Smart's new Plug N' Talk service to enable calls via Internet

Filipinos abroad can now call any landline or mobile number in the Philippines using the Internet at a low price.

Smart Communications introduced yesterday its newest service that allows calls via an Internet phone to be made to a Philippine landline or mobile number for as low as P6.50 per minute.

Smart’s Plug ‘N Talk is the first communication device in the Philippines that allows those outside the country to call and text from an Internet-connected PC to any Philippine mobile and landline number using their Smart SIM at close to Philippine local rates.

“Plug ‘N Talk is a breakthrough product because we have taken the communications experience beyond the phone-to-phone scenario and enabled an Internet-connected computer to transmit voice and SMS to a mobile phone and vice versa,” according to Perry Bayani, head of Smart’s sales and business development and international services group.

This setup, he said, allows a subscriber from anywhere in the world to access the Smart network via the Internet and enjoy call rates for as low as P6.50 per minute and text messages for only P1.

“With Plug ‘N Talk, Filipinos abroad are getting the same low-cost and quality service that we offer to our subscribers here in the country. It is easy to use, affordable, secure and portable since you can plug it into any computer with Internet access and a USB port,” he added.

According to Smart, there are no international roaming or hidden charges. With Plug ‘N Talk, Filipinos overseas can receive calls and text messages from relatives in the Philippines for free.

Starting Dec. 12, the Smart Plug ‘N Talk will be initially available at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 and the Mactan Cebu International Airport.

The Plug ‘N Talk kit will be sold for P1,800, which includes the Plug N’ Talk device, an earpiece and a free Smart Pinoy SIM.

Plug ‘N Talk is the latest offering from Smart Pinoy Services, the company’s program geared towards helping Filipino migrant workers and their families in the Philippines achieve their dreams through every stage of the entire overseas experience – from application, to employment to reintegration.

According to figures from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), there are about 8.7 million Filipinos abroad as of end-2007.  

Smart is the country’s biggest mobile network, serving 34.2 million subscribers on its network as of end-September 2008. Its products and services are available in over 200 countries abroad in partnership with over 400 international network partners. Through PLDT Global, Smart also serves the mobile communication needs of Filipinos in Singapore, Hong Kong and Italy via 1528 Smart. – Mary Ann Reyes