Growth in mobile “bucket” services seen

Monday, June 29, 2009

More mobile subscribers are opting for unlimited text messaging and voice calls, according to local mobile service provider Smart Communications. Many prepaid subscribers are looking to stretch budget when using mobile services and are willing to pay for a fixed-cost for extended SMS or voice services, citing the success of its previous services, such as the AllText and Call Nyt Long services.


One of the SMART's newer bucket services, allow subscribers to make 24/7 unlimited voice calls for five days or 30 days for only P100 and P500, respectively. As such, the cost per day under this service would be P17 to P20 pesos.

(My comment: But in fine print they tell you that you must maintain 1 peso load balance at all times which means at least an expenditure of 150 pesos monthly additional to maintain a load? And that is only for calls to other SMART or Talk and Text subscribers it doesn't even allow you to call landlines as part of the deal but landline calls are charged expensive call rates)
(And Smart post paid subscribers can not use the 100 peso deal if they are 300 or 500 peso post paid subscriber for calls to SMART and TALK * TEXT. Globe post paid 300 month subscribers can avail of their landline deal for an extra 399 pesos per month. )

(For Globe, the cost of a Duo subscription is PHP 399 a month for landline calls and does not have a unlimited calling to Globe cell phones like Smart offers.)


( But SUN outshines them all with a 150 load card has 4 hours call to other Sun users and unlimited texting to Sun subscribers. )

Text Unlimited Unlimited Local Sun-to-Sun Texts with Free Sun-to-Sun calls
Enjoy Unlimited Texting with up to Four Hours of Free Voice with Sun Cellular's 24/7 Text Unlimited.

But an even more amazing deal from SUN includes a free Nokia 2680 or Nokia 2630 and unlimited calls and texts to other SUN users and 250 texts each month to other networks and a free 1 GB USA drive!

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/8665/sun350nokia2630.jpg


PLDT has the unlimited cell calling service to landlines as an add on to its existing landline PLDT subscriber customers additional fixed monthly charge of Php250.

PLDT call all requires a 24 month lock in period for both CALL ALL and the Landline. After the promo period in August, the subscriber will be charged P1.00 per minute for outgoing calls (its the catch and fine print). Prior to August 01, outgoing calls is unlimited. I guess Suntel and Globe Duo is better, unlimited.

Click here to read complete article click here 6/25/09 Philippine Inquirer

JG Summit allots P28B for capex this year.


JG Summit Holdings Inc. has set aside P28 billion for capital outlays this year, bulk of which will be channeled to its telecommunication and airline businesses. The breakdown of this year’s capex budget was estimated by Gokongwei as follows: Telecommunications (P12 billion)

Subsidiary Digital Telecommunications Philippines Inc., which operates the Sun Cellular network, has quietly increased market share to become a leading player especially in the post-paid subscriber market. Now if they will only open their internet services in CEBU!!! and their landline offerings in CEBU as well, their customers will explode. They need to relax their requirements on requirements to get a post paid line too as some are now only requiring an ID and deposit that reduces during holding period.
Click here to read complete article 6/26/09 Philippine Inquirer

New business: Globe, Smart battle over duo service


MORE than 17,000 subscribers have availed themselves of Globe Telecom’s converged mobile and fixed landline services, which allow unlimited calls between landlines and mobile phones and operate in the same area code just a month after the product was launched, a Globe official says.

Menchi Orlina, head of Globe Telecom’s Consumer Broadband Business Group, said Globe expected 2009 to be another exciting year for the telecom industry with the launch of Duo and its worldwide inter-operability for microwave access (wimax), and with the converged service now also available to pre-paid subscribers in Metro Manila and Cebu.

Globe is claiming the patent for Duo, but its rival Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. has introduced its version of the dual service, which involves a second SIM that may be inserted in mobile phones or other wireless handsets to make unlimited landline calls from anywhere in the country.
(my comment: but SUN should not be left out of the view since it has several amazing offers at least for Manila residents which I hope SUN starts in Cebu soon as well) see article above with photos of the SUN deals.) where for 799 pesos a month you get unlimited landline calling and unlimited texting and calling on cell calls SUN to SUN.
Introducing Sun Tel Wireless Landline Plan 499! Get a Free phone & unlimited local landline calls!

Click here to read complete article To read complete article click here 6/25/09 Philippine Inquirer
Click here to read complete article click here 6/15/09 Manila Standard

RP gets tag as largest WiMax Internet broadband zone in region

Sunday, June 28, 2009

AS of June 12, the Philippines became the largest WiMax broadband Internet zone in Southeast Asia. Globe Telecom and Intel lit up the large-area wireless broadband for Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao marking the official rollout of WiMax in the Philippines.
Just as Cavite once served as the staging ground for the Philippine revolution’s spread throughout the archipelago, the province was the proving ground for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), where computer processor manufacturer Intel Philippines and Globe jointly conducted trial deployments for WiMax. Now, broadband Internet connections over WiMax technology have put underserved areas in the country’s three major islands online.


