In what appears to be a pioneering initiative in the country, a five-star hotel in Ortigas, Pasig City has teamed up with a mobile operator to provide its ?corporate guests? with pocket WiFi so they can connect to the Internet even while outside of the hotel premises.
At a press conference on Wednesday, March 5, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria announced it is deploying the Smart Bro Pocket WiFi service of Smart Communications for the mobile Internet access of corporate guests of the hotel.
Officials of Crowne Plaza explained that corporate guests are those who have existing contracts or regularly conduct events at the hotel. The aim of the program, they said, is allow business travelers to accomplish their goals whether it is for closing deals in corporate meetings or connecting with their friends and family members.
While already aware of the fact that the initiative is the first of its kind in the Philippine hospitality industry, the executives said plans are also afoot to extend the mobile Internet service to ordinary hotel guests.
Aside from the hotel?s wireless Internet and broadband connection, Smart Bro?s Pocket WiFi device will be given to corporate clients as an additional amenity, which they can bring with them anywhere when they book at Crowne Plaza.
Although only one Smart Bro pocket device will be provided per room, the holder of the unit can create a WiFi hotspot which can then be shared with up to 10 gadgets.
Ian Reid, general manager of Crowne Plaza, said, ?Smart is a trusted brand in connectivity and with their reliable Smart Bro Pocket WiFi service, we can give guests exactly what they need to make their stay with us successful, rewarding, and enjoyable which can eventually lead to repeat business.?
?We are excited to partner with Crowne Plaza to deliver another pioneering service in the Philippines. With Smart?s ultrafast and reliable mobile broadband coverage, guests can stay connected and productive whether they are inside or outside of hotel premises,? said Michele Curran, data and international services marketing head at Smart Bro, a subsidiary of Smart.
Smart executives said that they are looking at replicating the initiative with other hotels and resorts in different parts of the country, particularly in Visayas and Mindanao.
