Phl telcos launch iPhone5

MANILA, Philippines - Rivals Globe Telecom Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. collide head on in enticing new subscribers for the much-anticipated iPhone5 of Apple Inc., which was launched yesterday by both telecom providers.

Gil Genio, head for corporate strategy and business development of Globe, said in an interview with reporters that the company hoped to outdo competition in the sale of the newly launched iPhone5.

Globe has a strong partnership with Apple after it exclusively carried the iPhone3 in 2008 all the way to the iPhone4 in 2010.

This year, pre-orders for the iPhone5 via the Globe website hit fever pitch, with thousands of subscribers eagerly anticipating getting their hands on the newest iPhone device.

Globe senior adviser for consumer business Peter Bithos said in a press conference that subscribers could avail of the iPhone 5 under the telco’s most affordable and customizable postpaid plans.

“Finally, the iPhone 5 has arrived in the Philippines and Globe is beaming with excitement to bring the much-anticipated iPhone 5 to Filipinos nationwide. With our five-year history in launching the iPhone, Globe is definitely the perfect partner of the iPhone5 as we strive to know and understand the customer, with our offers going beyond just pricing,” Bithos said.

For as low as P1,799 monthly under Unli Surf 999 with monthly cash out of P800, subscribers can maximize the features of the latest iPhone with unlimited mobile browsing and a call and text freebie.

The iPhone 5 is also available at P1,999 monthly under Unli Surf P1,799 with P200 monthly cash out complete with unlimited data, P800 monthly consumable for calls and texts, and three call and text freebies.

Aside from its superior plans, Bithos said Globe offers light and easy payment terms for monthly cash outs, where subscribers can avail of the zero percent installment at three, six, 12 or 24 months for partner credit cardholders, making the iPhone5 more affordable.

He revealed that existing postpaid subscribers can also enjoy the iPhone 5 with the innovative “Reset” program, another Globe first, which allows subscribers to renew or extend their existing account to get the device at a discount.

This means that if a subscriber’s 24-month contract is still not up for renewal to get a new device, a corresponding “reset fee” can be settled to get the iPhone5 under the same postpaid line.

He explained that subscribers also get free four months of mobile phone protection program under Globe Gadget Care, a first-of-its-kind comprehensive program protecting devices from accidental damage, theft or robbery.

Finally, Globe iPhone 5 subscribers are eligible to avail of exclusive perks and privileges such as free 1-year subscription to the GCASH American Express Virtual Card entitling them to shop online from local and international sites conveniently, 50 percent discount on iPhone 5 accessories, and free and exclusive download of Globe Mobile Apps giving them access to movies, financial services, account management, and mobile messaging right on their fingertips.

On the other hand, Smart – a wholly owned subsidiary of dominant carrier Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) – is offering two plans for the subscribers of iPhone5.

For Plan 2499, the 16GB and 32GB iPhone 5 comes free, while cash out for the 64GB is at P6,000. The older iPhone 4S 16GB and iPhone 4 8GB will also be free under this plan. Plan 2499 includes 300 voice minutes to any network, 300 text messages to any network and unlimited data.

Plan 999 offers 40 voice minutes, 100 text messages and unlimited data. Under this plan, cash out for the iPhone 5 16B is P19,000; for the 32GB, P24,000; and for the 64GB, P29,000. iPhone4S 16GB is at P15,000 and iPhone4 8GB is at P6,000.

iPhone 5 is the thinnest and lightest iPhone ever, completely redesigned to feature a stunning new 4-inch Retina display; an Apple-designed A6 chip for blazing fast performance; and ultra-fast wireless technology – all while delivering even better battery life.

iPhone 5 comes with iOS 6, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system with over 200 new features, including Shared Photo Streams, Facebook integration, all-new Maps app and Passbook organization.