Banaag noted that the demand for broadband access is so high worldwide that WiMax has been deployed in 139 countries to serve a market of 430 million people, a number that grows daily. The difference between Wi-Fi and WiMax is that the first one provides wireless broadband within a radius of 30 feet from the hot spot, while the latter signal transmits connectivity over kilometers and is capable of blanketing entire cities with a single signal. WiMax is also compatible with Wi-Fi and will compensate where signals are weak.

Enrile billed for ‘Careless’ download

Thursday, June 25, 2009


MANILA, Philippines—Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile claims he doesn’t know the song “Careless Whisper” by Wham! and is perplexed that he was billed for downloading the ring tone and three others into his cell phone for P180.

“I’ve never heard of it,” Enrile said of the song, to laughter at a Senate hearing Tuesday prompted by his complaint that he had lost last month P400 worth of “load” without even touching his phone.

Enrile and Sen. Joker Arroyo scolded NTC Deputy Commissioner Douglas Michael Mallillin for insisting that his agency only had “residual powers” in dealing with telcos and that the telecom industry had been deregulated.

The two senators said that the NTC had the power to set rates that were “reasonable and fair” otherwise it should be abolished.

Fire him!
“My goodness, sir, if you have been in the commission for a long time, I will kick you out if I were the president,” Enrile said. “The way you’re answering, we will recommend that you be fired,” he added.

Arroyo told Mallillin, who had been on the job for just two months, that “the moment you have a franchise, it makes an industry a regulated industry.”
Collusion suspected

Senators were surprised to find out from Mallillin that the NTC and the telecom industry had not disagreed on the rates.

“You mean at no time that NTC and telcos did not disagree? That smacks of ...” Arroyo trailed off.............

Asked by reporters later, Roxas said: “I strongly suspect some collusion and understanding because how else can you explain the lax regulation by NTC.”

RP gets tag as largest WiMax Internet broadband zone in region

http://www.zdnetasia.com/i/fd/large/wimax.jpg
AS of June 12, the Philippines became the largest WiMax broadband Internet zone in Southeast Asia. Globe Telecom and Intel lit up the large-area wireless broadband for Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao marking the official rollout of WiMax in the Philippines.

Banaag noted that the demand for broadband access is so high worldwide that WiMax has been deployed in 139 countries to serve a market of 430 million people, a number that grows daily. The difference between Wi-Fi and WiMax is that the first one provides wireless broadband within a radius of 30 feet from the hot spot, while the latter signal transmits connectivity over kilometers and is capable of blanketing entire cities with a single signal. WiMax is also compatible with Wi-Fi and will compensate where signals are weak.

To read complete article click here 6/26/09 Business Mirror

GSMA introduces Mobile Money Exchange


Global trade group the GSM Association announced the launch of its Mobile Money Exchange initiative, promising assistance for financial services firms looking to enter the mobile marketplace. According to the GSMA, the Mobile Money Exchange effort was introduced to engage with new stakeholders and sectors entering the mobile ecosystem, offering them a common voice and formal business forum for corporate collaboration, highlighted by an online knowledge portal complete with social business networking and community functionality.


In addition, the GSMA announced that payment and credit solutions giant Visa and Philippines communications provider Globe Telecom are the Mobile Money Exchange's first two founding partners.
To read complete article click here 6/24/09 Fierce Mobile Content

HTC Puts New Face on Latest Google Android Phone, Hero

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

http://images.pcworld.com/news/graphics/167260-htchero_2_180.jpgSmartphone developer High Tech Computer (HTC) introduced a completely revamped user interface (UI) on its latest smartphone running Google Android software, the HTC Hero, highlighting the importance companies see in making users love the software on their handset.

HTC's new UI software was designed so people can customize the handset to meet their own needs, from choosing a clock style to putting the most often used functions on the home screen, such as a Wi-Fi switch, weather gauge, or a widget for Twitter feeds or friends' Facebook status . The software also allows users to customize dozens of other screens for different aspects of life, including work, family and play, and keep them a few taps away on the touchscreen.

The dual-mode WCDMA/GSM smartphone has a 3.2-inch touchscreen with 320x480 pixel resolution, a 5-megapixel autofocus camera, an expandable MicroSD memory card slot, GPS, a digital compass and 3.5mm stereo headset jack.

The HTC Hero will be available across Europe in July and in Asia later in the summer. A North American version of the handset will be available later this year, the company said.
To read complete article click here 6/22/09 PC World

Telcos to get their comeuppance



If there is one Senate investigation that majority of the Filipinos support, it is that on what Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile had called “predatory” practices of telecommunications companies (telcos). For so long, the telcos have abused hapless subscribers, raking in billions in profits in the process. Now, these giants are set to met their comeuppance from determined senators. After years of picking on those not their size, they’ve finally met their match.

