Press Release
SMART, 7-eleven launch first ever GSM Coin Payphone in the country
[N
ov. 27, 2008/ Makati City]
– Leading wireless services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART), through its Global Access Group, partnered with Philippine Seven Corporation (7-Eleven) in setting up the first ever GSM coin payphones in the country.
After the country’s first wireless broadband Internet service SmartBro, SMART, once again broke new ground in the world of technology by bringing to the public the PLDT Payphone Wireless which is equipped with a SIM card. PLDT Payphone Wireless can be quickly installed anywhere in the country as long as there is a SMART network signal. Because of this development, people living in places without provisions for telephone lines can now enjoy PLDT Payphone’s affordable and reliable service.
“PLDT Payphone Wireless will be deployed not only in the metro but also in the remotest areas of the country,” said Smart Global Access Head Tina Z. Mariano. “Showcasing our new Payphone’s wireless capability is in sync with our efforts to introduce the PLDT Payphone as an evolving product. Soon, our users will be able to enjoy value-added services that are unique to the PLDT Payphone,” she added.
Starting September of this year, a total of 1,000 PLDT Payphone Wireless units will have been deployed in various strategic locations nationwide. The 7-Eleven store chain is one of the prime partners of SMART in mounting the PLDT Payphone Wireless booths all over the country.
“The long years of partnership between SMART and 7-Eleven is very fitting because both offer everything that is new and anything that the people need at any time of the day,” said Liwayway Fernandez, 7-Eleven Operations Division Manager. “The synergy between the services SMART and 7-Eleven provide spells convenience,” she added.
“There’s nothing like working with the country’s leading telco like SMART,” said Mike Chuaunsu, Marketing Director of Philippine Seven Corporation. “SMART always takes the lead in providing people with the newest technology and presenting limitless opportunities to the people.”
During the launching ceremony at the 7-11 branch along Don Bosco Road in Makati, an inaugural call was made by Smart Global Access’ Mariano, Smart Network Services Division Head Mar G. Tamayo, and 7-Eleven’s Chuaunsu. The successful call from the PLDT Payphone Wireless straight to the cellphone of SMART President and CEO Napoleon L. Nazareno proved that the wireless Payphone is now ready to serve the public.
“I congratulate the people behind this successful and innovative initiative,” said Nazareno. “Being at the other end of the line during the inaugural call just proves that if we have the Filipino’s benefit at heart, we will never go wrong. As a people, keeping in touch has always been a way of life and as the market leader in Philippine telecommunications industry, we will do whatever it takes to serve our clients.” ends Nazareno.
Leo Mateo, Don Bosco Road 7-eleven customer who is also the first customer to use the PLDT Payphone Wireless shared his experience with the new product. “The connection was so quick and there was no prolonged beep and communication gap. The PLDT Payphone Wireless is very useful especially in times of emergency and is very practical in making important phone calls even if my mobile phone runs out of battery.”
Like the typical PLDT public payphone, it is coin-operated and follows the same operating procedure as the previous coin payphone units. A local call made with a PLDT Payphone Wireless costs only a peso per minute, NDD calls cost five pesos per minute, calls to cellular phones anywhere in the country cost eight pesos per minute, and international direct calls to frequently called countries cost as low as 10 pesos per minute. The PLDT Payphone Wireless accepts both coins (P1, P5, and P10) and PLDT Touch and Budget Cards.
The PLDT Payphone business is managed by SMART’s Global Access Group. Smart Broadband, Inc. (SBI), offers Smart Bro, a wireless broadband service.
SBI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Smart Communications, Inc.
