LEADING wireless services operator Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) has been tapped by the Airline Operators Council (AOC), the local organization of international airlines operating in the country, and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), to provide free communication services to departing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Through the "SIM-pleng Pabaon ng Smart" program, OFWs who are about to leave the country will receive from the AOC and MIAA a free Smart Pinoy SIM right before their flight out. Participating airlines include Gulf Air, Saudia, Emirates, Northwest, KLM, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and other major international airlines.

Panagbenga 2009 blog

The Smart Pinoy SIM is ready for use overseas, with its pre-activated international roaming feature and free P20 pre-load. It offers OFWs the most affordable text roaming service at P20 per message sent. OFWs can also continue to receive SMS from the Philippines even with zero maintaining balance in their Smart Pinoy SIM. In addition, their families in the Philippines can send them SMS for only P1 per message sent.

"From our experience in interacting directly with OFWs, we are aware of how increasingly valuable communication has become for them. We are glad to assist the AOC and MIAA in providing Smart services to these modern-day heroes," said Smart business development and international services head Perry V. Bayani.

"The Smart Pinoy SIM will enable OFWs and their families back home to save on their communication expenses. This is just one of the many Smart services that seek to improve the quality of life of our subscribers, malayo man o malapit," said Smart consumer acquisition, loyalty, and marketing services head Annie P. Naval.

Smart is the Filipinos' biggest mobile network to the world, serving 35.2 million subscribers on its GSM network as of end-December 2008. Its products and services are available in over 200 countries abroad in partnership with over 400 international network partners. Through PLDT Global, Smart also serves the mobile communication needs of Filipinos in Hong Kong, Singapore and Italy. (Press release)