PLDT arm to double landline subscribers

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) is targeting to achieve double digit growth in its landline subscriber base of over 1.5 million this yearly offering new products. 

PLDT yesterday launched the upgraded version of its Telpad tablet landline. The new version, which was offered beginning December last year, contains an exclusive TelMeHow application which provides easy online access to information on various interests such cooking, fashion, travel, and music.

The application also hosts categories in photography, first aid, sports, language, and fitness. 

The application contains tutorial content featuring industry professionals and will be updated every month.

PLDT executive vice president and head of home business Ariel Fermin declined to disclose the investment poured into the development of the new product but said that PLDT has recently allotted almost P67 million for the development of its infrastructure.

“We’re still investing. PLDT has never scrimped in investing because our goal really is to provide the best consumer experience,” he said. “If we have that much subscribers (1.5 million), the intent was for them to have a Telpad. Imagine the potential.”

Also in the pipeline are new categories including a section on cars which will feature ideas on sprucing up vehicles. There will also be a category called living space that will feature practical housekeeping and decorating tips.

An events category, which will be uploaded soon, will contain not only announcements but also how-to guides for event planners.

Also to be uploaded soon is an interactive user upload section which will feature selected content from Telpad subscribers.

The new Telpad comes in two models – the Telpad wave 2.3 which runs on Android Gingerbread 2.3 and the S& Slim.

Each Telpad plan comes with unlimited calls and unlimited broadband service. Plans start at P1,849 at 1.5 mbps. Aside from the TelMeHow application, users can also take advantage of over 450,000 applications.