Globe scales down iPhone 5s launch, to promote relief efforts

MANILA, Philippines -  Unlike previous iPhone launches that were festive and celebratory, Globe Telecom is doing away with a big launch event for the iPhone 5s and 5c this year in light of the recent calamity that affected millions of Filipinos in Visayas.

On top of its existing efforts to aid in disaster relief operations for communities and individuals affected by Typhoon Yolanda, Globe will use its launch event for the newest iPhone models to extend further assistance to the victims of the super typhoon.

Globe will set up a booth where subscribers can register to GCASH to send monetary donations at the speed of sending a text message. Using GCASH as donation facility, subscribers can send money to support the relief operations of the Philippine National Red Cross, one of the most active organizations in the country that conduct relief operations.

Augmenting the donations received at the launch event, Globe will match the total GCASH donations made by its customers.

Customers are also encouraged to bring in-kind donations such as canned goods, noodles, usable clothes, blankets, and mosquito nets, where a special area at the event will accommodate the relief goods.

“As part of our commitment to help in nation-building efforts after the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda that affected millions of lives, we are doing away with the usual grand launch event for the iPhone and instead use this platform to augment what we’re doing for our kababayans using our GCASH facility,” said Peter Bithos, Chief Operating Advisor for Consumer Business at Globe. “This year’s launch will also focus on providing a delightful customer experience for subscribers who have trusted our expertise in iPhone and leadership in postpaid.”

Globe recently launched the iPhone 5s and 5c under its suite of first-ever fully-customizable iPhone postpaid plans, including an exclusive upgrade program dubbed as Globe iPhone Forever that allows new and existing subscribers to swap their current devices with an iPhone 5s or iPhone 5c, allowing them to get a new iPhone every year for free or with minimal cashout.

For as low as Plan 1599 under the iPhone Forever suite of plans, subscribers can get the iPhone 5c 16GB for free over a 24-month contract period. Globe subscribers also get one-month free subscription to Globe Gadget Care and free access to Facebook mobile until January 2014. Subscribers who will avail of the newest iPhone devices on launch day are also eligible to avail of a free 1-year subscription to GCASH Virtual Pay and get up to 50 percent off on iPhone accessories.

The worthwhile move is part of the telco’s Bangon Pinoy program, an enterprise-wide disaster response initiative that aims to have a unified system for donations, relief efforts, and corporate social responsibility programs across products and services. To know more about Globe Bangon Pinoy, visit www.globe.com.ph/bangonpinoy.