Smart Pilots Ericsson On-Demand Roaming Breakout Service, Bringing ‘Local-Like’ Roaming Experience Overseas

PLDT’s wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) and technology partner Ericsson have successfully completed a live demo of Ericsson On-Demand's Roaming Breakout (RBO) service, taking a step further in efforts to enhance the data roaming experience for Filipino travelers around the world.

The tests, carried out simultaneously in the United States and the Philippines, covered a range of services commonly used by travelers, including video streaming and video calling. It involved routing subscriber data traffic through a Google point-of-presence in Virginia, United States, rather than returning traffic all the way to the Philippines, resulting in better latency, faster browsing and streaming, and an overall smoother data roaming experience.

Use cases tested during the pilot included video calls via Messenger between users in the US and the Philippines and US and Sweden, with the LBO technology-enabled smartphone facilitating a smoother call experience compared to the home-routed one.

Speed tests done on both demo smartphones also showcased as much as 5x faster download speeds, significantly lower latency, and smoother 4K video streaming via LBO, enabling a ‘local-like’ overseas mobile experience, closer to what customers may expect from a local SIM or travel eSIM.

“As customer expectations evolve, we continue to actively explore technologies that can transform how our subscribers stay connected while traveling abroad. This successful pilot with Ericsson gives us valuable insights into how next-generation roaming capabilities can help deliver a leveled-up experience for Filipinos wherever their journeys may take them,” said Roderick S. Santiago, Head of Network Strategy and Architecture at PLDT and Smart. “By enabling a better roaming experience, LBO can also help us uphold the network quality and reliability that Smart subscribers have come to expect, not only in the Philippines but even when they are overseas."

Bipin Melvin, VP & Head of Cloud Software and Services, Singapore, Brunei, Philippines and the Pacific Islands, Ericsson, says: “This successful pilot demonstrates how our SaaS Core built for Google Cloud, with its ease of creating core networks anywhere in the world, can help transform the roaming experience for mobile subscribers. By enabling data traffic to break out closer to where travelers are located, Ericsson On-Demand's Roaming Breakout service can significantly reduce latency and improve performance. Together with Smart, we have shown how innovation in roaming can help deliver a more seamless, local-like experience for customers wherever they travel.”

PLDT and Smart’s push to lead in next-generation technologies reflects the PLDT Group’s broader commitment to deliver a leveled-up, world-class customer experience to Filipinos here and abroad. These efforts support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and advance the Group’s contribution to the government’s overall digitalization thrust.

Globe Brings Enhanced GoRoam Offers to OFWs in UAE

Globe recently launched its enhanced GoRoam UAE offering, designed to provide affordable and reliable connectivity to Filipinos living and working in the United Arab Emirates.

This strategic move underscores Globe's commitment to expanding its services to meet the evolving needs of its customers, particularly the significant Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) market.

The new GoRoam UAE offers a substantial increase in data allocation, providing 10GB valid for 30 days, close to offers of local SIMs in the UAE. This ensures that OFWs can stay connected with family and friends in the Philippines while staying within budget. OFWs can access their favorite messaging apps without any restrictions via roaming, particularly voice and video calling services that are inaccessible in the UAE.

"Globe recognizes the vital need for Filipinos working abroad to stay connected and feel close to their loved ones back home," said Paula Rivera-Castillo, Globe's Head of International Business. "Our enhanced GoRoam UAE offer reflects our dedication to providing accessible and affordable communication solutions that empower OFWs to stay connected while pursuing their professional goals overseas."

GoRoam UAE is available for a special discounted price of Php 800 exclusively through GCash, Globe's affiliate e-wallet, for a limited time. Globe has simplified the registration process:

● Open your GCash app

● Select "Load”

● Enter your number

● Select the "Roaming & Int'l" category

● Choose "GoRoam UAE”

● Confirm your payment

GoRoam UAE is also available on the GlobeOne app at the regular price.

Apart from UAE, Globe also offers GoRoam in the following destinations with prices going as low as P600 for 30 days:

● Australia

● Canada

● Hong Kong

● Indonesia

● Japan

● Malaysia

● Singapore

● South Korea

● Taiwan

● Thailand

● USA

● Vietnam

● Maldives

For Prepaid and TM users traveling to other destinations, Globe also offers Roam All Net 99 with 30 minutes of calls and 30 texts for one day. Available on GCash and GlobeOne, the offer covers 50 countries and territories around the world, including top OFW destinations like Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain. For details, visit this page.

