Globe Telecom taps Calibria for GPRS project

Ayala-owned Globel Telecom has entered into an agreement with Calibria AS for the development of a GPRS (general packet radio service) messaging application that allows subscribers to send and receive messages from SMS, e-mail and the internal messaging system.

Recently launched as "Globe XTM" (XTM stands for eXtra-long Text and e-Mail), the service has been made available to subscribers of Globe Handyphone, Globe’s cellular phones service.

Globe XTM allows users to send and receive messages between Globe XTM users in an easy and convenient mobile form using GPRS phones. These messages can be up to 480 characters in length and one can even attach pictures from a selection of available graphics. A user can also choose a Globe XTM nickname that also becomes his personalized email address.

The larger message support makes it possible for Globe XTM users to also send messages to non-Globe XTM users at an effective reduced rate of P1. Globe Handyphone users without Globe XTM can also use SMS to send messages to Globe XTM users. Currently, Globe XTM users can store 60 messages and 250 contact entries on the Globe network.

Colibria developed, customized and installed the system that supports Globe XTM, and integrated the solution into Globe’s existing network environment.

"The Globe XTM messaging application allows subscribers to write longer messages, attach pictures and even send and receive e-mail. Globe XTM is the newest trend-setting innovation that will further enrich the value-added service we give to our subscribers," said Rufino Ruiz, director for value-added services of Globe Telecom.

"We are impressed with the advanced mobile phone market in the Philippines and even more impressed with Globe’s ideas and speed for delivering these concepts to their subscribers. The Globe XTM service is unique in many ways and it makes good use of GPRS technology for a consumer application. The rapid development of this product for Globe re-affirms Colibria’s commitment to Globe and the Asian market," says Torleif Nesheim, CEO of Colibria AS, based in Oslo, Norway.