If there is no mention of the erring telcos in the leading dailies and television channels, blame it on the clout of the telcos in the advertising world. Truth may be stilled by not mentioning it in print and on the air—but only for a moment, not forever.

Why is a cell phone call from Manila to another cell phone in Mindanao considered a local call, but a cell phone call from Manila to a landline in Manila or vice versa considered a long distance call? Then, why should a call that got cut after a few seconds be billed as a one-minute call? Why are messages received late.
There are about 68 million cell phones in the country today, with about 66 million of them pre-paid. This big number of potential victims is enough reason for the Senate to rein in the bullies among the telcos and give them their comeuppance.

To read complete article click here 6/24/09 Manila Times

Sun vs Globe

Tingnan ang buong laki ng larawan
Speaking of cell phone companies, I didn’t realize that Sun is now on the verge of dislodging or have actually dislodged Globe in the postpaid category until I read an article quoting Globe’s new CEO last Monday.
Expressing exasperation about Globe’s market position, Ernest Cu, Globe’s new CEO told Inquirer “Globe’s always number two in everything. Think about where Globe is number one? Even our position in postpaid is now being threatened by Sun.” Cu pointed out incredulously that “they’re supposed to become now the number one postpaid brand and at times, even our main competitor calls us the number three brand, which I kind of resented, actually.”

How come Sun is not trumpeting this achievement? I have never known Mr. John Gokongwei to be the shy type. If this accomplishment is true, it is a strong marketing point to make. There are people who may be attracted to many of Sun’s innovative packages and pricing but are worried that the company itself may not be of the same caliber as Globe or Smart.

Globe, Seanet launches maritime SIM with lowest rates for Pinoy seafarers


Globe strengthens its role as the dependable ally of overseas Filipinos with the launch of the Globe-Seanet Maritime SIM offering the most affordable rates to the Filipino seafarer and his family. This was confirmed by Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu. “It is essential for the Filipino crew to be able to communicate easily while at sea.

For more information on Globe’s services for Filipinos worldwide, log-on to www.globekababayan.com.ph.
To read complete article click here 6/22/09 Manila Bulletin

Importance of being Ernest Cu

Tuesday, June 23, 2009


Ernest Cu is direct. When asked during an interview with the Inquirer about his plans for Globe Telecom Inc., the company's new president and CEO said what was widely acknowledged but rarely spoken by the firm's officials.
“Globe's always number two in everything. Think about where Globe is number one?” he asked.

“Even our position in postpaid is now being threatened by Sun,” Cu pointed out incredulously. “They're supposed to become now the number one postpaid brand and at times, even our main competitor calls us the number three brand, which I kind of resented, actually.”

When asked about his vision for the Ayala-controlled firm whose helm he took earlier this year from veteran Gerardo Ablaza, Cu was equally direct, defying the discreet, diplomatic style that has almost become a trademark of Ayala group executives.

“My goal is to make Globe a leader in one of the segments we want to play in,” he said. “I'm a realist in saying that, given the lead that the competition may have in telephony, it may be very difficult to say we're going to be number one again.”

According to Cu, he can make Globe the number one service provider for broadband services – despite the considerable lead of the PLDT group in this business segment – simply because the market is still in its infancy. At the sidelines of Globe's annual stockholders' meeting in Makati , Ernest Cu said his main target this year is to take Globe back to its dominant status in the mobile service industry after years of lagging behind its rival, Smart Communications Inc

Click this link to read complete article 6/22/09 Philippine Inquirer

When will Globe will Bring iPhone 3Gs in the Philippines?


Apple recently released the new version of their phone called iPhone 3GS which supports video recording and faster processor. Millions already shift from this phone but still it is not yet available in the country. I try searching online to see if the said phone is already available but sadly the only provider in the Philippines that sells legally this phone - the Globe Telecommunications, is still does not sell the newest version. I check it on their website and there's nothing information about when will they sell this new phone.
Click this link to read complete article 6/22/09 blog decision
Palm Pre vs. iPhone 3GS: How To Make the Right

WiMax battle looms in Philippines


Even as Globe made its formal announcement Thursday, main rival Smart Communications held a concurrent press event to disclose it has upgraded its network infrastructure with an HSPA (high-speed packet access) system to enhance its various mobile broadband offerings. At the same time, Smart also revealed it would roll out its own WiMax service, likely to be ready for launch in the fourth quarter of this year.

According to Globe, which is owned by the Zobel de Ayala family and Singapore carrier SingTel, its network is the "first and biggest 2.5 GHz WiMax (802.16e standard-based) broadband network in Southeast Asia".
Globe's WiMax service is available in three monthly postpaid packages: 795 pesos (US$16.5) for 512Kbps data speeds with Internet access only, 995 pesos (US$20.7) for 512Kbps plus landline, and 1,295 pesos (US$26.9) for 1Mbps plus landline.

