After a brand overhaul last month, mobile operator Smart Communications has ?unboxed? a slew of services aimed at expanding its market and recover lost ground to main competitor Globe Telecom.
The launch event, held at the Shangri-la Hotel in The Fort, also served as an occasion for PLDT and Smart chairman Manny V. Pangilinan to admit that fierce rival Globe was once able to surpass Smart in 3G coverage.
?But, I think we now have a bigger 3G network than Globe,? Pangilinan said candidly.
Smart wireless consumer operations head Katrina Luna-Abelarde, meanwhile, said the company?s multi-pronged efforts seek to make sure that nobody gets left behind by the digital shift.
For its digital inclusion initiative, Smart introduced Smartphone Prepaid Kit at only P1,288. For those with multiple gadgets, the company unveiled the Smart Bro Pocket WiFi, available at only P888.
The operator also announced its Super Speed LTE SIMs as well as Giga Surf 50, its biggest data offer with 1GB data for surfing and apps, plus free 300MB for video streaming on YouTube and iflix, valid for three days at only P50. The 1GB data can be shared with other prepaid subscribers through the Smart?s Pasadata service.
Smart has also teamed up with Twitter to further enhance its customer experience via @SMARTCares with live feedback and a faster response system. Smart is the first brand in the Philippines to use Twitter as its main customer service touchpoint for customer care needs and account inquiries in real-time.
At the same time, Smart is powering Marty the Smarty, ?everyone?s go-to guy? for all kinds of questions and concerns about mobile data and the Internet, accessible via his website www.martythesmarty.com and official account on Twitter @martysmarty.
Smart also enhanced its My Smart mobile app so prepaid and postpaid subscribers can manage their accounts 24/7. Downloadable on Google Play Store and iTunes, the app also allows subscribers to register and check the status of promos, load up their account, and even redeem perks.
The operator unveiled as well its ?Own It? campaign, where Smart teamed up with YouTube for Smart Launchpad to help budding content creators upload their own work and broadcast it to the world via Upload Stations all over the country.
Smart will be tapping industry experts for workshops that will lead to a selection of the most deserving content creators to fly to LA for rare experience of collaborating with the biggest YouTube Stars.
Along with MCA Music, Smart also kicked off Smart Music Live! on July 14 in a free-for-subscribers concert featuring Ely Buendia, Up Dharma Down and Nathan Sykes at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Smart Music Live will also feature perks and meet and greet events for upcoming concerts of hit artists like Selena Gomez?s on July 31; In the Mix featuring Third Eye Blind, Panic! At the Disco, James Bay, Elle King and Twin Pines on August18; and Shawn Mendes? in October.
Rounding off Smart?s major announcements is the Smart Life app, which features daily exclusive digital perks, videos, music, and games for mobile users.
Currently on its initial phase, the app will roll out new functionalities as well as host top-rated content from D5 Studio, feature sports coverage such as FIBA and the upcoming Olympics, and other digital content.
