BayanTel, Hutchinson Global of HK launch video-telephone service

BayanTelecommunications Inc. (BayanTel) and Hutchinson Global Communications of Hong Kong have launched Video Tawag, an international point-to-point video telephony service between Hong Kong and the Philippines to serve the communication needs of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in Hong Kong.

The first service of its kind in the Philippines, Video Tawag allows OFWs in Hong Kong to talk to – and see – their families and friends in the Philippines using video-conferencing facilities installed in public calling offices located in strategic areas in Hong Kong and the Philippines.

Video Tawag utilizes an advanced communications technology that integrates voice and video services to provide instant audio and visual capability with minimal latency.

In Hong Kong, the service is called Face to Face Kisses, an extension of the Kisses international pay phone cards from Hutchinson for Filipino OFWs.

The launch was held last Dec. 29 at the BayanTel Roosevelt Operations Center in Roosevelt Quezon City, highlighted by a Video Tawag feed of the launch in Hong Kong held simultaneously at the Chater Road in Central where Filipinos in Hong Kong are known to congregate.

The launch was highlighted by a free session for selected Filipino families in Hong Kong who were able to talk to and see their relatives in the Philippines.

In Hong Kong, the video call center is located at Shop 245, World Wide Plaza in Central, the most popular shopping mall for Filipinos in Hong Kong.

In the Philippines, Video Tawag is available at public calling offices of Radio Communications Philippines Inc. (RCPI) – a BayanTel affiliate – in Quezon City, Angeles City, Tarlac, Cabanatuan, Dagupan, and Vigan in Ilocos Norte.

BayanTel vice president for international business Sherry Ann Supelana said the new service underscores BayanTel’s position as being at the forefront of pioneering efforts in telephony services to bridge Filipino families together.