Publish Date : 05-Jun-2014
The international arm of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co (PLDT) will introduced this week its mobile virtual network operation (MVNO) service in the US.
Alex Caeg, PLDT Global Corp president said, "We don't like to preempt it but we are launching in five locations in the US around the Independence Week. We'll be having day-by-day celebrations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu, San Diego, and Las Vegas".
Caeg said that the company has partnered with T-Mobile for its MVNO service in the US. He said, "Filipino-American community is very big in the West Coast alone. Documented OFWs 3.5 million, but this does not include the undocumented".
PLDT will launch its MVNO service in Canada by next month.
The MVNO business contains PLDT Global providing mobile wireless and data services to end-users through commercial accords with licensed mobile network operators in other countries. Among the value-added services of MVNO are Smart Load, Pasa Load, Smart Padala, among others.
PLDT Global previously introduced its MVNO service in the United Kingdom and Macau. In 2011, the company entered a deal with Malaysia's Celcom Axiata Bhd for the same purpose.
PLDT Global in addition provides MVNO services in Hong Kong, Singapore, Guam and Taiwan, primarily for OFWs.
PLDT Global has joined with leading electronics company Samsung and retail giant SM Supermalls for the re-launch of its Smart Pinoy Stores for OFWs.
PLDT executive vice president Eric R. Alberto said, "We are very excited for this partnership that will not only help us tap the growing market of Filipinos abroad but also allows them to conveniently purchase their products of choice for their families here".
Caeg said Smart Pinoy Store is the "one-stop" e-commerce site made specifically for OFWs. He said, "Through the store's gift giving and payment options, OFWs can make their presence felt by their families, as if they have never left home".
The Smart Pinoy Store lets OFWs purchase call and text loads, pay utility bills, educational plans, medical services, and other services for their families in the Philippines. The tie up expands the Smart Pinoy Store offerings that allows OFWs to purchase Samsung products, including tablets, refrigerators, air conditioning units, smart TVs, and washing machines at discounted prices.
Chung Lyong Lee, Samsung Electronics Philippines' president and chief executive said, "We welcome this partnership as it gives us the opportunity to offer Samsung's range of products to our overseas Filipinos who would want to provide the latest gadgets and appliances for their families".
Smart Pinoy Store previous year generated $100,000 with purchases for electronic load, gift certificates, and bills payments topping the lists from dealers and retailers.
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