Santos, however, said this pricing scheme, as well as the cost of its WiMax services, may change in the next few months as the platform becomes more pervasive. The company may also offer a prepaid model, she said. My comment: Prepaid is where the customers are as SMART has already proved! Most (95%) here do not go month to month, but instead buy prepaid cards or loads.

Smart, however, said it prioritized upgrading efforts on its GSM infrastructure because "that's where the critical mass is [right now]". Installed by Ericsson, its HSPA network would also allow Smart to provide faster Internet connection of up to 5.8Mbps per user, the mobile operator said.

Industry observers say the NTC has been slow, if not reluctant, in setting the policy and regulatory framework for WiMax. A telecom executive, who declined to be named, said WiMax could have been deployed earlier if not for the agency's lethargic actions.

Read the complete article by clicking here 6/17/09 ZNET Asia

Globe offers innovative solutions to enable Filipinos to discover more, and be more

Globe has been expanding its wireless broadband network to accommodate the increasing demand for the Internet. This year, Globe introduced Globe Broadband Tattoo and Globe Broadband Powered by WiMAX (Worldwide interoperability for Microwave Access). In June, the company is launching hyper-speed plans via cutting-edge fiber-to-the-home technology. Other exciting offerings include Hyper-Speed Globe Broadband, Affordable Globe Broadband + PC bundle.

Globe's less than exciting WIMAX service

Globe Telecom and Intel have rolled out the first commercial WIMAX service in the Philippines. This is something we have been waiting for, for more than two years. But the application of the WIMAX service is dissapointing.

Unfortuantely, Globe's WIMAX is intended to be used at a fixed point, like Smart Bro... Basically, wireless but not mobile. This still leaves Globe's HSDPA Visibility/Tatoo as the mobile solution.

comments
David Chiang said... 512kbps is so slowly. WiMAX is so fast in other country.
click this link to read original post 6/23/09 Mobilityph blog

My comment from Philippine Communication News is that this service seems to be geared to complete against SMART Bro rather than use on cell phones and many high end cell phones have wimax and wifi and this would be a valuable unserved market in contrast to the 3G widgets. Globe should look for the wimax customers who want it on their cell month on a unlimited monthly plan too.

Globe Broadband: Not Worth the Stress Switch or not to switch?


So, what’s the story? Everything is okay until your service goes down. It will take a couple of days and even weeks to get you connected again. If you’re using it for your business, then you’re in deep trouble. If that isn’t enough to stress you out, their level of support isn’t even near what you expect, at a minimum.

Lock-in period? That’s another story to tell by yours truly. (why not offer a one month trial if their service is so great?)

ktd says: Globelines service has not improved one bit, still daily outages and daily disconnects reconnect only to disconnect again, those disconnects pretty much happen every day at around 6pm here in bacolod sometimes lasting hours and hours disconnecting every 30 seconds. Not unusual to have the broadband service work about half the time in a 24 hour period. Stability has been missing for the entire 10 months i have had this service, Calls to the tech support only gets apologies but even if your service starts working again soon after it will break again the next day. Globelines seems to rely on telling their customers that they are doing system restorations but even if true never fixes the problems. There is no way that my 3mb data only dsl will work without disconnects for even 1 day, thats pretty sad when a internet provider can’t deliver 1 day of continuous connection they are paid to provide. Most days have several hours of disconnects and outages the only difference is when and for how long.
Click this link to read complete article blogger

My comments Philippine Communication News writer:
30 day trial offer is common if the company feels confident about its product! And only a ID and first month payment should be extended to all their services to avoid long delays in adding customers.

My own experience is that Globe broadband still have regular interruptions which I never find in SMART Bro internet. And it is really annoying that Globe broadband cuts off its signal about every hour and resets ur connection making even Yahoo messenger to resign in. It is very annoying. Why can't they have a stable signal without resetting the connection? And with their increased bandwidth, they should raise the bar on the signal as my signal is usually about 750 kbps when the cap is 1 mbps advertised. My SMART Bro stays around the maximum all the time. I wonder why Globe broadband can't go to the maximum at least sometimes?

And Business customers are offered Business Plan Choose from any of these plans and enjoy a free trial for 30 days:4-Port WiFi Modem, Free, 1 dynamic (with free upgrade to 2 static IP), Free Gadget Tattoo Prepaid or printer, with 1295 plan, Installation Fee across all plans is waived.
Why not make it standard that all broadband customers can request a static ip address, wifi modem, free 30 day trial and upgrade to 1.5 mbps offered to Business customers? They pay the same prices and the general public should be entitled to the same to make more satisfaction.
See globe broadband business plan here(click)

Globe should have customer satisfaction forms in globe business centers that customers can fill out or email in and online too so senior management can read the reviews on how they are doing and what the customers are saying. Even MVP at PLDT has often responded in email on my concerns in the past making for an excellent feedback mechanism.
And Globe should show how it can use broadband itself by sending statement of bills each month by email to its customers who then can access the bills online and not just the current month (have the last 6 months onlilne) and insisting the customer already know the amount before able to access ! Such a problem that can be so easily solved and make the service useful then. Meralco uses this email service and it is a good reminder and reflects the internet age and saves money in hand delivered bills too.

