more people to connect with the biggest community of mobile users in the Philippines. Even overseas Filipinos will be able to enjoy SmartNet.” SmartNet is also set to be deployed to work on iOS devices, as well as feature phones.

Globe Telecom Secures $90m Loan

Globe Telecom Inc. signed a ten-year, US$90-million floating rate term loan facility with China Banking Corporation to finance its 2012 capital expenditures under it's US$790-million five-year massive network modernization and IT transformation program. The telco is boosting its voice and data capacity to meet the growing demand for broadband and mobile data use and expects US$640-million will be spent this year and in 2013. With the rapid penetration of social media and availability of more affordable smartphones among Filipino mobile phone owners, Globe looks at its broadband and data businesses as key focus areas that will sustain its growth So far, the China Bank loan was the first facility to be availed by Globe this year. In November 2011, international credit rating firm Fitch Ratings upgraded the company’s long-term foreign and local currency issuer default ratings (IDRs) to BBB- from BB+ with a stable outlook. As of end-September 2011, Globe had a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.04. For the first nine months ending September 30, 2011, the company’s service revenues reached P49.987-billion, with net income of P7.994-billion, which were 9% and 7% higher, respectively, than 2010 comparable figures.