PLDT, NTT Align to launch mobile data + content service in Japan

Philippine telecom and digital services provider PLDT has partnered with NTT Communications to bring to the roughly 240,000 Filipinos residing in Japan an innovative service that bundles mobile internet with free calls and remittance services.

Through PLDT Global Corp. (PGC) unit PLDT JP GK, the new service called SMART World was launched on April 15, 2016.

PLDT President and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan said that PLDT JP GK’s partnership with NTT Communications ensures that the new service provides nationwide coverage in Japan via leading mobile operator NTT DOCOMO’s extensive 3G and LTE networks. SMART World also connects Filipinos in Japan to the 70-million-strong wireless subscriber base of PLDT mobile subsidiaries Smart Communications and Sun Cellular.

“Our new offering -- SMART World – empowers the digital lifestyle of Filipinos in Japan through a mobile data SIM bundled with a pocket WIFI in a monthly prepaid subscription,” said PLDT EVP and Head of Enterprise, International, and Carrier Business Eric Alberto.

This prepaid subscription service allows subscribers to choose from four monthly base plans of 10GB + monthly freebies, 7GB + monthly freebies, 5GB + monthly freebies, or 3GB + monthly freebies. Prices start at JPY 4,200 excluding consumption tax.

Alberto explained that the new mobile data service comes bundled with a set of very relevant and useful services for free. These include a free remittance transaction of up to JPY100,000 once a month, plus free calls and text messages to the Philippines, and, free calls to other popular international destinations.

SMART World also offers a free Philippine mobile number subscription which allows family members and friends in the Philippines to call and text Filipinos in Japan at Philippine rates,”“With all these attractive features, SMART World makes it so much easier and more convenient for Filipinos in Japan to keep in touch with their loved ones back home and in over 10 other countries where they might have family and friends to call,” PLDT SVP and PGC CEO Alex O. Caeg added.

“This is just the start. We shall continue to expand our portfolio of services to meet the growing multimedia requirements of our Filipinos in Japan,” PLDT JP GK General Manager John Y. Palanca said.