Driven by smartphone sales, the worldwide mobile phone market grew 17.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2010 (4Q10), a quarter which saw ZTE, a China-based company that sells primarily lower-cost feature phones in emerging markets, move into the number 4 position worldwide.
According to the IDC worldwide quarterly mobile phone tracker, vendors shipped 401.4 million units in 4Q10 compared to 340.5 million units in the fourth quarter of 2009. Vendors shipped a total of 1.39 billion units on a cumulative worldwide basis in 2010, up 18.5 percent from the 1.17 billion units shipped in 2009.
The strong quarterly and annual growth comes after a weak 2009, which saw the market decline by 1.6 percent. A stronger economy and a wider array of increasingly affordable smartphones helped lift the market to its highest annual growth rate since 2006 when it grew 22.6 percent.
“The mobile phone market has the wind behind its sails,” said Kevin Restivo, senior research analyst with IDC’s worldwide quarterly mobile phone tracker. “Mobile phone users are eager to swap out older devices for ones that handle data as well as voice, which is driving growth and replacement cycles.”
It’s not just smartphone-focused suppliers that capitalized on the mobile phone market’s renewed growth last year. It is also the first quarter that Chinese handset maker ZTE finished among IDC’s Top 5 vendors.
“Change-up among the number four and five vendors could be a regular occurrence this year,” added Ramon Llamas, senior research analyst with IDC’s mobile devices technology and trends team.
“Motorola, Research In Motion, and Sony Ericsson, all vendors with a tight focus on the fast-growing smartphone market and who had ranked among the top five worldwide vendors during 2010, are well within striking distance to move back into the top five list.”
IDC said the worldwide mobile phone market will be driven largely by smartphone growth through the end of 2014. “Feature phone users looking to do more with their devices will flock to smartphones in the years ahead,” noted Restivo. “This trend will help to drive the smartphone sub-market to grow 43.7 percent year over year in 2011.”
The Asia Pacific mobile phone landscape was driven by low-cost and high-end devices in 4Q10. Domestic brands in India like G-Five, Micromax, and Karbonn grew with aggressive advertising and branding activities for entry-level phones, while ZTE and Huawei worked closely with carriers to push low-cost Android smartphones in China.
High-end smartphones, however, were equally well-received, resulting in higher shipments from Apple, Samsung, and HTC in 4Q10.
Top 5 mobile phone vendors
Nokia overall unit volume slipped 2.4 percent in the fourth quarter, which the vendor attributed to the “intense competitive” environment and component shortages. The result was lower feature phone shipments.
The company did, however, grow smartphone volume by 38 percent compared to the same prior-year quarter. Nokia launched the C7 and the C6-01 touchscreen smartphones as well as the C3 combination touchscreen & QWERTY device in the fourth quarter. Still, smartphone ASPs dropped 16 percent on a year-over-year basis.
Samsung reached a new milestone in 4Q10, pushing through the 80 million unit threshold for the first time in the company’s history and improving its profit margins for the second straight quarter.
Driving shipment volumes was the continued success of its Galaxy S smartphones, of which the company sold nearly ten million units worldwide for the year. Similarly, Samsung’s mass-market and touch-screen phones earned a strong following in emerging markets.
LG Electronics crossed the 30 million unit mark for the quarter, due in part to the success of Optimus One smartphone sales across multiple regions. LG’s smartphone strategy is paying off; the company sold more than a million units in the first month of availability, and newer versions (Optimus 2X, Optimus Black) are expected later this year.
Meanwhile, LG’s feature phones comprised the majority of shipments, but an aging portfolio and lower prices within emerging markets left the company vulnerable to the competition.
ZTE finished the quarter in the number 4 position with shipments steadily spreading from its home country of China to developing regions such as Africa and Latin America. ZTE has also recently made inroads in developed markets such as Western Europe and the US as well as Japan.
While most of its shipments have historically concentrated on entry-level and mid-range devices, some of its recent success is directly attributable to its rapidly expanding smartphone line, such as the Android-based Blade and Racer devices. Meanwhile, its S- and C-series entry-level feature phones provided additional competition within emerging markets.
Apple, the iPhone maker, slipped to the number 5 position despite a record quarter for unit shipments and the departure soon thereafter of CEO Steve Jobs on medical leave. It was the company’s second straight quarter on IDC’s Top 5 list.
The iPhone sold particularly well in developed regions of the world, such as North America and Western Europe. Apple, which said it could have sold more iPhones last quarter had it been able to make more, is set to introduce the touchscreen device on Verizon next month.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Globe DUO expands coverage
Globe DUO, one of Globe Telecom’s biggest breakthrough services in 2009, has expanded presence to eight more provinces - Cavite, Bulacan, Laguna, Pangasinan, Negros Oriental, Leyte, Antique and South Cotabato. Nationwide, the service is now available in a total of 18 key provinces.
“With our latest expansion, we can serve more customers,” according to Nikko Acosta, Globe’s Head for International and Core Services.
“This year, we intend to have more DUO coverage in remote and rural areas,” Acosta said.
For the past two years ago, Globe DUO has established coverage in Metro Manila, Rizal, Cebu, Bohol, Negros Occidental, Capiz, Batangas, Quezon, Northern Samar and Davao del Sur.
Launched in April 2009, DUO offered the first-ever two-in-one mobile and landline service that provides unlimited, meter-free calls to landlines and other DUO users.
On the other hand, Globe SUPERDUO offered wider unlimited mobile-to-landline call service plus unlimited calls to any Globe/TM mobile phone nationwide.
Both services helped subscribers save on communication costs by giving them an easier and cheaper way to stay in touch with other DUO and landline users within their local calling area.
“With our latest expansion, we can serve more customers,” according to Nikko Acosta, Globe’s Head for International and Core Services.
“This year, we intend to have more DUO coverage in remote and rural areas,” Acosta said.
For the past two years ago, Globe DUO has established coverage in Metro Manila, Rizal, Cebu, Bohol, Negros Occidental, Capiz, Batangas, Quezon, Northern Samar and Davao del Sur.
Launched in April 2009, DUO offered the first-ever two-in-one mobile and landline service that provides unlimited, meter-free calls to landlines and other DUO users.
On the other hand, Globe SUPERDUO offered wider unlimited mobile-to-landline call service plus unlimited calls to any Globe/TM mobile phone nationwide.
Both services helped subscribers save on communication costs by giving them an easier and cheaper way to stay in touch with other DUO and landline users within their local calling area.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Philips introduces Philips Blade Ultra Slim LED Monitors
Philips launched its new generation Ultra-Slim Philips Blade LED monitor.
The new monitor features a chic and glossy design and measures at 12.9mm thin (thinner than my smartphone :) ), making it one of the slimmest monitors around.
Aside from the gorgeous looks and space-saving attributes, the LED monitor also features a peculiar set of controls, replacing the traditional buttons with touch sensitive icons called SmartTouch controls that responds to even the slightest touch.
The embedded Philips SmartImage technology optimizes display performance and allows you to select pre-programmed contrast, color saturation and sharpness settings or modes like Office, Image, Entertainment, Economy, etc.
Cap that with the 2ms response time via Philips SmartResponse Turbo and 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio and what do you get? – A superior picture quality and the best full HD widescreen gaming and video experience.