Customers can register before their departure or upon arrival in the UAE, with the promo's validity commencing upon successful promo activation. Usage can be easily monitored through the GlobeOne app.

This initiative aligns with Globe's broader mission to connect Filipinos wherever they may be, bridging geographical distances and fostering stronger relationships through seamless communication.

To learn more about Globe’s Roaming offers, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/.

Enjoy the long CNY weekend abroad with the whole family with Globe Roam Surf4All

Booked a trip abroad with family or friends this Chinese New Year weekend? With Globe Roam Surf4All, your data roaming GBs are now shareable! Enjoy a more rewarding travel experience, as each one in your group can stay online with just 1 shared connection. 

You and your travel buddies can say goodbye to the limitations of bulky pocket WiFis because now, you can stay connected without the need to stick together. As long as you’re registered as a member under the same Roam Surf4All promo, you're sure to have data even when you explore on your own!

Globe Roam Surf4All is every travel group’s dream offer as it allows up to five users the ability to share the same data promo, with each getting reliable connectivity at up to 5G speeds that don’t slow down even as you add more members or use up more GBs.

Even better is that you can conveniently split the cost of the Roam Surf4All package, with rates as low as PHP73 per person per day for up to 15 days. No need for add-ons like security deposits, courier charges, and insurance fees that come with renting pocket WiFis, and with availability in over 100 countries, you can count on Roam Surf4All to be there when you need it.

Here’s how to register:

 

● Access GlobeOne

● Click “Buy Promos”

● Click “More Promos Abroad”

● Look for the Roam Surf4All promo you prefer:

 

PROMO	ALLOCATION	VALIDITY	PRICE /PERSON/DAY (up to 5 users)	TOTAL PRICE
Roam Surf4All 2599	Shareable 5GB all-access data roaming	Valid for 5 days	PHP104	PHP2,599
Roam Surf4All 5499	Shareable 10GB all-access data roaming	Valid for 15 days	PHP73	PHP5,499

 

Promo members can be Globe Platinum, Globe Postpaid, Globe Prepaid or TM customers.

 

Here’s how to share your group data:

 

● Click “Add Member” in the group data dashboard

● Click the Phonebook icon to choose from the contact list or manually type in the number of the member

● Once added, both owner and member will be notified

 

The Chinese New Year is a time for family, food, and connectivity. So be sure to kick off your long holiday with Globe Roam Surf4All, the first-ever shareable promo where your travel group can surf with no worries.

 

Globe Roaming x Samsung Raffle

 

As an added treat, Globe Roaming is giving travelers a chance to win a Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2, perfect for your next trip abroad. Raffle is open to all Globe Platinum and Postpaid customers who successfully register to a Globe Roam Surf4All promo (Roam Surf4All 2599 or Roam Surf4All 5499) via GlobeOne, from February 7, 2024 to March 15, 2024. Once successfully subscribed to the offer, customers must completely fill-out the form via glbe.co/rs4agiveaway in order to enter the raffle contest.
 

To learn more, visit glbe.co/roamsurf4all.

Experience local rates abroad! Globe expands GoRoam offers to Singapore and USA

Following the successful launch of its "Roam like a local” offer, Globe is set to expand its GoRoam promos to more key destinations around the world, providing travelers with the convenience of a roaming service plus affordable options comparable to local rates in those countries.

Globe’s GoRoam is now available in Singapore and the United States, with country-exclusive packages rivaling local SIM connectivity prices. This allows customers to use their mobile devices abroad with the same comfort and cost-efficiency they enjoy in their country of destination.

"We are revolutionizing the way Pinoys stay connected. Our expansion into these vital global markets is a testament to our commitment to providing our customers unparalleled connectivity and convenience wherever they go,” said Coco Domingo, Vice President of Globe’s Postpaid and International Business.

The new GoRoam offers include the following:

● 20GB of data valid for 30 days in Singapore for PHP1,500

● 20GB of data valid for 30 days in the USA for PHP3,000

 

Globe earlier introduced similar promos in other popular tourist destinations such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, and the UAE.