Other blog comments about Globe broadband

agent_hacker Says: May 28th, 2009 at 4:21 pm guys the worsiest ISP here and all over the world is GLOBE BROADBAND. try to log at http://www.speedtest.net and see your connection.. this is the poorest download and NO UPLOAD ISP IN THE WORLD. i have tested a lot of ISP but the SUCKING GLOBE BROADBAND (wireless and dsl) is the poorest of all time.. and it is a lot of complaints than the other leading ISPs..i have read a lot of blogs and i prove that the GLOBE is the poorest.

GLOBE IS GOOD ONLY FOR CALL AND TEXT but not on BROADBAND INTERNET.
“SA GLOBE, DISCONNECTED KA SA MUNDO”

Billy Reply: June 1st, 2009 at 4:53 pm agree…. as i view the ISP ranking based on connection speed. They belong to the lower ranks…GLOBE IS SUCH A LAME…

Niel Reply:June 11th, 2009 at 2:52 am It is because the total bandwidth shared by the users of globe in any data only services they offer is not enough to the number of coustomers they have. Meaning, “Globe broadband services” total bandwidth is poor compared to most ISP in the world.

Globe has done a major website overhaul. The site shed it's old school Internet look and now has that flashy colorful young feel. Looks more like a cool gadget magazine in my opinion. The only thing is the fonts, icons and the inconsistencies of lines (much like that of my stores and prices comparison hehehe). Globe should implement the font they used with their logo on all the site's fonts similar to what Smart Buddy did. Globe's icons aren't standard in terms of resolution and design. They just all look different (refer to Manage Globe Services icons and Barkada News icon). Sorry for the small image but you may check Globe's website at www.globe.com.ph or just follow the link.

Content providers face heavy penalties

Monday, June 22, 2009

Content providers found to be the cause of vanishing cell phone loads or credits would be heavily penalized by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), an official of the regulator said over the weekend

In 2008, NTC penalized Globe Telecom Inc. and its content providers Information Gateway Inc. and Paysetter International Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. and its content provider Entrainment Gateway Group for violation of rules on spams.
To read more click here 6/19/09 Manila Times

The Solution – the vanishing and expiring mobile credits

There are only two possible reasons why its happening – wrong billing and unauthorize deduction of mobile credits. Wrong billing and delayed billing are problems of telecommunication companies. They should upgrade their billing system and make it real time. Real time meaning as soon as the credits are used, it should be deducted right away to avoid misunderstanding of charges.


Unauthorize deduction happens when a content provider sends a ringtone or any other services to a subscriber and the subscriber was charged without his/her knowledge. Or an opt-in message was sent and the subscriber accidentally accepted the opt-in.

The solution is simple – prohibit the sending of opt-in messages or messages that invites users to avail of services. Content providers and the telecommunication companies are making a big profit out of this extra services, so why not pay for advertisement? Promote your services via print, television, radio and other media available outside of text messaging. If we probihit the sending of opt-in and ad messages, then we solve the accidental acceptance of the subscriber and no unauthorize charging will happen.

Let us now go to the expiration of mobile credits. According to a comment I got from my CNET Asia blog, Thailand do it this way, which I think can be adopted here in the Philippines. If lets say I bought a P100 pesos load and after the expiration date, I was only able to use only P60 pesos, so that means I still have P40 pesos left. If I didn’t load up, then I won’t be able to use the P40 pesos unused credit. But if in case I bought a new load regardless of the amount (or even a minimum amount of credits), my previous unused P40 pesos should be added to my new load. A win-win solution don’t you think?

I always maintain that mobile credits should not have an expiration date. I bought it already so its mine and nobody should tell me how I should use it and how fast should I use it. But since telecommunication companies are so business-oriented, at least give the consumer a chance to use their unused mobile credits.
Let me tell you a short story, a regular employee came up to me and told me that he just bought 30 pesos load. He was able to send 5 messages from the time he bought it. The next day, much to the surprise of the employee, his entire P 30 pesos load was gone. How do we explain it to this employee that because of a crazy expiration rule or crazy delayed billing system, his hard earned P30 pesos was taken away? You tell me!

To read more click here 6.21/09 blog

Smart gets exclusive; Globe gets first dibs

Smart Communications snagged the exclusive deal with HTC to offer the phone in the Philippines. This deal has a locked-in period of 2 years. Smart Communications will start shipping units of the Android-powered HTC Magic to the local market by the end of the month (end of June 2009 or July 1, 2009).

htc magic

Since that date is “yet to come”, Globe Telecom was able to start selling the HTC Magic since Friday of last week (June 12, 2009). That means, between June 12 to 30, 2009, Globe can still offer the phone to its subscribers (assuming the official exclusive contract between Smart and HTC starts on July 1).

