Ever since Smart Communications got the chance to join the Apple party, the local launch of a new iPhone model has become an anticipated and amusing contest between the PLDT-owned mobile operator and its main competitor Globe Telecom.
The upcoming introduction of the iPhone 5s and 5c will be no different and is expected to pit the two bitter rivals once more not just in their monthly package offerings but also in the manner by which the new iPhone will be launched.
About two years ago, when Smart finally got the nod from Apple to distribute the iPhone, it celebrated the event by closing down the Powerplant Mall in Makati City one evening for an over-the-top launch. Globe, meanwhile, held a more subdued ? but grandiose nonetheless — unveiling at the Ayala Museum on the same night.
But as to how the two warring telcos would try to outdo each again for the iPhone 5s and 5c, their public announcement on its availability does not say much.
In fact, the announcements from the mobile carriers were issued on the same day (Oct. 25) and contained the same content except for their respective names ? an obvious directive and trademark of Apple.
The telcos said they are rolling out the new smartphone in the country on Nov. 15, with both firms saying their customers can pre-order in their respective portals.
Here?s the statement from Globe:
Globe Telecom today announced it will offer iPhone 5s, the most forward-thinking smartphone in the world, and iPhone 5c, the most colorful iPhone yet, to customers beginning November 15, 2013. Customers may pre-register interest today at http://beta.globe.com.ph/iphone5c or http://beta.globe.com.ph/iphone5s. For more information, please visit https://iphone.globe.com.ph/. For more information on iPhone, please visit: www.apple.com/iphone.
This one is from Smart:
Smart Communications today announced it will offer iPhone 5s, the most forward-thinking smartphone in the world, and iPhone 5c, the most colorful iPhone yet, to customers beginning on November 15, 2013. Customers may pre-register interest today at www.smart.com.ph/iPhone. For more information on iPhone, please visit: www.apple.com/iphone.