 

The previous GoRoam offers include the following:

● 3GB of data valid for 5 days in Hong Kong for PHP600

● 2.4GB of data valid for 10 days in Taiwan for PHP600

● 15GB of data valid for 8 days in Thailand for PHP800

● 5GB of data valid for 10 days in Malaysia for PHP800

● 8GB of data valid for 28 days in the UAE for PHP2,000

 

These offers are designed to provide Globe customers with ample data to stay connected while traveling, without the hassle of switching to a local SIM or renting a pocket WiFi. Customers can enjoy the benefits of retaining their Globe number and accessing their usual services, combined with the economic pricing and significant data allocation that compares favorably to local options.

 

GoRoam promos are available via the GlobeOne app. To register, access the app, click Buy Promos, and search for GoRoam to see the available offers. Once registered, simply turn on your mobile data and data roaming to activate and start enjoying the promo abroad. You can easily manage and track your data usage on the app’s dashboard.

 

The launch of GoRoam in the United States and Asia, including the Middle East, reinforces Globe’s position as the Philippines’ mobile leader in roaming services, being the only telco with a “roam like a local” offer. The company plans to continue expanding its roaming services and offers to address the needs of its customers.

 

For more information about GoRoam and other offerings by Globe, please visit glbe.co/roam.

Globe launches game-changing Roam Surf4All

Every holiday season, travel is expected to peak, with families and groups of friends going off to overseas adventures they have long been planning for. To better serve its customers on their group trips, Globe is bringing a new innovation that makes data roaming more affordable, and now, easily shareable!

The new Globe Roam Surf4All brings ease and affordability to every trip, catering to the needs of budget-conscious families and travel groups.

Roam Surf4All is available in over 100 countries and offers an unmatched level of convenience by allowing shared connectivity among multiple users. Unlike when using a pocket WiFi, you can explore independently and skip the hassle of staying close to others to get shared connectivity. You may also enjoy up to 5G speeds that don’t slow down or throttle as you use more data or add more members to your group.

Affordability is at the heart of Roam Surf4All. Splitting costs with friends or family makes it incredibly budget-friendly, starting at as low as PHP73.00 per person per day for up to 15 days. Say goodbye to extra charges for security deposits, couriers, and insurance fees.

With the GlobeOne app, managing your group and tracking your data usage is a breeze. Add up to four members to your travel group and monitor everyone’s data use effortlessly, all in real time. Members can be Globe Platinum, Postpaid, Prepaid, or TM customers, provided they are all roamers.

You may choose from three tailor-made packages, each designed to suit various travel durations and data needs:

 

● Roam Surf4All 2599 with 5GB for 5 days (Php 104 per person per day)

● Roam Surf4All 5499 with 10GB for 15 days (Php 73 per person per day)

● Roam Surf4All 7499 with 15GB for 30 days (Coming soon at Php 50 per person per day)

 

“We at Globe are thrilled to present Roam Surf4All, a true game-changer in data roaming. It’s an unprecedented shared roaming service that you can enjoy with your travel buddies conveniently and at reasonable rates. This is another innovation that Globe is launching to make every travel experience richer and more enjoyable for its customers,” said Coco Domingo, Vice President of Postpaid and International Business at Globe.

 

Getting started with Roam Surf4All is simple. To register:

● Access GlobeOne

● Click Buy Promos

● Click More Promos Abroad

● Look for the Roam Surf4All promo you prefer

 

Once successfully registered to the promo, you can manage your data and add up to four Globe/TM members.

 

To easily add members to your group data:

● Click “Add Member” in the group data dashboard

● Click the Phonebook icon to choose from the contact list or manually type in the number of the member

● Once added, both owner and member will be notified

 

Upon arrival abroad, members can just turn on their Mobile Data and Data Roaming to start browsing. This is just a friendly reminder that the promo validity of Roam Surf4All starts upon registration.

 

This holiday season, let Roam Surf4All be your companion in creating unforgettable and more rewarding travel memories. Step into a world of seamless connectivity and shared experiences with Globe’s Roam Surf4All.

 

To learn more about Roam Surf4All, visit glbe.co/roamsurf4all.

Smart Maintains 5G Data Roaming Leadership Worldwide

PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) maintains its leadership in 5G data roaming, serving customers in 87 destinations with 159 telco partners around the world.