The Philips Blade LED Monitor comes in two models. There’s the 229CL2SB, 21.5” model and the 234CL2SB, 23” model. The 23” model is HDMI ready. :)
You can get the 21.5″ for Php 8,900 and the 23″ model for Php 9,900, a pretty cheap price for a new LED monitor model with Full HD, HDMI connectivity and a bunch of other features. :)
The new monitor features a chic and glossy design and measures at 12.9mm thin (thinner than my smartphone :) ), making it one of the slimmest monitors around.
Aside from the gorgeous looks and space-saving attributes, the LED monitor also features a peculiar set of controls, replacing the traditional buttons with touch sensitive icons called SmartTouch controls that responds to even the slightest touch.
The embedded Philips SmartImage technology optimizes display performance and allows you to select pre-programmed contrast, color saturation and sharpness settings or modes like Office, Image, Entertainment, Economy, etc.
Cap that with the 2ms response time via Philips SmartResponse Turbo and 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio and what do you get? – A superior picture quality and the best full HD widescreen gaming and video experience.
The Philips Blade LED Monitor comes in two models. There’s the 229CL2SB, 21.5” model and the 234CL2SB, 23” model. The 23” model is HDMI ready. :)
You can get the 21.5″ for Php 8,900 and the 23″ model for Php 9,900, a pretty cheap price for a new LED monitor model with Full HD, HDMI connectivity and a bunch of other features. :)
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Smart to offer affordable Ideos Android smartphones
Smart Communications will soon be offering Huawei Ideos, considered the world's first affordable Android smartphone.
In a statement on Jan. 26, Smart said it is "expected to offer Ideos within the P5,000-P6,000 price range for prepaid, and to bundle it with a monthly plan as low as P500 for postpaid."
When Huawei, the Chinese giant telco firm behind the Ideos, launched the U8150 model last December 2010, the cheapest handset was reportedly within the P8,800 to P9,500 range, just below Samsung Galaxy 5's retail price then at P10,500, according to technology blogger Yugatech.
Yugatech described his Ideos sample phone as one with "a 2.8inch TFT Capacitive touchscreen, a 3.2Megapixel camera and a 1200mAh battery, and an internal memory of 256MB RAM + 512MB NAND. It also supports voice dialing, voice navigation and the ability to run apps from the SD card. Ideos U8150 is equipped with 528mhz processor. Huawei’s Ideos comes in four different colors – black, yellow, blue and purple."
The name “IDEOS” comes from “ID” which means Industrial Design-centric hardware platform, and “OS” represents the operating system as the core software platform and “E” symbolizes evolution according to Huawei.
Ideos is powered by the Android 2.2 operating system and can be customized with communication, entertainment, productivity and gaming applications.
Smart said that by offering Ideos, it hopes to "strengthen its leadership in this category by completing its range of Smartphones, from high-end to the mass-market handsets."
"Mobile Internet usage in the Philippines has been growing steadily and is now poised to take off. We will now take it to next level with Smartphones that are affordable to a broader market. This is in line with our vision of 'Internet for all'," said Orlando B. Vea, Smart's chief wireless adviser.
In a statement on Jan. 26, Smart said it is "expected to offer Ideos within the P5,000-P6,000 price range for prepaid, and to bundle it with a monthly plan as low as P500 for postpaid."
When Huawei, the Chinese giant telco firm behind the Ideos, launched the U8150 model last December 2010, the cheapest handset was reportedly within the P8,800 to P9,500 range, just below Samsung Galaxy 5's retail price then at P10,500, according to technology blogger Yugatech.
Yugatech described his Ideos sample phone as one with "a 2.8inch TFT Capacitive touchscreen, a 3.2Megapixel camera and a 1200mAh battery, and an internal memory of 256MB RAM + 512MB NAND. It also supports voice dialing, voice navigation and the ability to run apps from the SD card. Ideos U8150 is equipped with 528mhz processor. Huawei’s Ideos comes in four different colors – black, yellow, blue and purple."
The name “IDEOS” comes from “ID” which means Industrial Design-centric hardware platform, and “OS” represents the operating system as the core software platform and “E” symbolizes evolution according to Huawei.
Ideos is powered by the Android 2.2 operating system and can be customized with communication, entertainment, productivity and gaming applications.
Smart said that by offering Ideos, it hopes to "strengthen its leadership in this category by completing its range of Smartphones, from high-end to the mass-market handsets."
"Mobile Internet usage in the Philippines has been growing steadily and is now poised to take off. We will now take it to next level with Smartphones that are affordable to a broader market. This is in line with our vision of 'Internet for all'," said Orlando B. Vea, Smart's chief wireless adviser.
Php1,000 Off Nokia X2-01 on January 29 Only
Nokia Philippines is at it once again! One Time, Big Time sale only on January 29, 2011 at more than 90 participating stores nationwide. Buy a Nokia X2-01 for only Php3,950 -- that's Php1,000 off the original price.
Nokia X2-01 Features and Specifications
* 2.4″ Screen with a resolution of 240 x 320
* QWERTY keyboard
* Internal Memory – 55MB, expandable to 8GB
* VGA Camera with video recording
* 3.5mm audio jack
* FM radio with RDS
* MP4/H.264/H.263/WMV player
Nokia X2-01 Features and Specifications
* 2.4″ Screen with a resolution of 240 x 320
* QWERTY keyboard
* Internal Memory – 55MB, expandable to 8GB
* VGA Camera with video recording
* 3.5mm audio jack
* FM radio with RDS
* MP4/H.264/H.263/WMV player
From P1,200 to P999 a month until April 30 Globe Super Surf
If you need to be online in 2011, Globe has the perfect way to hook you up without breaking your budget. Grab your Globe mobile phone and sign up for Globe Super Surf, the brand-new add-on to your Globe Postpaid Plan that will have you browsing the Web in no time.
With Super Surf, set your inner Web desires free with an entire month of pure unadulterated surfing pleasure on your Globe phone for just P999. Imagine 30 days of blissed-out blogging and browsing on your Globe mobile phone, any time of the day or night, from wherever you happen to be in the country. Now you can tweet every minute or plurk to your heart's desire, all for just P999 a month – a discounted price that's a full P200 less than the regular price of P1,2o0 and which is available until April 30, 2011. With Globe, you can choose to surf via time browsing or kilobyte browsing, but if you do the math, you'll see that Super Surf 999 is the most affordable choice.
Sign up by texting SUPERSURF ON to 8888. Just wait for the confirmation via text message then you can browse away. If you're BlackBerry-bound, just text BB ON to 8888. If you're looking for even lower-priced finds, text SUPERSURF ON 50 to try the 1-day option that's just P50, or text SUPERSURF ON 220 for the 5-day service that's only P220.
Globe Head for Broadband and Mobile Data Services Manny Escosa says, "We know customers worry a lot that the moment they surf on their phones, they'll be hit with a huge bill that they didn't expect. But with Super Surf, it's the opposite: You know exactly how much you'll be spending and it's a very affordable rate, too. So you can enjoy the ease and convenience of using your Globe phone to access the Internet any time you need it, just the way you want it."
So if you've been fighting the urge to surf on your phone for fear of huge bills, Globe puts that anxiety to rest with Super Surf 999. Now you can surf with Globe just the way you want: 24/7, without worries, at a price you can live with. Super Surf has got you covered.