After that short period, Smart will have exclusive rights to offer the HTC Magic in the Philippines.
Hope this clears up the confusion between the two telcos.

Investors Bet on Payments via Cellphone

Investors are trying to turn phones into virtual credit cards, enabling click-and-buy commerce.
To read more click here 6/22/09 NYTimes

iPhone 3G S Word-wide Launch Dates July 9, 2009 for the Philippines

iPhone 3GS


With exciting new features like faster speed, improved 3D graphics, data speeds upto 7.2 MBps, 3 MP autofocus camera, 30fps video recording, in-phone video editing, voice control, built-in digital compass, new battery, cut-copy-paste support, search, internet tethering, voice memos and Nike+ support the brand new avatar of Apple iPhone is priced at $199 for 16GB and $299 for 32GB model with contract, the current iPhone 3G 8GB variant will remain on shelves for $99.

Telecom solutions company bullish with expansion plans

Tingnan ang buong laki ng larawan

CEBU, Philippines - Despite a volatile economy teeming with cautious optimism of most companies hounded by a global catastrophe, telecommunications and solutions company Eastern Communications remains bullish with their operations this year banking on its massive investments nationwide.

Quoting outcomes of different researches, Domingo said that internet, bandwidth and data requirements of businesses have been reportedly growing 75 percent annually and the use of the internet, wifi and other information and communication technology tools have become a wide trend.

Today, the company has evolved into a full service provider of telecommunication services from data and internet leased circuits, full service telephony and managed Telco services providing an array of connectivity solutions to met growing demands of clients

Read the complete article by clicking here 6/22/09 Philippine Star

RP mobile penetration rate seen to reach 147%

Mobile phone penetration rate in the Philippines will hit 147 percent over the next five years, according to a report by research firm Business Monitor International.

The research company said in its Philippines Telecommunication Report there were 68.056 million mobile phone subscribers as of December 2008, translating into a penetration rate of 75.9 percent in the Philippines
Read the complete article by clicking here Manila Standard 6/20/09

Smart offers Piltel buyout

SMART Communications Inc. has offered to buy out minority shareholders of Pilipino Telephone Corp. (Piltel) for cash at a premium over the latter’s market price.
To read more click here 6/19/09 Manila Times

Online gaming firm asks NTC to lift restraining order

AN online gaming company wants the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to lift the cease and desist order against its offering of value added service (VAS) without permit.
In a filing with the regulator, Jewoo Yeom, MyGame.Ph Inc. vice president, said the company is 100-percent foreign-owned corporation, therefore, “it is not eligible at the very outset to secure VAS registration from NTC because it requires that a VAS provider should at least be 60-percent Filipino-owned.”
Because of this, the company was and continues to be ineligible to register as a VAS provider, Yeom said.
Read the complete article by clicking here 6/23/09 Manila Times

Load’ issue unites lawmakers, officials

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Many people have said the Philippines was a divided country, but the mobile phone issue about loads, or credits, have united several lawmakers and other officials.
The government should rein in the profits of telecommunications companies (telcos) and make sure that they would use their earnings into improving their infrastructure and service, Sen. Francis Escudero said Thursday.

“Yesterday, there was a Metro-wide glitch involving Globe. This should not happen because it is making a lot of money,” he added.
“The people are the ones providing the telcos with their huge profits,” he added. “The telcos should recompense this with the proper service. I think the government should step in to protect the people.”

Upload and share photos online straight from your mobile phone with Globe PIXLINK

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Globe PIXLINK enables you to post photos online using their mobile phones. Even when you’re on the go, you can post photos and access your pages using their Globe handyphones.

Globe PIXLINK allows subscribers to backup, share and publish media content from their mobile phones to the Web, all with a single click. Just snap a photo or capture a video, and PixLink will handle the rest.

Its online interface is accessible through a website which offers the same features as the mobile client but also includes public media viewing, account management capabilities, and widget publishing.

For more information about Globe PIXLINK, please visit http://pixlink.globe.com.ph/ .

For complete article click this link 6/18/09 Business World

Asia-America submarine cable network up by August, says PLDT

THE Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) said on Wednesday the 20,000-kilometer (km) Asia America Gateway (AAG) submarine cable network is scheduled to be operational in August this year. to serve the rising demand for broadband bandwidth.
The construction of AAG will enable the Philippines to become a hub for regional and transPacific connectivity and, at the same time, meet the expected growth in the country’s international bandwidth requirements to support broadband applications such as Internet protocol-based data, video and other multimedia services.
For complete article click this link 6/17/09 Manila Times

Turning the Masses Onto Mobile Broadband

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

BERLIN — After two years of rapid growth, mobile broadband, the wireless industry’s most successful innovation of the past decade, is at a crossroads as operators struggle to maintain fast, omnipresent service in the face of exploding Internet traffic.

Since mid-2007, when the first services came on the market, about 16 million people worldwide have signed up for mobile broadband, according to Screen Digest, an industry researcher. In 2008, the number of subscribers almost double.