“In our pursuit of providing world-class services, we continue to expand our 5G data roaming services through our key partnerships with telcos worldwide, empowering our customers with fast 5G data roaming speeds that enable them to access their technology tools for work or personal endeavors, when it matters the most,” said Mitch Locsin, PLDT and Smart First Vice President and Head of Enterprise and International Business Groups.

Customers with Smart 5G SIMs and 5G-capable devices can enjoy live 5G roaming services in Aland Island, Albania, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Crete, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guam, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Isle of Man, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jersey, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Northern Ireland, Northern Marianas, Norway, Oman, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, the United States of America, US Virgin Islands, Uzbekistan, the Vatican, Vietnam, and Wales.

To subscribe and check roaming status and other information, customers can visit https://gigaroam.smart.com.ph/. To activate their roaming service before travelling abroad, prepaid customers must text ROAM<space>ON to 333; while postpaid customers can call the hotline *888 or *800 for Smart Infinity customers.

 

In the Philippines, Smart's mobile network covers 97% of the population with 3G, 4G/LTE and 5G, supported by PLDT's fiber infrastructure. This infrastructure spans over 1.1 million kilometers, consisting of over 0.2 million cable kilometers of international fiber and about 0.9 million cable kilometers of domestic fiber, as of end-September 2023.

 

Smart has also made it easy and hassle-free for tourists who have 5G SIMs and 5G-capable devices to connect to Smart’s 5G network when they visit the country, especially during the Christmas holidays.

 

“Smart fully supports the recovery of our economy by providing the best telco services to tourists, as more of them come to the Philippines and experience the Christmas festivities in the country,” said Joshua Montecillo, AVP and Head, Wireless Product Management of Enterprise Business.

 

Providing enhanced connectivity to roamers and tourists alike underscores PLDT's aspirational multi-year transformation, with elevating customer experience as one of the key priorities, as well as contributes to the Group’s endeavors to provide connectivity to all, and to anchor initiatives on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) particularly on SDG No. 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

Traveling to the Philippines? Elevate your connectivity experience with Globe’s new Prepaid Traveler eSIM

If you’re traveling to the Philippines, mobile leader Globe has exactly what you need to stay connected.

Globe is redefining the travel connectivity landscape with the introduction of its prepaid Traveler eSIM. This innovative solution promises international visitors an effortless and cost-effective way to stay seamlessly connected from the instant they set foot in the country.

The Globe Prepaid Traveler eSIM can be purchased even before tourists embark on their journey to the Philippines, initially available on iOS and soon for Android devices. This digital-first approach not only streamlines the connectivity process compared to traditional physical SIM cards but also spares travelers from airport booth queues. Once tourists complete SIM registration upon arrival, they can instantly access Globe’s reliable mobile network.

"With the Traveler eSIM, Globe is once again at the forefront of telco innovation. We've always been attuned to the evolving needs of our global clientele, and this offering is a direct response to that. We want to ensure that every international visitor enjoys a seamless and enriched connectivity experience from the outset," said Darius Delgado, Head of Globe’s Consumer Mobile Business.

Tourists opting for the Globe Prepaid Traveler eSIM will benefit from the top-tier performance of the Globe network, distinguished as the most reliable in the Philippines. This acclaim is backed by rigorous analysis from Ookla®, a global leader in network intelligence and connectivity insights. through its Speedtest Intelligence® data, which recognized Globe as the Philippines’ Most Reliable Mobile Network five times in a row.

The Globe Prepaid Traveler eSIM will be conveniently available via the GlobeOne app, which offers a compatibility check, ensuring that tourists' devices are eSIM-ready. Through the app, travelers will get a superior eSIM experience as they could seamlessly download and install the eSIM immediately upon purchase. Travelers may download the app and get the eSIM even before landing in the Philippines.

In line with the SIM Registration Act, all Traveler eSIMs must be registered and will be valid for up to 30 days. Tourists can easily reload or repurchase another eSIM via the GlobeOne app if staying beyond one month.

"We are committed to innovation and enhancing the connectivity experience for international visitors. We're not just offering a product. We're delivering a promise of consistent, high-quality, and seamless experience for every traveler in the Philippines,” said Eric Tanbauco, Head of Globe’s Mobile Prepaid Business.

