Globe Telecom, PAL tie up on extra service

Globe Telecom has tied up with Philippine Airlines (PAL) to be the country's first and only provider of airline information and content via the mobile phone.

The service can be accessed by subscribers using handsets with wireless application protocol (WAP) capability such as Nokia 7110 and Ericsson R320s and is exclusive for Globe. WAP is a technology that allows Internet information to fit into cellular phones.

Developed in cooperation with online service provider Quantum, the PAL WAP site currently provides the most extensive information available coming from any airline company while in the road.

Through the site, Globe WAP users can conveniently check information about PAL's products and services; flight routes, schedules and rates; and even make the actual airline ticket reservation online.

Other information such as travel advisories, security checks, baggage allowances and PAL contact numbers are also available.

Aside from its airline information service, Globe's other value-added applications for WAP include news, travel and career information access; WAP e-mail; online magazine contents; mobile banking; prepaid account reloading; and over-the-counter mobile phone bill payments.

Globe also provides exclusive access to internationally noted WAP sites such as CNN and soon, with Yahoo!.

In another development, starting June 1, Globe's fixed line service will introduce the "Globelines Hot List" which will allow its estimated 150,000 customers to enjoy discounted calling rates of P3 per minute for three domestic long distance numbers enrolled by the subscribers in the program.

The P3-per-minute rate will apply to the enrolled number 24 hours a day, seven days a week for a full 12-month period that will allow subscribers to save as much as 70 percent off on regular long distance rates.