To expand the geographic availability of its mobile broadband service, 3, a wireless operator owned by Hutchison Whampoa, which is based in Hong Kong, has started sharing base stations in Britain, Sweden and Australia with T-Mobile, Telenor and Telstra, respectively
For complete article click this link 3/16/09 NY Times

Telecomm giants work with USAID to prepare Mindanao workforce

Microsoft, Intel, IBM, Globe Telecom, Smart, and We Are IT, Phil. recently signed memoranda of understanding at the Dusit Hotel, Davao in which they agreed to expand collaborative efforts to provide IT training for teachers, discounted software, free internet connections and other services to schools under GEM’s Computer Literacy and Internet Connection (CLIC) project, and its Education Awareness Support Effort (EASE).

The GEM Program said this collaboration has helped to provide about 4,750 internet-connected computers to 800 schools in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao, as well as training for more than 3,900 teachers in IT, benefiting about 600,000 students.

Globe and Smart have pledged to provide selected CLIC schools with free internet service for a year, along with teacher training to ensure that these internet connections are maximized, particularly for classroom work.

For complete article click this link 5/21/09 Balita

Telecom firms’ dispute over Fort Boni to be settled soon

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) which ordered PLDT and Globe to strictly comply with the provisions of memorandum circular 05-05-02 and to cease and desist from performing further acts that will prevent Innove Communications Inc., a unit of Globe Telecom, from implementing and providing telecommunications service in the Fort Bonifacio Global City.  Globe intends to transfer the company’s headquarters from Mandaluyong City to Taguig.

The NTC’s October 2008 decision stemmed from a complaint filed by Innove, which claimed it was being prevented by PLDT, BCC and FBDC from making further infrastructure installations and service provisioning in the BGC.

According to a PLDT and Bonifacio Communications Corp. (BCC) official, the two phone companies are engaged in an ongoing discussion for a possible settlement.

Innove said it has no remedy available except to seek recourse from the NTC to enforce its 2002 circular declaring the BGC an information-technology hub, which makes it a “free zone.” This means that any carrier can operate within the BGC.

Telcos take positions in broadband war

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Napoleon Nazareno, PLDT president said the growth in broadband is made
possible by the increasing availability and affordability of
Internet-enabled devices, the skyrocketing popularity of social network
sites, as well as Internet access becoming an indispensable every day
communication tool.

Orlando Vea, chief wireless advisor of PLDT unit Smart Communications Inc.
said his company will roll out Wimax (Worldwide Interoperability for
Microwave Access) in the third quarter of the year.

On the same day, rival Globe officially announced its partnership with Intel
Philippines for the rollout of the telco's WiMAX service. Menchi Orlina,
Globe's head for consumer marketing group, said the company's deployment of
WiMAX aims to generate 20 million Internet users by 2012.
Click here to read complete article at 6/15/09 Manila Times

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Enrile fumes over lost phone load 5/28/09 Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines – An irate Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile yesterday said he would summon officials of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to explain why subscribers like him were losing cell phone load even without using it. “There’s an expiration? Eh bakit nila tinatanggal? Di ko naman ginagamit. (Why did they take it? I didn’t even use it.) What is their right to confiscate my money without even so much as saying I beg your pardon. Aba’y ‘di pwede ‘yun (That can’t be),” Enrile told reporters.
The 85-year-old Senate chief said he had P387 load on the morning of May 25, but lost it in the evening without ever using it. “Then yesterday, I loaded P600. I did not use my telephone. In the afternoon it’s already P519. This morning it went down to P445. Inuubos, aba’y ang galing naman na serbisyo publiko ito (It was lost. This is some public service),” he said. Enrile said the NTC must explain why it was not able to monitor and protect the public from this practice, adding that subscribers should also not be charged for promotional messages.

He said he pities ordinary people who may only afford to load P30, only to lose it after three days even if they are not using it. He said the NTC must be alert to protect the public from these kinds of irregular practices and must explain whether it approved such charges.

Globe Broadband 30 day trial free for SMEs blog 5/23/09

Globe is offering a free 30-day trial of its wired broadband packages with no commitment, no hassle, and no charges.

From May 15-July 31, small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) availing of any of Globe’s broadband and landline plans will automatically be given a one-month free trial of the service. SMEs availing of the promo will also get additional savings as the installation fee will also be waived upon sign-up.

My comment: All of the communication companies should offer this one month trial like Sky cable and now Globe is offering abiet only to certain customers. Most firms in the States do this trial offer. If their products are so good, they should have confidence to let the customer try it before committing to a year or more contract which is very unfair when so many compliants exist on the internet about some of their services! And Globe offers business customers an upgrade to 1.5 mbps for an added 300 pesos and a fixed IP address. Why not open these deals to all customers and make many new paying customers?