With Super Surf, set your inner Web desires free with an entire month of pure unadulterated surfing pleasure on your Globe phone for just P999. Imagine 30 days of blissed-out blogging and browsing on your Globe mobile phone, any time of the day or night, from wherever you happen to be in the country. Now you can tweet every minute or plurk to your heart's desire, all for just P999 a month – a discounted price that's a full P200 less than the regular price of P1,2o0 and which is available until April 30, 2011. With Globe, you can choose to surf via time browsing or kilobyte browsing, but if you do the math, you'll see that Super Surf 999 is the most affordable choice.
Sign up by texting SUPERSURF ON to 8888. Just wait for the confirmation via text message then you can browse away. If you're BlackBerry-bound, just text BB ON to 8888. If you're looking for even lower-priced finds, text SUPERSURF ON 50 to try the 1-day option that's just P50, or text SUPERSURF ON 220 for the 5-day service that's only P220.
Globe Head for Broadband and Mobile Data Services Manny Escosa says, "We know customers worry a lot that the moment they surf on their phones, they'll be hit with a huge bill that they didn't expect. But with Super Surf, it's the opposite: You know exactly how much you'll be spending and it's a very affordable rate, too. So you can enjoy the ease and convenience of using your Globe phone to access the Internet any time you need it, just the way you want it."
So if you've been fighting the urge to surf on your phone for fear of huge bills, Globe puts that anxiety to rest with Super Surf 999. Now you can surf with Globe just the way you want: 24/7, without worries, at a price you can live with. Super Surf has got you covered.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
IT solutions provider warns SMBs vs cyberattacks, disasters
An information technology solutions provider advised small and mid-sized businesses to protect themselves from damages caused by natural disasters, "before it's too late."
In a press briefing last week, Symantec Corporation executives revealed that a recent survey they conducted showed that most small and medium businesses only availed of protection for data loss after experiencing it.
"The recent Symantec SMB Disaster Preparedness Survey revealed that SMBs in the Philippines still have not recognized the negative impacts of these unforeseen circumstances in their business," Symantec Philippines Senior Country Manager, Luichi Robles said in a press release.
"Despite warnings, most SMBs are still not prepared," Raymond Goh, Symantec's Director for Systems Engineering and Customer Advisory Services in the Asia South Region said, adding that "SMBs are at risk...[and] they are not sufficiently prepared."
Symantec said that SMBs were most vulnerable to power outages, cyberattacks, employee errors and other unforeseen disasters, which could cause business disruptions, data loss, financial loss, and the loss of customers' trust.
Edwin Tiotuyco, Symantec's Manager for Channel and Territory Sales said that they surveyed 1288 SMBs and 552 SMB customers back in November 2010. More than half, he said, did not have a disaster preparedness plan and were set to lose $14,500 a day if hit by a disaster.
Tiotuyco said that they found out that nine percent of the SMBs they surveyed "have no plan to create a plan" but that 42% "intend to create a plan in the future."
Symantec said that the lack of plans for data protection of most SMBs was "surprising given that in the past 12 months, the typical SMB experienced five [power] outages."
Half of the customers surveyed in the Philippines also said that they would shift vendors if their SMB was badly affected by a natural disaster. Thirty-nine percent of the customer respondents revealed that their vendors have shut down because of disasters.
Symantec also cited that the results of the survey also showed that 33% of the SMB customers surveyed in the Philippines said that they have lost some important data due to previous disasters which affected their vendors.
"SMBs need to be proactive and plan ahead to prepare themselves in facing business disruptions due to disasters as these have negative impacts such as business disruptions, data loss, financial loss and the loss of trust with customers," Goh stressed, noting that SMBs should also prioritize their efforts to prevent data loss as it can cause "a big negative financial impact."
Symantec advised SMBs to map out their disaster preparedness plan before they would actually encounter one; implement appropriate security and back-up solutions to protect files; get their employees involved in data protection; frequently test data recovery plans; and regularly review disaster preparedness plans.
"By doing some simple planning, SMBs can protect their information and minimize downtime during disasters," he said.
In a press briefing last week, Symantec Corporation executives revealed that a recent survey they conducted showed that most small and medium businesses only availed of protection for data loss after experiencing it.
"The recent Symantec SMB Disaster Preparedness Survey revealed that SMBs in the Philippines still have not recognized the negative impacts of these unforeseen circumstances in their business," Symantec Philippines Senior Country Manager, Luichi Robles said in a press release.
"Despite warnings, most SMBs are still not prepared," Raymond Goh, Symantec's Director for Systems Engineering and Customer Advisory Services in the Asia South Region said, adding that "SMBs are at risk...[and] they are not sufficiently prepared."
Symantec said that SMBs were most vulnerable to power outages, cyberattacks, employee errors and other unforeseen disasters, which could cause business disruptions, data loss, financial loss, and the loss of customers' trust.
Edwin Tiotuyco, Symantec's Manager for Channel and Territory Sales said that they surveyed 1288 SMBs and 552 SMB customers back in November 2010. More than half, he said, did not have a disaster preparedness plan and were set to lose $14,500 a day if hit by a disaster.
Tiotuyco said that they found out that nine percent of the SMBs they surveyed "have no plan to create a plan" but that 42% "intend to create a plan in the future."
Symantec said that the lack of plans for data protection of most SMBs was "surprising given that in the past 12 months, the typical SMB experienced five [power] outages."
Half of the customers surveyed in the Philippines also said that they would shift vendors if their SMB was badly affected by a natural disaster. Thirty-nine percent of the customer respondents revealed that their vendors have shut down because of disasters.
Symantec also cited that the results of the survey also showed that 33% of the SMB customers surveyed in the Philippines said that they have lost some important data due to previous disasters which affected their vendors.
"SMBs need to be proactive and plan ahead to prepare themselves in facing business disruptions due to disasters as these have negative impacts such as business disruptions, data loss, financial loss and the loss of trust with customers," Goh stressed, noting that SMBs should also prioritize their efforts to prevent data loss as it can cause "a big negative financial impact."
Symantec advised SMBs to map out their disaster preparedness plan before they would actually encounter one; implement appropriate security and back-up solutions to protect files; get their employees involved in data protection; frequently test data recovery plans; and regularly review disaster preparedness plans.
"By doing some simple planning, SMBs can protect their information and minimize downtime during disasters," he said.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Globe introduces M2M, cloud computing services
Globe Telecom recently introduced its latest machine to machine (M2M) and cloud computing services to business customers.
Offered through its Globe Business unit, the company said as M2M and cloud services are the next phase in communications, it is ready to provide these solutions to enterprise customers whose telco needs continue to evolve.
Globe Business has been providing a variety of fixed, data and mobile services including managed services to enterprises, and now it announces its venture into series of M2M and cloud offers.
Today, Globe Business moves further into the future by offering more M2M services. Aside from Tracker GPS, a fleet management service it currently provides enterprise customers to monitor moving company assets, Globe Business now supports new M2M capabilities. Asset management involves accessing data such as temperature, power and motion sensors, while security and surveillance includes CCTV and motion detection, among others. M2M services connect and enable various devices and equipment that we use as we go about our daily lives for relevant applications.
