Globe, Viber team up for chat services sans Wi-Fi

MANILA, Philippines -- Globe Telecom and popular instant messaging app Viber announced their partnership Wednesday to offer unlimited Viber services in call, text and chat services even without the need for Wi-Fi.

Besides mobile internet bundles, Globe's Prepaid GoUNLI25 is a bundled prepaid offer with unlimited texts and unlimited calls to Globe/TM plus unlimited Viber Chat services sans the use of Wi-Fi or additional data charges.

Peter Bithos, senior advisor for consumer business at Globe Telecom, said the partnership is in line with Globe's strategy to explore new revenue streams beyond call and text services, becoming a full-fledged digital brand.

"We are happy and excited to collaborate with Viber as their exclusive Philippine telco partner to expand their presence and user base in the country," Bithos said.

Bithos added the latest Globe offer is another first in the Philippines.

Available for only P25 and valid for one day, the GoUNLI25 allows subscribers to connect with their contacts in any Globe network as well as with other users subscribed to other networks both in the Philippines and abroad, for as long as their contacts have Viber accounts.  

The use of Viber promises subscribers a rich messaging experience as they would be able to express themselves through group conversations, use of stickers, and sharing of photos and videos, among others.  

Talmon Marco, chief executive officer of Viber, was present in the partnership launch with Bithos in a press briefing at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

"Viber is excited to partner with Globe Telecom as we endeavor to grow our footprint in the Philippines. With Viber’s revolutionary features that Filipinos love, it is definitely a refreshing experience to use the application without having to wait for Wi-Fi," Marco said.

Viber allows users to connect freely by sending free text messages

Viber currently has more than 200 million users in 193 countries and continues to introduce new platforms. Its users can send free text messages, photo messages, video messages and share locations anywhere in the world, and also make free, high definition-quality calls on iPhone, Android, Windows Phone, Blackberry, Windows, Mac and other devices over 3G/4G or WiFi connections.