Leader in wireless Smart Communications has sustained the uptrend in smartphone adoption among its subscribers driven by rising consumer incomes, and attractive device and data bundled offers.
The smartphone penetration rate within the Smart network rose 25 percent year-on-year in the first nine months of 2016, with approximately half of Smart and Sun’s 65-million subscriber base using smartphones.
International Data Corporation’s latest Asia/Pacific Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker showed the Philippines as the fastest-growing smartphone market in Southeast Asia to date. Meanwhile, the latest Ericsson Mobility Report said smartphone users in the Philippines are seen to more than double, hitting 90 million in 2021 from just 40 million today.
To make it possible for more Filipinos to own smartphones, Smart has recently signed exclusive deals with popular device makers MyPhone, OPPO, O+ USA, and Starmobile for SIM bundling offers on their latest devices, including LTE-enabled handsets. These are on top of existing bundling offers with other vendors such as Samsung, Lenovo, Alcatel, Flash, and DTC.
“We are glad to work with these device partners towards our shared goal of putting a smartphone to the hands of every Filipino, and a Smart SIM in every smartphone. We are very excited to get more of our subscribers to truly enjoy the many benefits of mobile internet,” said Kat Luna-Abelarde, FVP and Consumer Wireless Operations Head at Smart.
“To empower our subscribers in this digital age, we will continue to pack these device bundles with even more features and exclusive perks; bring in more compelling and relevant content; and push practical, digital solutions.”
Under the partnership, the latest handsets of MyPhone, OPPO, O+ USA, and Starmobile are bundled with free Smart LTE Prepaid SIM packed with free mobile data for up to a year. On top of this, users also get monthly data rewards.
The PLDT Group is currently modernizing its network to improve quality, coverage, and internet speed in anticipation of higher demand for data.