“As customers demand more and competition increases, enterprises continue to evolve so they can deliver more with less resource. They need to constantly improve operational efficiencies and provide better service to stay ahead in the market. Given this, Globe Business has also evolved to become a solutions partner offering relevant ICT services to enterprises. We have gone beyond providing core telco services to offer consulting, security, hosting and collaboration, IT infrastructure and managed services to enterprise customers,” Globe business head Gil Genio said.
As Globe Business ventured into cloud services, it launched the Hosted Contact Center (HCC) Solution, which offers a full range of contact center applications, and utilizes a high capacity platform and highly secure infrastructure, but without high capital expenditure on the part of enterprise customers. It is a pre-integrated, multi-channel contact center platform that takes communication from any type of media, whether phone, email, web chat or voice mail, and routes them anywhere, either to the headquarters or a branch.
With Globe HCC Solution, all an enterprise needs to prepare is the location where its agents will be housed, the desktops of its agents, supervisors and quality assurance officers, and the Local Area Network. Globe Business will provide the contact center applications, telecom network infrastructure, peripherals such as SIP telephone set and headset, and support services.
“We introduced Globe HCC as a hosted solution and we are also capable of offering Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) by providing customers with storage, backup and compute services through the cloud,” Genio added.
Globe Business Enterprise Segments head Jesus Romero said aside from HCC they also offer Managed Security and Managed IP-PBX (Internet Protocol Private Branch Exchange). Globe Business intends to launch new IaaS solutions that will help enterprises reduce costs as they no longer have to purchase and maintain equipment. With Iaas, they get access to the latest technologies without the high costs of adopting these solutions.
As equipment that support operations are outsourced to a virtual environment, enterprises get network access and solutions on-demand and pay only for what they use. Whether it is storage, back up, hardware, servers or network components, these resources can be provisioned fast and are highly scalable suited to the specific needs of enterprises.
Romero said that as they expand their portfolio by offering new ICT innovations and future business solutions to enterprises such as IaaS, Globe Business demonstrates its commitment to provide superior customer experience as the solutions enabler and partner of enterprise customers.
“Our goal is to keep enterprises abreast of the latest technologies and business solutions to help decision makers set future ICT directions for their organizations. This is why we hosted the first Enterprise Innovation Forum last year,” Romero said. “At the same time, we bring in new services such as M2M and cloud computing to make sure the enterprise market in the Philippines has the most advanced, relevant ICT solutions available to customers as their needs become more complex,” he added.
Offered through its Globe Business unit, the company said as M2M and cloud services are the next phase in communications, it is ready to provide these solutions to enterprise customers whose telco needs continue to evolve.
Globe Business has been providing a variety of fixed, data and mobile services including managed services to enterprises, and now it announces its venture into series of M2M and cloud offers.
Today, Globe Business moves further into the future by offering more M2M services. Aside from Tracker GPS, a fleet management service it currently provides enterprise customers to monitor moving company assets, Globe Business now supports new M2M capabilities. Asset management involves accessing data such as temperature, power and motion sensors, while security and surveillance includes CCTV and motion detection, among others. M2M services connect and enable various devices and equipment that we use as we go about our daily lives for relevant applications.
“As customers demand more and competition increases, enterprises continue to evolve so they can deliver more with less resource. They need to constantly improve operational efficiencies and provide better service to stay ahead in the market. Given this, Globe Business has also evolved to become a solutions partner offering relevant ICT services to enterprises. We have gone beyond providing core telco services to offer consulting, security, hosting and collaboration, IT infrastructure and managed services to enterprise customers,” Globe business head Gil Genio said.
As Globe Business ventured into cloud services, it launched the Hosted Contact Center (HCC) Solution, which offers a full range of contact center applications, and utilizes a high capacity platform and highly secure infrastructure, but without high capital expenditure on the part of enterprise customers. It is a pre-integrated, multi-channel contact center platform that takes communication from any type of media, whether phone, email, web chat or voice mail, and routes them anywhere, either to the headquarters or a branch.
With Globe HCC Solution, all an enterprise needs to prepare is the location where its agents will be housed, the desktops of its agents, supervisors and quality assurance officers, and the Local Area Network. Globe Business will provide the contact center applications, telecom network infrastructure, peripherals such as SIP telephone set and headset, and support services.
“We introduced Globe HCC as a hosted solution and we are also capable of offering Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) by providing customers with storage, backup and compute services through the cloud,” Genio added.
Globe Business Enterprise Segments head Jesus Romero said aside from HCC they also offer Managed Security and Managed IP-PBX (Internet Protocol Private Branch Exchange). Globe Business intends to launch new IaaS solutions that will help enterprises reduce costs as they no longer have to purchase and maintain equipment. With Iaas, they get access to the latest technologies without the high costs of adopting these solutions.
As equipment that support operations are outsourced to a virtual environment, enterprises get network access and solutions on-demand and pay only for what they use. Whether it is storage, back up, hardware, servers or network components, these resources can be provisioned fast and are highly scalable suited to the specific needs of enterprises.
Romero said that as they expand their portfolio by offering new ICT innovations and future business solutions to enterprises such as IaaS, Globe Business demonstrates its commitment to provide superior customer experience as the solutions enabler and partner of enterprise customers.
“Our goal is to keep enterprises abreast of the latest technologies and business solutions to help decision makers set future ICT directions for their organizations. This is why we hosted the first Enterprise Innovation Forum last year,” Romero said. “At the same time, we bring in new services such as M2M and cloud computing to make sure the enterprise market in the Philippines has the most advanced, relevant ICT solutions available to customers as their needs become more complex,” he added.
Telcos launch programs for jeepney drivers, SMEs
Two of the country’s biggest telecommunication companies launched separate programs recently to help jeepneys drivers augment their income and support budding entrepreneurs.
To start off, Smart Communications Inc. tied up with ACTO and OksPinoy, a homegrown mobile commerce applications provider, for rights to sell mobile phone loads directly from inside jeepneys.
Dubbed Pasada Load (“pasada” meaning driving a public vehicle for income), the newest offering from Smart is a P30 load scratch card that can be sold to mass commuters “on-the-go.”
“With the increasing fuel and toll prices, our earnings are no longer enough to meet our daily needs. We are very thankful for this opportunity to augment our income,” said Efren de Luna, president of the Association of Concerned Transport Operators (ACTO).
“As the country’s leading wireless services provider, our role is to provide various touch points for nation building. We are pleased that through this special micro entrepreneurship opportunity, we are able to promote the welfare of public utility drivers,” said Danilo Mojica, Smart Wireless consumer division head.
For its part, Globe Telecom introduced its latest machine to machine (M2M) and cloud computing services to entrepreneurs.
Cloud computing refers to centralization of administrative tasks while improving efficiency, reducing carbon footprint, improving service levels, reducing risks, costs, and work-loads.
“Globe Business has also evolved to become a solutions partner offering relevant ICT services to enterprises. We have gone beyond providing core telco services to offer consulting, security, hosting and collaboration, IT infrastructure and managed services to enterprise customers,” said Globe business head Gil Genio.
To start off, Smart Communications Inc. tied up with ACTO and OksPinoy, a homegrown mobile commerce applications provider, for rights to sell mobile phone loads directly from inside jeepneys.
Dubbed Pasada Load (“pasada” meaning driving a public vehicle for income), the newest offering from Smart is a P30 load scratch card that can be sold to mass commuters “on-the-go.”
“With the increasing fuel and toll prices, our earnings are no longer enough to meet our daily needs. We are very thankful for this opportunity to augment our income,” said Efren de Luna, president of the Association of Concerned Transport Operators (ACTO).
