OVER 38 million Smart Buddy and TnT subscribers may now avail of the enhanced International Direct Dialing (IDD) offerings exclusive to seven countries that host large concentrations of overseas Filipinos.

Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) has unveiled its enhanced IDD offers when making a call to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, United States, South Korea, Canada, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

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The IDD rates, which go for as low as P2.50 per minute, may be availed of just by using any mobile phone powered by a Smart Buddy or TnT SIM.

A subscriber simply has to key in and send to 8910, to activate the service. Minimum load purchase requirement is P50.00.

“Smart recognizes the importance of communication between overseas Filipinos and their loved ones here in the Philippines,” said Kathy C. Carag, Smart International Services Head.

“This service offering is in response to the clamor for more affordable, accessible, and relevant communication solutions for the increasingly mobile Filipino,” Carag added.

With Smart’s IDD rate sale, a 20-minute call to the US which used to cost $0.40 a minute or P20.00 at prevailing foreign exchange rates now costs as low as P2.50 per minute.

“Smart’s worldwide presence has made us the mobile network of choice for millions of Filipinos worldwide,” said Danilo J. Mojica, Smart Wireless Consumer Division head.

As of December 2007, the commission on Filipinos Overseas, pegged the total number of Filipinos found in key cities of America, Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and the Middle East at 8.7 million.

“We are pleased to provide overseas Filipinos and their loved ones with access to the widest and best communication coverage, at more affordable rates,” Mojica concluded.

Smart’s wide array of international products and services such as international direct dial (IDD) calling, international 3G calling and international texting, are available in 200 countries abroad, in partnership with over 400 international network partners.

Through PLDT Global, Smart also serves the mobile communication needs of Filipinos in Singapore and Hong Kong.