Globe expands overseas presence

MANILA, Philippines - Globe Telecom Inc. further expanded its presence overseas by offering mobile services in Italy to cater to Filipinos working, living, and visiting Europe.

Marisalve Ciocson-Co, compliance officer and vice president for legal services of Globe, said Globe Mobile Italy S.r. has tied up with Compagnia Italia Mobile S.r. and Belgium 2Effortel Technologies S.A. to launch a mobile communication service in Italy.

Ciocson-Co informed the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) that the partnership would provide services such as voice calling, SMS, load top-up, and mobile data to about 200,000 Filipinos based or visiting Italy.

 â€œThis new offering is consistent with Globe’s thrust to continue providing Filipinos overseas with innovative and value for money services that allow constant communication ties with family and friends,” she added.

Italy became the sixth country where Globe currently has a robust retail presence aside from the US, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia.

“The Filipino community is known to be one of the most numerous and organized in our country, and though it is well integrated into Italian society, they keep alive the sense of belonging to their homeland. From now on, communicating with the Philippines through the Globe local Italy SIM will make them feel closer to home,” said Compagnia Italia Mobile S.r.I chief executive officer Antonio Cortina,             

Filipinos living in or visiting the Italian Republic can now use this Globe local Italy SIM for their daily communication needs, having access to competitive domestic mobile rates as the service offers bundles that include all net voice, all net SMS and mobile data.

In addition, they can keep in touch with friends, family and associates in the Philippines. With 5 euro cents per minute, it is the most affordable service from an Italian mobile operator for calls to Globe and TM subscribers in the country.

Rizza Maniego-Eala, Globe senior vice president of International Business, said

Globe is very excited to set foot in Italy with the establishment of Globe Mobile Italy S.r.l. and the unveiling of services for the local Filipino community.

 â€œItaly is home to Filipinos who are permanent migrants or working in a variety of sectors. They have already embraced Italy as their second home but continue to find ways and means to keep in touch with family in the Philippines. It is our vision to provide innovative and value-for-money communications services that allow them to maintain strong ties with their loved ones back home,” she said.

For his part, Globe executive vice president and chief operating officer for International and Business Markets Gil Genio said the company aims to provide the best connectivity offers to over 11 million Filipinos overseas.

 â€œWe are pleased to be able to introduce the Globe brand of service to Pinoys in Italy, making it more affordable to keep in touch with family and friends back in the Philippines,” he added.