With the introduction of the Traveler eSIM, Globe Prepaid continues to lead the way in providing innovative solutions that cater to the dynamic needs of its customers, both local and international.

For travelers whose devices do not support the eSIM, traditional SIMs will be available in airport terminals upon arrival ensuring that every traveler's connectivity needs are met. Check physical traveler SIM rates here: https://www.globe.com.ph/international/traveler-sim.html#gref.

For more information on the Traveler eSIM and other Globe Prepaid offerings, download the GlobeOne app via the AppStore or Google Play. To know more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

 

Disclaimer: Reliability based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data for all tech Consistency and Availability data in the Philippines based on Q2 through Q4 2022, Q1 2023 & Q2 2023. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.

Globe Expands Roam-Like-A-Local Offer, Unveils New Offers Amid Travel Peak

As the international travel season approaches its peak, Globe is expanding its GoRoam service to Malaysia, following its successful rollouts in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Thailand. GoRoam is Globe's answer to the rising demand for affordable international roaming services, providing travelers with a hassle-free and cost-effective way to stay connected while abroad.

For travelers heading to Malaysia, the GoRoam offer is now available at just PHP 800 for 5GB of data, valid for 10 days. Earlier this year, Globe introduced GoRoam in the following destinations, each tailored to match local SIM card rates:

- Taiwan: For PHP 600, travelers get 2.4GB of data valid for 10 days.

- Thailand: Priced at PHP 800, this package offers 15GB of data, valid for 8 days.

- Hong Kong: Priced at PHP 600, it provides 3GB of data for 5 days.

These packages are carefully designed to align with local SIM rates, data allowances, and validity periods, making it easier for travelers to choose the best option for their specific needs.

"With GoRoam, there's no longer a need to juggle between SIM cards when traveling abroad since Globe has effectively bridged the gap in terms of convenience and compelling value. GoRoam underscores our unwavering dedication to enhancing the roaming experience for Pinoy travelers," stated Coco Domingo, Vice President of Postpaid and International Business at Globe.

Filipinos traveling abroad can now bid farewell to the inconveniences of swapping SIM cards, renting pocket Wi-Fi devices, fumbling with unfamiliar mobile settings, or the anxiety of losing connection with loved ones. With GoRoam, users can keep their original SIM cards, eliminating the hassle of configuring a new one. This service guarantees uninterrupted connectivity, elevating the international travel experience to unparalleled levels of ease and connection.

Registering for the GoRoam offers is made simple for both postpaid and prepaid travelers through the GlobeOne app, ensuring that travelers have the convenience and flexibility they need.

To find out more about Globe's Roaming offers and GoRoam, visit [Globe's Roaming page](https://glbe.co/roam).

With GoRoam, Globe is redefining the international roaming experience, making it more accessible, affordable, and seamless for travelers, just in time for the peak travel season. 

Smart provides emergency assistance to roaming customers affected by Morocco earthquake

Following the 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Morocco, customers of Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) in the North African country will receive emergency communication assistance to help them in this time of need.

“We are monitoring the situation in Morocco and are ready to assist our kababayans. It is important for us to provide them with means to communicate in this time of crisis as we also pray for their health and safety overseas,” said Shing Dimagiba, Smart Vice President for Postpaid and International Roaming Business.

Postpaid customers will have their postpaid bills reversed for roaming calls and text messages, while prepaid customers will also have free load assistance so that they can contact their families or the authorities to report their situation.

 

Smart roaming customers in Morocco simply need to turn on their phones and connect to Smart’s network partners to use these free services from Smart. They will receive a text message with instructions that they can easily follow.

 

Rescue and retrieval operations are currently underway in Morocco, where over 2,000 people have died and more than 2,000 were reportedly injured due to the deadly earthquake. As of writing, the Philippine Embassy in Morocco stated that no Filipinos have been seriously affected by the disaster that struck Marrakech and other parts of the country last Friday. They also encouraged Filipinos in affected areas to contact the embassy through its hotline +212694202178 and official Facebook Page in case they need assistance.

 

Driven by malasakit and its commitment to keep Filipinos everywhere connected, Smart consistently comes to the aid of overseas Filipinos, providing load assistance during the crises in Afghanistan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Sri Lanka.