“As the country’s leading wireless services provider, our role is to provide various touch points for nation building. We are pleased that through this special micro entrepreneurship opportunity, we are able to promote the welfare of public utility drivers,” said Danilo Mojica, Smart Wireless consumer division head.
For its part, Globe Telecom introduced its latest machine to machine (M2M) and cloud computing services to entrepreneurs.
Cloud computing refers to centralization of administrative tasks while improving efficiency, reducing carbon footprint, improving service levels, reducing risks, costs, and work-loads.
“Globe Business has also evolved to become a solutions partner offering relevant ICT services to enterprises. We have gone beyond providing core telco services to offer consulting, security, hosting and collaboration, IT infrastructure and managed services to enterprise customers,” said Globe business head Gil Genio.
Globe Prepaid goes premium with the first-ever prepaid VIP service
In 2011, Globe is rolling out the red carpet for its Globe prepaid and TM customers, introducing the first-ever VIP membership club for prepaid users just like you, under My Rewards, My Globe, and TM Astig Rewards. If you've regularly loaded up your Globe or TM cellphone with an average of P5,000 every month for at least 6 months, you definitely deserve red-carpet treatment, and Globe will pull out all the stops to delight you with myriad rewards you won't get anywhere else.
While you probably already know that every reload on your Globe or TM phone nets you rewards points, you might not know that those very same points can get you some serious perks only available to a privileged few. Your reloads can also get you chic gadgets like Nokia phones or Canon digital cameras, not to mention enough miles to turn you into a bona fide frequent flyer, so you and your pals can fly to Boracay for a round of beachside margaritas or hie off to Thailand for a Chatuchak weekend spree.
On top of the points you're already earning, as a Prepaid VIP, you'll get a free Globe or TM service every month. With much-loved services like Unlitxt 20 or AstigTawag 20, you'll never be out of touch with your friends and loved ones. And if you lose your prepaid SIM, never fear because Globe will make sure you get a spare SIM with your very same mobile number, so that you're never out of reach.
You'll also get access to the best and most stylish deals from your favorite shops like Belkin, Bree, Crumpler, and Digital Hub; special treats when dining at places like Mr. Chelsea Market & Café, Anzani, Museum Café, and Mr. Jones; and freebies or discounts from establishments that run the gamut from Enchanted Kingdom to Instituto Cervantes.
To sweeten the deal, you'll receive a complementary SM Advantage Prestige Card, a coveted accoutrement that every savvy shopper must have. Ordinarily available only to high spenders who spend at least P 15,000 every month at SM, your pre-approved SM Advantage Prestige Card will get you a cushy shopping experience every time you visit SM Supermalls throughout the country. Valet shopping, priority fitting rooms, and priority lanes at SM Department Store, priority lanes at SM Supermarket and SM Hypermarket; and the Prestige Lounge and Concierge will welcome your every visit and request. Plus you can enjoy more special discounts and deals from over a hundred partner stores inside and outside SM Supermalls.
So if you've regularly been a super-loader for the past half year, get ready for the VIP treatment from Globe Prepaid and TM. The topnotch perks and service will definitely make you feel like royalty.
To find out more about your rewards points, text REWARDS to 4438.
While you probably already know that every reload on your Globe or TM phone nets you rewards points, you might not know that those very same points can get you some serious perks only available to a privileged few. Your reloads can also get you chic gadgets like Nokia phones or Canon digital cameras, not to mention enough miles to turn you into a bona fide frequent flyer, so you and your pals can fly to Boracay for a round of beachside margaritas or hie off to Thailand for a Chatuchak weekend spree.
On top of the points you're already earning, as a Prepaid VIP, you'll get a free Globe or TM service every month. With much-loved services like Unlitxt 20 or AstigTawag 20, you'll never be out of touch with your friends and loved ones. And if you lose your prepaid SIM, never fear because Globe will make sure you get a spare SIM with your very same mobile number, so that you're never out of reach.
You'll also get access to the best and most stylish deals from your favorite shops like Belkin, Bree, Crumpler, and Digital Hub; special treats when dining at places like Mr. Chelsea Market & Café, Anzani, Museum Café, and Mr. Jones; and freebies or discounts from establishments that run the gamut from Enchanted Kingdom to Instituto Cervantes.
To sweeten the deal, you'll receive a complementary SM Advantage Prestige Card, a coveted accoutrement that every savvy shopper must have. Ordinarily available only to high spenders who spend at least P 15,000 every month at SM, your pre-approved SM Advantage Prestige Card will get you a cushy shopping experience every time you visit SM Supermalls throughout the country. Valet shopping, priority fitting rooms, and priority lanes at SM Department Store, priority lanes at SM Supermarket and SM Hypermarket; and the Prestige Lounge and Concierge will welcome your every visit and request. Plus you can enjoy more special discounts and deals from over a hundred partner stores inside and outside SM Supermalls.
So if you've regularly been a super-loader for the past half year, get ready for the VIP treatment from Globe Prepaid and TM. The topnotch perks and service will definitely make you feel like royalty.
To find out more about your rewards points, text REWARDS to 4438.
TV5 to put up ?state-of-the-art? hub in Mandaluyong
Rapidly expanding broadcast firm TV5 has started the construction of its state-of-the art “Media Center” located at the corner of Reliance and Sheridan Streets in Mandaluyong City.
The facility, measuring 63,000 sq meters of office and studio space, is envisioned to become “an iconic structure symbolizing a new era of broadcast excellence and dynamism”.
TV5 currently operates and airs from various corporate offices and studios in Novaliches (Quezon City), Broadway (New Manila), Skydome (SM North EDSA), Marajo Tower (Bonifacio Global City, Taguig), and at the PLDT Locsin building (Makati).
Once the construction of the TV5 Media Center in Mandaluyong is completed, it will house some of the network’s corporate offices and production activities. The Novaliches and Broadway offices and studios will also be retained.
Present during the groundbreaking were TV5 chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, president and CEO Ray C. Espinosa, EVP and COO Roberto V. Barreiro and other TV5 top executives.
The Media Center once built will comprise of one nine-storey corporate building and two eight-storey structures of office spaces, TV production and post-production areas, radio booths, and other cutting-edge broadcast facilities.
It will house state-of-the-art broadcast studios, the Technical Operations Center (TOC), along with the latest digital technologies thus making TV5 facilities the most modern in the country.
The Media Center features a facade representing the network’s futuristic directions as well as a tribute to the achievements of ‘Broadcast Through the Ages.’ Thus, the early start of broadcast telephony is represented by some sentences of Morse Code in rhythmic bas relief marching across the front elevation of the Media Center.
It is subtly repeated in other areas of the facade both as a design unifier and a reminder of humanity’s journey from technologies of the past.
Adjacent to this is a stylized representation of radio waves which are abstracted from the science of their rigid frequencies and, in their newfound interacting chaos, appear to belong once again to the natural environment evoking thoughts of landscape, of the river. On the outer edge of the building, similar pulses are rotated through 90 degrees and reach towards the sky.
The facade centerpiece literally suggests the rise of the digital age with a giant LED screen soaring 10 storeys above street level.
The facility, measuring 63,000 sq meters of office and studio space, is envisioned to become “an iconic structure symbolizing a new era of broadcast excellence and dynamism”.
