To keep setting the pace for mobile data growth
Mobile leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) continues to set the pace for mobile data growth as it launches a new data package called TNT Babad Apps for its value prepaid brand TNT.
This new package enables TNT subscribers to easily access popular mobile applications such as Facebook, Messenger, Twitter, Viber, WeChat, Instagram, Snapchat, Wattpad, Youtube, Clash of Clans and Clash Royale and use these for three days for only P10.
Traditionally the value brand of Smart for voice and SMS, TNT is now increasingly addressing a young market segment with a growing appetite for more and more digital services.
Combined with other recently introduced affordable data packages, TNT Babad Apps is expected to further boost the fast rising data usage of Smart’s subscriber base which set the pace for the industry in the first half of 2016.
“Providing our subscribers with affordable, relevant data services that are tailor-suited to their needs is our No. 1 priority. This new TNT offer fits perfectly with our existing portfolio of mobile data packages. This includes GigaSurf for the really heavy data users and All Out Surf 30 for those who use data along with SMS and calls,” said Ariel P. Fermin, executive vice president, and head of consumer business for both PLDT and Smart.
Smart’s mobile data revenues grew by 55 percent to P8.1 billion in January to June this year, up from P5.2 billion in the same period last year, following its efforts to encourage smartphone use, roll out compelling data packages and offer exciting digital content for subscribers.
Mobile data now accounts for 27 percent of Smart’s total wireless data and broadband revenues for the period, up from 20 percent a year ago.
“To better satisfy our subscribers, we recognize that the market is heterogeneous, and hence will require diverse product solutions for every type of mobile data user,” Fermin said.
Mobile data network of choice of Filipinos
“This robust growth in our mobile data business is a result of improved monetization of our data services, and is driven by the rapid digital shift among our subscribers who are now enjoying the Smart Life – that is, accessing our widest range of mobile content and data services,” he added.
“Building on the momentum of our strong mobile data performance and our recent rebrand, we have unboxed our innovative suite of offers that aim to change the way Filipinos connect and optimize their digital life. We expect all these efforts to enable and accelerate further data adoption and stimulate usage, and ultimately sustain our leadership as the mobile data network of choice of Filipinos,” Fermin added.
Increasing data adoption and usage
The launch of myPhone28s at P888 and Starmobile Play Click at P1,288, both bundled with 100MB of data per month, helped increase not only smartphone adoption but also data usage, allowing Filipinos to connect to mobile Internet and get accustomed to using online apps and services. The smartphone adoption now stands for over 50 percent of Smart, TNT, and Sun subscribers.
To stimulate data usage among subscribers, Smart introduced Giga Surf 50, its biggest data offer with 1GB valid for three days at only P50. The great value offer generated higher data usage among Smart subscribers, leading to 75 percent growth in Giga Surf 50 registration nationwide.
As special teaser promos, Smart also gave subscribers FREE unlimited access to specific apps like Viber with Viber Out, Snapchat and Pokémon Go, which led to nearly 80 percent hike in new sign-ups in each of the popular apps.
Optimizing digital lifestyle
Helping subscribers optimize their data experience, Smart also launched Marty the Smarty, everyone’s go-to guy for all kinds of questions and concerns about mobile data and Internet, accessible via his websitewww.martythesmarty.com and official account on Twitter @martysmarty.
Smart also further enhanced its My Smart mobile app so prepaid and postpaid subscribers can manage their accounts, register and check the status of their data promos, load up and even redeem perks – anytime and anywhere.
To provide subscribers with a digital discovery portal, the wireless leader introduced the Smart Life mobile app, a breakthrough app featuring daily exclusive digital perks, videos, music, and games for subscribers. Aside from hosting top-rated D5 Studio content, the app also hosted the comprehensive coverage for FIBA and the Olympics, allowing users to tune into the world’s biggest sports events on the fly.
Most advanced mobile hub
Smart recently opened its new flagship store at SM Megamall, the most advanced mobile hub in the country today, with state-of-the-art design and interactive features that allow customers to discover and experience the latest mobile innovations.
Smart is set to further redefine costumer experience and retail design as it transforms more Smart Stores all over the country into a world-class digital space.
Network boost nationwide
For a seamless customer digital experience, PLDT and Smart have been beefing up their network capacity to meet the rising demand for more bandwidth in anticipation of higher data traffic.
The group is in the midst of a 3-year network build-out that includes the expansion of its 3G, and 4G/LTE capacity and coverage; and the rollout of next stage LTE network technology via carrier aggregation.
It has recently increased its capital expenditures outlay for the year to P48 billion from P43 billion to cover additional expenditures arising from the utilization of frequencies recently acquired from San Miguel Corp.’s telco business.
“We are investing heavily in our network build-out since superior digital customer experience can only be delivered when you have an extensive and reliable network,” added Fermin.
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