PLDT Inc’s (PLDT) wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc (Smart) is expanding its digital engagement channels to make mobile connectivity more accessible to its subscribers and grow mobile data usage on its network.
“We are collaborating with Google Cloud, as well as offering Utang na Load on Meta (Load Loans) to allow more Filipinos to access the Internet,” said Lloyd R. Manaloto, FVP and Head of Prepaid and Content at Smart.
Recently, Smart announced a collaboration with Google Cloud, becoming one of the first mobile operators in the world to deploy Telecom Subscriber Insights, Google Cloud’s AI-powered solution that will enable Smart’s subscribers to access and engage with relevant offers as needed.
“When deployed strategically by CSPs, AI can significantly improve inclusion and equity of digital access, by tapping on data that these providers already manage and store as part of their core operations,” said Malis Selamat, Country Manager, Philippines and Vietnam, Google Cloud. “Smart’s deployment of Telecom Subscriber Insights reinforces the potential for CSPs in Asia to support national digital transformation efforts with the use of AI in a secure-by-design and privacy-controlled environment, while empowering subscribers to make more informed decisions about their data usage in a growing and fast-evolving digital world.”
Meanwhile, Utang na Load on Meta offers a loan service allowing subscribers of Smart’s mobile services brand TNT to borrow airtime and load packages via Facebook.
“We continue to work on improving the quality of customer experience, making sure that our offers are relevant and value-packed, while banking on the quality of our strong network,” said Alex O. Caeg, Head of Consumer Business-Individual at Smart, adding that Smart has restarted its LTE network rollout, enabling Smart to deliver leveled-up services across the country.
Smart’s mobile network, which covers 97% of the population, is supported by PLDT’s fiber infrastructure, which was at over 1.1 million kilometers as of end-September 2023.
These developments are seen to boost Smart’s initiatives to push further mobile data usage on its network. Accounting for 86% of total Individual Wireless revenues in the first nine months of 2023, Smart’s mobile data revenues grew by 5%, driven by a 15% year-on-year increase in mobile data traffic.
Smart’s initiatives to offer relevant mobile data services to Filipinos are aligned with the PLDT Group’s endeavors to provide connectivity to all, and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) particularly on SDG No. 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. These also reinforce PLDT Group’s support for the Government’s overall digitalization thrust.
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