TV5 currently operates and airs from various corporate offices and studios in Novaliches (Quezon City), Broadway (New Manila), Skydome (SM North EDSA), Marajo Tower (Bonifacio Global City, Taguig), and at the PLDT Locsin building (Makati).
Once the construction of the TV5 Media Center in Mandaluyong is completed, it will house some of the network’s corporate offices and production activities. The Novaliches and Broadway offices and studios will also be retained.
Present during the groundbreaking were TV5 chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, president and CEO Ray C. Espinosa, EVP and COO Roberto V. Barreiro and other TV5 top executives.
The Media Center once built will comprise of one nine-storey corporate building and two eight-storey structures of office spaces, TV production and post-production areas, radio booths, and other cutting-edge broadcast facilities.
It will house state-of-the-art broadcast studios, the Technical Operations Center (TOC), along with the latest digital technologies thus making TV5 facilities the most modern in the country.
The Media Center features a facade representing the network’s futuristic directions as well as a tribute to the achievements of ‘Broadcast Through the Ages.’ Thus, the early start of broadcast telephony is represented by some sentences of Morse Code in rhythmic bas relief marching across the front elevation of the Media Center.
It is subtly repeated in other areas of the facade both as a design unifier and a reminder of humanity’s journey from technologies of the past.
Adjacent to this is a stylized representation of radio waves which are abstracted from the science of their rigid frequencies and, in their newfound interacting chaos, appear to belong once again to the natural environment evoking thoughts of landscape, of the river. On the outer edge of the building, similar pulses are rotated through 90 degrees and reach towards the sky.
The facade centerpiece literally suggests the rise of the digital age with a giant LED screen soaring 10 storeys above street level.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Bandwidth Caps out; Is Throttling next?
After the recent public hearing by the NTC, they’ve announced that provisions for bandwidth caps have been removed from memo. But that’s just the NTC and it’s still a draft so ISPs can still continue with their bandwidth capping provisions as stated in their service contracts and AUP.
If bandwidth capping will eventually be prohibited by NTC, service providers will most likely resort to other methods and the next best thing would be “bandwidth throttling”.
Bandwidth throttling is a technique employed in communications networks to manage network traffic and minimize congestion.
Internet service provider can use bandwidth throttling to reduce the impact of specific services or applications, such as the BitTorrent protocol, and could also potentially use it to provide preferential bandwidth access to higher priority users at peak times. {via Wikipedia}
Unlike bandwidth capping, bandwidth throttling still gives customers that “unlimited bandwidth” provision but makes hogging the network a little harder to do. It can also be selective — direct downloads, streaming and the likes would enjoy full speeds but torrents might suffer reduced speeds (Globe’s Service Contracts specifies only 20% of subscribed speed will be allocated to P2P applications).
If bandwidth capping will eventually be prohibited by NTC, service providers will most likely resort to other methods and the next best thing would be “bandwidth throttling”.
Bandwidth throttling is a technique employed in communications networks to manage network traffic and minimize congestion.
Internet service provider can use bandwidth throttling to reduce the impact of specific services or applications, such as the BitTorrent protocol, and could also potentially use it to provide preferential bandwidth access to higher priority users at peak times. {via Wikipedia}
Unlike bandwidth capping, bandwidth throttling still gives customers that “unlimited bandwidth” provision but makes hogging the network a little harder to do. It can also be selective — direct downloads, streaming and the likes would enjoy full speeds but torrents might suffer reduced speeds (Globe’s Service Contracts specifies only 20% of subscribed speed will be allocated to P2P applications).
Social Networks Eclipsing SMS
According to the survey conducted recently, Filipinos used social networks more during the holidays than SMS to great friends and love ones… so what would the scenario imply?
Nothing much actually for general consumers but for the Telecom networks, it would mean a lot or should mean a lot for those networks who have not realized the gravity of the situation yet, this serves or should served as a wake-up call for them to change strategy in service offering that instead of focusing to SMS or Call, they should now consider Mobile Internet as a major service area to developed.
Sun Cellular’s Digitel saw this coming that’s why they have offered the very first call and surf unlimited package to their postpaid line, the Call and Surf Unlimited Lite 799 and the Call and Surf Unlimited 999. Under the Call and Surf Unlimited Plan 799, subscribers could get an unlimited Call offer Sun to Sun, unlimited Mobile Browsing and a free 3G phone to used under a two year contract. Part of the FREE phones offered were the ZTE F188, Nokia E63 and the Nokia 6730. The Call and Surf Unlimited Plan 999 offers the same package but with a more expensive FREE phones offered like the Sony Ericsson X8 and the Samsung Galaxy 5 and an added unlimited SMS Sun to Sun.
I am expecting the rest of the competition to follow soon, because if they don't, it would be the end of their domination. They have unlimited surf offering at the moment but its not as focus, mass market friendly and as oriented as that of Sun Cellular. They only consider mobile surfing as an add-on service, well they should think twice from now on, whether they like it or not, mobile surfing is going mainstream and its going to take over SMS very soon.
I'm looking forward to what Globe Telecom would do having the best Call and SMS postpaid offering at the moment, will they offer the same package as that of Sun Cellular particularly on their Business Postpaid Plans like a 799 Unlimited Call and Surf dropping the Unlimited SMS perhaps, or a cheaper and better one? Its a good package in my honest opinion and Globe should offer it by all means. Smart Telecom? Nah, they don't really care, I don't expect them to offer better Postpaid deals and they had suffered because of this, Globe Telecom is currently the number one Postpaid service provider in the country amidst Smart dominance in the prepaid arena.
So there you go, I hope Telecom networks can read this and act ASAP, clock is ticking fast!
Nothing much actually for general consumers but for the Telecom networks, it would mean a lot or should mean a lot for those networks who have not realized the gravity of the situation yet, this serves or should served as a wake-up call for them to change strategy in service offering that instead of focusing to SMS or Call, they should now consider Mobile Internet as a major service area to developed.
Sun Cellular’s Digitel saw this coming that’s why they have offered the very first call and surf unlimited package to their postpaid line, the Call and Surf Unlimited Lite 799 and the Call and Surf Unlimited 999. Under the Call and Surf Unlimited Plan 799, subscribers could get an unlimited Call offer Sun to Sun, unlimited Mobile Browsing and a free 3G phone to used under a two year contract. Part of the FREE phones offered were the ZTE F188, Nokia E63 and the Nokia 6730. The Call and Surf Unlimited Plan 999 offers the same package but with a more expensive FREE phones offered like the Sony Ericsson X8 and the Samsung Galaxy 5 and an added unlimited SMS Sun to Sun.
I am expecting the rest of the competition to follow soon, because if they don't, it would be the end of their domination. They have unlimited surf offering at the moment but its not as focus, mass market friendly and as oriented as that of Sun Cellular. They only consider mobile surfing as an add-on service, well they should think twice from now on, whether they like it or not, mobile surfing is going mainstream and its going to take over SMS very soon.
I'm looking forward to what Globe Telecom would do having the best Call and SMS postpaid offering at the moment, will they offer the same package as that of Sun Cellular particularly on their Business Postpaid Plans like a 799 Unlimited Call and Surf dropping the Unlimited SMS perhaps, or a cheaper and better one? Its a good package in my honest opinion and Globe should offer it by all means. Smart Telecom? Nah, they don't really care, I don't expect them to offer better Postpaid deals and they had suffered because of this, Globe Telecom is currently the number one Postpaid service provider in the country amidst Smart dominance in the prepaid arena.
