PLDT’s newest service links landline subscribers to Net

Telecommunications giant Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) has launched its newest service that aims to make available to its landline subscribers a connection to the Internet at affordable rates by charging them only for minutes used.

PLDT Vibe, a dial-up Internet service available to all postpaid residential telephones nationwide, marks the company’s strategic thrust to participate in the growing Internet market and continue to leverage its extensive fixed line infrastructure by introducing new products and services.

It allows postpaid landline subscribers to get direct Internet access from their homes. Without sign-up fees, they simply have to configure their PC or laptop for the PLDT Vibe service and dial-up to 101300. They pay only for minutes used.

"This pay-per-surf Internet service will be a big benefit to our PLDT subscribers. It is also aimed at maintaining competitiveness vis-à-vis other telecom companies, maximize PLDT’s network resources and generate new revenue streams by strategically participating in the Internet/consumer data service market," according to PLDT national retail marketing sector head Joaquin L. San Agustin.

PLDT Vibe recently concluded a test phase that saw thousands of users connect to the Internet service. In less than one month, the number of subscribers that signed up with PLDT Vibe made the Internet service one of the top ISP’s in the country in terms of subscriber base.

The advantages of PLDT Vibe are numerous. It can be accessed on PLDT post-paid residential phones nationwide with just a single access number (101300), per minute charging, pre-activated service, one bill convenience, and online usage checking (call details/Internet usage via the web). Not only is PLDT Vibe convenient and extensive, it is also fast.

Internet access is charged 50 centavos/minute during peak hours and 25 centavos/minute during off-peak hours.

PLDT officials said the strategic transformation of PLDT from a traditional phone company to a total communications conglomerate offering rich and varied forms of communication continues and that, with the launching of PLDT Vibe, the country’s dominant fixed line network takes a quantum leap towards reengineering the fixed line into a communications platform for the Internet generation.

"Thousands of users have availed of this newest service, which include the young market with fast-paced lifestyle. They are creative, expressive, prefer personalized and customized service, and products which provide excitement yet with value for money," San Agustin noted.

Meanwhile, PLDT wireless subsidiary Smart Communications Inc. and FindMe LBS of the Lopez Group of Companies recently introduced new wireless security services to Cebu-based businessmen.

The new security services — Smart vehicle locator and home security systems — use short messaging service (SMS) or text messaging not only for security alerts, but also for executing commands that can disable car engines and notify security police.

The Smart vehicle locator allows Smart cellular phone service subscribers to track their vehicles in real-time using their mobile phones via SMS. Through a special hardware called TrackMe Vehicle Tracking and Managing System, Smart celfone users can monitor the location and use of their vehicles through SMS alerts.

The Smart home security system, on the other hand, relies on the wide GSM coverage of Smart to inform home and business owners of a possible break-in. The speed, accuracy, and reliability of Smart’s SMS from the backbone of this system as all alerts are sent to subscribers via text, officials said.

"Our GSM coverage, which is the widest in the country, and our robust network, will ensure that these new security services can be availed of by its subscribers not only in Cebu, but also in the remotest areas," Smart product and business development head Edgardo Bautista noted.