Globe unveils affordable IDD rates for seafarers

CEBU, Philippines - Realizing the big seafarer market for telecommunication services, Globe Telecom in partnership with its principal Singapore Telecommunications, announced the introduction of “pocket-friendly” IDD rates, regardless of locations from all over the world.

Under the agreement, Globe will carry SingTel’s inTOUCH prepaid call cards which carry special discounted rates for calls to any Globe or TM phone, Globelines and Globe DUO numbers.

In a statement Globe said that this is the company’s commitment to bring Filipinos closer especially those who have family members working as seafarers. The cards can be used in vessels equipped with Inmarsat satellite phone technology and come in two denominations-- US$25 and US$50.

The new prepaid call card complements the company’s existing satellite communication services, offered through the special partnership of Globe with Iridium Communications Inc., a leading global provider of satellite-supported communications.

“The SingTel inTOUCH prepaid call cards are a more affordable and efficient option for our seafarers to stay in touch while at sea,” said Rizza Maniego-Eala, International Business Group Head of Globe Telecom.

“With about 300,000 Filipino seafarers working at various international shipping companies, Globe decided to make calls more affordable on top of being accessible to the families of these hardworking OFWs. About 60 to 70 percent of seafarers around the globe are Filipinos, manning oil tankers, luxury liners, and passenger vessels worldwide, exposing them to piracy attacks. Even at great distance, calling their loved-ones more often at more affordable rates, anytime and anywhere, is now possible.”

Globe has continued to expand its international services, offering a wide array of roaming services, IDD call cards, discounted IDD rates and co-branded call services with telecommunication companies abroad.

This partnership between Globe and Singtel Inmarsat is another way of providing value-for-money services for these hardworking modern-day heroes, Eala said.

Globe also has the widest international roaming coverage among all Philippine telecommunications companies, with over 600 roaming partners across all continents.

On top of this, Globe also has partnerships with several telecommunication companies around the world for dedicated IDD products that offer special discounted rates for calling loved-ones in the Philippines, including Mobily in Saudi Arabia, CSL in Hong Kong as well as Lebara in Europe and Australia. (FREEMAN)