So there you go, I hope Telecom networks can read this and act ASAP, clock is ticking fast!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Globe to slash Unlisurf MSF to P999
Check out what we stumbled upon in Globe’s official twitter account today!
Globe’s unlimited mobile internet service currently costs P1,200/month for postpaid subscribers. Last December, they offered a P999 unlimited data plan for tablets. During that time, when we tried to ask Globe whether this rate will be applicable to current Supersurf subscribers; however, they told us that there’s no word regarding it yet (via email).
Turns out our hunches were correct as according to Globe’s twitter account, starting January 15, 2011, all auto-renewals for Supersurf will reflect a slashed down price of P999. If you’re a current subscriber, no need to worry because it will automatically be adjusted.
The Globe website still reflects a P1,200 MSF for the My Super Surf plan so we will have to confirm this with Globe just to be sure. We’ll keep you posted.
Globe’s unlimited mobile internet service currently costs P1,200/month for postpaid subscribers. Last December, they offered a P999 unlimited data plan for tablets. During that time, when we tried to ask Globe whether this rate will be applicable to current Supersurf subscribers; however, they told us that there’s no word regarding it yet (via email).
Turns out our hunches were correct as according to Globe’s twitter account, starting January 15, 2011, all auto-renewals for Supersurf will reflect a slashed down price of P999. If you’re a current subscriber, no need to worry because it will automatically be adjusted.
The Globe website still reflects a P1,200 MSF for the My Super Surf plan so we will have to confirm this with Globe just to be sure. We’ll keep you posted.
Globe offers weekend freebies for prepaid subscribers
If you’re a Globe prepaid user who loads on a weekly basis, then this latest promo from Globe will definitely excite you.
If you accumulate at least P199 worth of load during Monday to Friday, you’ll get 200 FREE texts to all networks plus 1 hour of FREE mobile surfing on your Globe handset. All you have to do is upon reaching the target amount (P199), simply text SUPERFREE to 8888 and enjoy the perks instantly. I’m actually surprised that they extended their free texts to cater to other networks. Definitely gets a thumbs up.
We’re going to ask Globe if there are postpaid counterparts to this promotion but so far, it’s only for prepaid subscribers.
We just confirmed that this promo is only available for prepaid. No word yet for postpaid.
Also, just to clarify the mechanics:
Subscribers need to wait until 12:00AM of Saturday before they can register. The P199 load accumulated during the week does not carry over whether or not you avail of the promo during the weekend. Each week starts with 0.
If you accumulate at least P199 worth of load during Monday to Friday, you’ll get 200 FREE texts to all networks plus 1 hour of FREE mobile surfing on your Globe handset. All you have to do is upon reaching the target amount (P199), simply text SUPERFREE to 8888 and enjoy the perks instantly. I’m actually surprised that they extended their free texts to cater to other networks. Definitely gets a thumbs up.
We’re going to ask Globe if there are postpaid counterparts to this promotion but so far, it’s only for prepaid subscribers.
We just confirmed that this promo is only available for prepaid. No word yet for postpaid.
Also, just to clarify the mechanics:
Subscribers need to wait until 12:00AM of Saturday before they can register. The P199 load accumulated during the week does not carry over whether or not you avail of the promo during the weekend. Each week starts with 0.
Smart unli 25 call and text
Smart unli 25 promo lets the smart subscribers to enjoy unlimited call and text all day for only 25 pesos, without any required time duration. Here is the procedure on how to avail the Smart unli 25 call and text promo all day.
Promo Requirements:
Smart prepaid (not sure if postpaid can avail)
Promo Mechanics:
To avail this promo, just text UNLI25 to 6406
Just dial *6406+Smart/TNT number (ex. *640609181234567) to make unlimited call and text all day. Valid for 1 day only.
Promo Requirements:
Smart prepaid (not sure if postpaid can avail)
Promo Mechanics:
To avail this promo, just text UNLI25 to 6406
Just dial *6406+Smart/TNT number (ex. *640609181234567) to make unlimited call and text all day. Valid for 1 day only.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Smart Buddy FLEXI 15
Smart launched Flexi 15, an offer which allows prepaid subscribers to enjoy the low rate of only P0.50 for every minute of calling to Smart/TNT/Red Mobile numbers, or for every text message sent to all networks -- allowing all Smart Buddy subscribers nationwide to get the most value out of their money, when keeping in touch with their loved ones.
According to Danilo Mojica, head of Smart’s Wireless Consumer Division: “We are pleased to continuously provide our valued subscribers with exciting and affordable offers, like Flexi 15. It gives them unmatched flexibility, because they can use the load any way they want, at the same low rate of P0.50 per minute or per text message sent.”
With Flexi 15, Smart subscribers have the liberty of sending messages to ALL networks for only P0.50 per message, and of calling Smart, Talk ‘N Text, or Red Mobile subscribers for only P0.50 per minute.
To enjoy the low rates offered by Flexi 15, Smart subscribers just need to have a minimum load of P15. They must also register by sending FLEXI15 to 6415.
To make a call using Flexi 15, Smart subscribers simply need to dial *6415 + the 11-digit Smart/Talk ‘N Text/Red Mobile number being called. They may also directly send text messages to any number within any local network, at the same great rate of only P0.50 per message.
Multiple availment of Flexi 15 is allowed, and every availment is valid for one day. A P1 balance must be maintained to continuously enjoy the service.
According to Danilo Mojica, head of Smart’s Wireless Consumer Division: “We are pleased to continuously provide our valued subscribers with exciting and affordable offers, like Flexi 15. It gives them unmatched flexibility, because they can use the load any way they want, at the same low rate of P0.50 per minute or per text message sent.”
With Flexi 15, Smart subscribers have the liberty of sending messages to ALL networks for only P0.50 per message, and of calling Smart, Talk ‘N Text, or Red Mobile subscribers for only P0.50 per minute.
To enjoy the low rates offered by Flexi 15, Smart subscribers just need to have a minimum load of P15. They must also register by sending FLEXI15 to 6415.
To make a call using Flexi 15, Smart subscribers simply need to dial *6415 + the 11-digit Smart/Talk ‘N Text/Red Mobile number being called. They may also directly send text messages to any number within any local network, at the same great rate of only P0.50 per message.
Multiple availment of Flexi 15 is allowed, and every availment is valid for one day. A P1 balance must be maintained to continuously enjoy the service.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
PLDT Telpad a game-changer for landline business
PLDT's new landline offer that bundles a souped-up DSL service with a seven-inch tablet computer is bringing the buzz back to the landline business.
Dubbed PLDT TelPad, the new offer was introduced last December 13 and has since attracted growing consumer interest, said PLDT Senior Vice President Eric R. Alberto.
“We've received numerous inquiries. Customers are making reservations for the service which will be implemented in January. People are talking about it in blogs and social networks. We have not had this much excitement in a landline service for many years,” Alberto said.
The PLDT TelPad unit includes a special handset that also serves as a charging dock for an application-rich tablet computer. Subscribers can use the handset or the portable tablet computer to make and receive phone calls and access over a hundred thousand online applications. This is on top of the unlimited broadband DSL service.