Globe Telecom, Logia Group Launch Mobile Portal tmcnet 5/16/09

WiMax: Waiting to explode in Philippines? blog 5/16/09

Last weekend, I had the chance to take part in an offsite press event organized by Smart Communications, the topdog in the mobile telecom space here in the Philippines. I was surprised to hear that they, too, have plans to roll out WiMax, as its rival Globe Telecom had done recently.
Globe unit to offer wireless cable TV Manila Times 5/14/09

A BROADCASTING company recently acquired by Globe Telecom Inc.’s retirement fund said it will spend billions of pesos over three years to roll out wireless cable TV and Internet broadband.
Globe Duo - is it really two or is it just one? blog 5/11/09

A call from a Globe Duo to a PLDT Landline Plus is not a toll-free call. Globe Duo subscribers are charged P7.50 per minute for calls other than those made in NCR and Cebu. Too many confusing rules and penalties that don't make sense.
GLOBE TELECOM ANNOUNCES CORE NET INCOME OF P3.7 BILLION IN Q1 2009 blog 5/11/09

Globe Telecom registered consolidated service revenues of P16.0 billion in the first quarter of 2009, 3% higher than last year given the steady performance of the Company’s wireless business and the sustained expansion of its broadband and wireline data business. Revenues from the wireless business increased by about P120 million or 1% year on year to reach P14.0 billion, while the wireline and broadband business grew 17% or about P300 million to close the period with record high quarterly revenues of P2.1 billion
Globe Telecom to strengthen landline, broadband businesses Business World 5/7/09

This as he said Globe Telecom’s net revenue per user in the prepaid segment dipped by 5% with the continued softness in subscriber activity levels. My comment all of their recent promotions are for post paid so its not suprising the prepaid seems to be dropping!! For example the Duo promotion is only for post paid cell phone subscribers! Such a strange marketing when their landline subscribers would like this promotion like PLDT already offers their landline subscribers the PLDT plus wireless and PLDT also offers the PLDT plus wireless to pre paid customers too. And yet Mr. Cu, Globe president said company saw a promising market in consumers who relies largely on their landline phones in the conduct of their business or for personal communications. Seems just talk for now while PLDT continues to lead. Even Sun already offers a pre paid Sun wireless landline.

Globe seeks additional P3 billion for capex Philippine Star

Of Globe’s $350- to $400-million capex for 2009, about $150 million has been earmarked to expand the coverage and capacity of its broadband network for the residential and consumer markets while another $130 million will be spent to grow and sustain the mobile business, including amounts needed to ensure the continued robustness of the network. This year’s capex also includes $25 million for Globe’s corporate and enterprise data business, as well as $25 million for additional investments in international cable facilities.

AMID modest growth in the first quarter this year, Philippine telecom companies are scaling down their expansion plans, with the country’s leading industry player shelving a venture in Japan and India and the second-ranked operator trimming capital expenditures for the near term.

THE Philippines’ telecom sector registered modest growth in the first quarter this year despite the tough economic environment, but the country’s leading player saw its profit fall as foreign exchange losses pulled down its performance.

Globe launches dual phone service to beat competition Manila Standard 5/8/09

Globe sets sights on rivals’ wireless landline subscribers Manila Times 5/8/09
Globe’s phone service to revolutionize telecom Manila Standard 5/9/09

The local telecom industry is seen to enter a new pace of competition, after Globe Telecom patented an innovation that puts together mobile and landline voice services. (seems a press release as I dont see how it varies from PLDTs existing Landline Plus and is disengenius writing?) The only different feature I can see is that is post paid which limits who can use as PLDT landline plus is prepaid and you can use PLDT sim in any openline cell phone but Globe does allow unlimited calling out to within area code (with exceptions) while with PLDT it is limited to a certain number of minutes out calls while unlimited incoming.

Comment: All phones offer unlimited and landline calling they seem to be confusing the public instead of saying what is free included in plans. There are so many exceptions and the ad doesn't even say that its only for postpaid subscribers. Globe seems to be missing the boat completely as their ad even doesnt state clearly that it is for ONLY for postpaid subscribers and the pre paid is where many subscribers wish to be in these tough economic conditions. That is why SMART continues to surpass Globe in so many new products and number of customers. Wonder when they will open their eyes to the pre paid crowd and mass pricing and not just the elite?

Saturday, June 6, 2009

NTC okays Globe Telecom's mobile internet plans abs-cbn NEWS.com | 04/24/2009


The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on Friday approved Globe Telecom Inc.'s mobile internet plans, allowing the country's second-largest phone firm to offer mobile internet service to its postpaid subscribers permanently.
Under Globe's mobile surfing plans, the company offered monthly subscriptions starting from P149, which provides 10 hours of mobile internet service, P399 (30 hours), and P799 (60 hours)

Globe pays P38.5B in cash dividends Busniess Mirror 4/24/09

GLOBE Telecom Inc. distributed a total of P38.481 billion in cash dividends to holders of common shares from 2006 to 2008.