Globe books 2-digit growth in postpaid subscriptions

MANILA, Philippines - Ayala-controlled Globe Telecom Inc. booked a 19 percent growth in its postpaid subscribers with the launch of the much-awaited iPhone5 as well as the introduction of several promotional gimmicks.

Martha Sazon, head of Globe Postpaid, said in a statement that the publicly-held telco provider clearly showed its edge in the postpaid business after ending 2012 on a record high subscriber base of 1.7 million from 1.4 million in 2011.

Fourth quarter 2012 results continued the momentum for Globe, Sazon said as the company added close to 72,000 net postpaid subscribers during the period on the back of the strong sales driven by the best postpaid offers and deals.

She also cited the record-breaking iPhone 5 launch last Dec. 14 and a much-improved subscriber churn at 1.6 percent as of end-2012.

“When it comes to postpaid, subscribers choose Globe and stay with Globe. The deep affinity with the brand has grown tremendously over the years with our customer-focused strategies. Customers are choosing us, staying with us, and as a result, we are winning the postpaid market,” she said.

After successfully launching the game-changing My Super Plan in 2010, Globe strengthened its customer service and after-sales support systems with a dedicated hotline, remodeled stores, extensively-trained personnel and relationship managers, and forged stronger partnerships with the world’s leading device manufacturers for its postpaid segment.

In 2012, Globe subscribers scored the best deals for the most sought-after smartphones such as Nokia Lumia 800, BlackBerry Curve 9220 and 9320, Samsung Galaxy S III and Note 2, and the iPhone 5 with freebies, service add-ons and boosters, affordable monthly cash-outs, and shorter lock-up periods.

New subscribers, especially those on a budget can already get a Globe postpaid plan for as low as P299 monthly with a free gadget.

During the launch of the iPhone 5, Globe exceeded its sales targets, even surpassing its sales for the iPhone 4S in all fronts – website pre-orders, registration, and actual purchase and fulfillment.

One of the highly-favored privileges among customers was the innovative “Reset” program, where existing Globe postpaid subscribers who are still within the contract were given the flexibility to renew or extend their account to get the iPhone 5 at a discount.