Through the TelPad, PLDT aims to win new DSL subscribers and get existing ones to upgrade their service.
“Homes with wired broadband access nationwide will be the first targets for the innovative service,” said PLDT Retail Business Group Head Danilo C. Ibarra.
“For our customers, TelPad will enhance their broadband experience through the convenience of using a handy device to access a growing portfolio of exciting applications. For PLDT, this new service will enhance our DSL revenues,” he added.
The PLDT TelPad service starts at Plan 1849 (P1,849) with 1-megabit-per-second (Mbps) broadband connection and landline service. The PLDT TelPad unit comes bundled with the plan. Existing PLDT myDSL customers only need to add as low as P500/month to upgrade to the TelPad plans.
Today, there are close to 3.5 million wired and wireless broadband connections, with PLDT and subsidiary Smart having a 61-percent market share. The telecommunications industry leader is looking to further increase that share after the product is released in January 2011.
“There are potentially around 10 million households who can afford this new service. We hope many of them will get PLDT TelPad when they realize how it can potentially transform their lifestyle,” Alberto said.
“The tablet is the attention-getter, but that's just the start. The tablet is the handy device through which our customers will be able to conveniently access exclusive PLDT content and services that will really make the landline a must-have service for the home or office,” Ibarra said.
The new content services that come with the TelPad include:
• PLDT@HOME, a consumer portal for viewing exclusive multimedia and accessing business content;
• PLDTFAIR.COM, a portal for businesses to link with the estimated 700,000 myDSL subscribers through a storefront which the former can regularly refresh with their latest promotions and product portfolio;
• askPLDT, which provides exclusive content that includes traffic updates, movie schedules, recipes, directory services, etc.; and
• myDSL Watchpad, which provides exclusive live video streaming of premium channels like CNN, Channel V, Animax, National Geographic, the History Channel and CNBC Asia.
Moreover, the PLDT TelPad unit has an HDMI port that can be used to connect to a television set, said PLDT vice president Patrick Tang.
“You can watch video clips and movies on the TelPad unit itself or you can enjoy the show by hooking up the unit to the TV. It’s so easy and it’s already HD quality,” said Tang.
Other services include a Karaoke game where other PLDT TelPad subscribers can compete and challenge each other for the highest scores. This game, to be initially offered for free, will be made available at very affordable daily rates. There are also a lot of other games to be made available. The TelPad tablet can also be used to listen to music, read e-mail and display photo slideshows.
Another potentially appealing service is the ePub, a widget that allows PLDT TelPad subscribers to access major dailies such as Philippine Daily Inquirer and Philippine Star in virtual look and feel. ePub will also offer a library of the most popular magazines in digitized form such as Mega, METRO, FHM and Lifestyle Asia, among others. Users can experience the enjoyment of virtually flipping pages of newspapers and magazines using the PLDT TelPad unit.
The PLDT TelPad tablet is powered by a 1Ghz Cortex A8 processor that enables the device to deliver snappy performance. It runs on Android’s latest operating system version 2.2, which offers genuine multi-tasking capabilities. Users of TelPad can download a wide range of applications from the Android Market, Google’s online store which offers over 125,000 applications like business apps, e-books and magazines and games.
Storage won’t be a problem as the unit’s 2GB internal capacity can be augmented by an SD card and USB slot for extended storage. The TelPad also carries a 2-megapixel front camera for still shots and videoconference calls.
Dubbed PLDT TelPad, the new offer was introduced last December 13 and has since attracted growing consumer interest, said PLDT Senior Vice President Eric R. Alberto.
“We've received numerous inquiries. Customers are making reservations for the service which will be implemented in January. People are talking about it in blogs and social networks. We have not had this much excitement in a landline service for many years,” Alberto said.
The PLDT TelPad unit includes a special handset that also serves as a charging dock for an application-rich tablet computer. Subscribers can use the handset or the portable tablet computer to make and receive phone calls and access over a hundred thousand online applications. This is on top of the unlimited broadband DSL service.
Through the TelPad, PLDT aims to win new DSL subscribers and get existing ones to upgrade their service.
“Homes with wired broadband access nationwide will be the first targets for the innovative service,” said PLDT Retail Business Group Head Danilo C. Ibarra.
“For our customers, TelPad will enhance their broadband experience through the convenience of using a handy device to access a growing portfolio of exciting applications. For PLDT, this new service will enhance our DSL revenues,” he added.
The PLDT TelPad service starts at Plan 1849 (P1,849) with 1-megabit-per-second (Mbps) broadband connection and landline service. The PLDT TelPad unit comes bundled with the plan. Existing PLDT myDSL customers only need to add as low as P500/month to upgrade to the TelPad plans.
Today, there are close to 3.5 million wired and wireless broadband connections, with PLDT and subsidiary Smart having a 61-percent market share. The telecommunications industry leader is looking to further increase that share after the product is released in January 2011.
“There are potentially around 10 million households who can afford this new service. We hope many of them will get PLDT TelPad when they realize how it can potentially transform their lifestyle,” Alberto said.
“The tablet is the attention-getter, but that's just the start. The tablet is the handy device through which our customers will be able to conveniently access exclusive PLDT content and services that will really make the landline a must-have service for the home or office,” Ibarra said.
The new content services that come with the TelPad include:
• PLDT@HOME, a consumer portal for viewing exclusive multimedia and accessing business content;
• PLDTFAIR.COM, a portal for businesses to link with the estimated 700,000 myDSL subscribers through a storefront which the former can regularly refresh with their latest promotions and product portfolio;
• askPLDT, which provides exclusive content that includes traffic updates, movie schedules, recipes, directory services, etc.; and
• myDSL Watchpad, which provides exclusive live video streaming of premium channels like CNN, Channel V, Animax, National Geographic, the History Channel and CNBC Asia.
Moreover, the PLDT TelPad unit has an HDMI port that can be used to connect to a television set, said PLDT vice president Patrick Tang.
“You can watch video clips and movies on the TelPad unit itself or you can enjoy the show by hooking up the unit to the TV. It’s so easy and it’s already HD quality,” said Tang.
Other services include a Karaoke game where other PLDT TelPad subscribers can compete and challenge each other for the highest scores. This game, to be initially offered for free, will be made available at very affordable daily rates. There are also a lot of other games to be made available. The TelPad tablet can also be used to listen to music, read e-mail and display photo slideshows.
Another potentially appealing service is the ePub, a widget that allows PLDT TelPad subscribers to access major dailies such as Philippine Daily Inquirer and Philippine Star in virtual look and feel. ePub will also offer a library of the most popular magazines in digitized form such as Mega, METRO, FHM and Lifestyle Asia, among others. Users can experience the enjoyment of virtually flipping pages of newspapers and magazines using the PLDT TelPad unit.
The PLDT TelPad tablet is powered by a 1Ghz Cortex A8 processor that enables the device to deliver snappy performance. It runs on Android’s latest operating system version 2.2, which offers genuine multi-tasking capabilities. Users of TelPad can download a wide range of applications from the Android Market, Google’s online store which offers over 125,000 applications like business apps, e-books and magazines and games.
Storage won’t be a problem as the unit’s 2GB internal capacity can be augmented by an SD card and USB slot for extended storage. The TelPad also carries a 2-megapixel front camera for still shots and videoconference calls.
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