Press Release
Intel, Smart launch Co-op Net Center program
Photo shows: (from left) Intel Technology Philippines Country Manager Ricky Banaag and Smart Chief Wireless Advisor Orlando B. Vea award a computer set to Gretchel Elequin of the Tugatog Teachers Cooperative. Elequin was one of several winners of the raffle draw held during the launch of the Co-op Net Center Program.
[June 11, 2008/ Manila] - Cooperatives now have an opportunity to own and operate an Internet café for their members and the general public through the Co-op Net Center Program.
Intel Technology Philippines and Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART) recently launched the program as part of a collaboration to promote “Internet for All”.
Under the program, cooperatives can own and operate their Co-op Net Center or Internet café by availing of affordable computer packages from Asianic, Intel’s authorized dealer, and discounted offers for Internet connectivity via Smart Bro, Smart’s wireless broadband service.
Through the Co-op Net Center, cooperatives will be able to offer Internet access and other services to their members or to the general public and earn from computer usage per hour.
“With the Co-op Net Center Program, we will be empowering an extensive community of grassroot enterprises that support a huge segment of the national production and employment,” said Orlando B. Vea, Smart Chief Wireless Advisor.
Vea is spearheading “Internet For All,” a Smart advocacy to bring the Internet to Filipinos from all walks of life.
“It is a shared vision of Intel and Smart to increase the number of Internet users in the country so that everyone can avail of the countless opportunities that are available in the World Wide Web,” said Intel Technology Philippines Country Manager Ricardo Banaag.
“We hope that cooperatives will take this opportunity to enhance their businesses and to harness the power of the Internet to enrich their organizations and enhance the lives of their members,” he added.
Services that can be offered at the Co-op Net Center range from basic Internet and office services like surfing, e-mail, chatting, photo sharing, word processing, spreadsheet and presentation creation, to the more sophisticated services like online gaming, printing, scanning, photo retouching, and video and audio creation and editing.
Aside from earning from computer rentals, cooperatives can also raise additional income by offering lay-away plans for their members – making it easy for the co-op members to own a PC. Cooperatives can also opt to become dealers of Smart Bro services and other Asianic products.
Cooperatives that avail of the Co-op Net Center program will be given a free basic training on operating a business center and store merchandising by Intel and free system setup by Asianic.
Over 200 co-op officers and members attended the launch, which featured presentations on product packages by Intel Technology Philippines Channel Account Manager Joscel Pendejito, Smart Bro connectivity by Assistant Product Manager Ivan Nacpil, and the Smart Bro reseller program by Smart Bro Sales Manager Dhez Astorga. Armand Bengco, executive director of the Colayco Foundation for Education, gave a talk on Cooperative Investments.
A raffle draw also gave participants a chance to win exciting prizes that included web cameras, computer mouse units, tool kits, printer, Smart Bro prepaid plug-it units and a computer unit. @
