PLDT signs deal with Air21 for wireless Internet access

The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) has struck a deal with Airfreight 2100 Inc. (Air21) for the provision of wireless Internet access for the latter’s sales force using a service called PLDT WeRoam.

Under the deal, PLDT turned over to Air21 59 units of PLDT WeRoam IP VPN (Internet Protocol — Virtual Private Network) bundled with Lenovo ThinkPad laptops. Through PLDT WeRoam, Air21 laptops will be able to connect to the Internet and the Air21 private network wherever there is a cellular phone signal by Smart.

"We are very glad to be partners with Air21," according to PLDT senior vice president Ernesto R. Alberto. "Being one of the top logistics solution providers in the country, Air21 can now experience first-hand the benefits of mobility that only the expansive network of PLDT WeRoam provides. That can be a strategic advantage for them in the long run."

Air21 president and COO Angelito Alvarez said his company may soon realize productivity improvements with PLDT WeRoam.

"Real-time reporting is now possible. Being mobile now doesn’t mean being out of touch. We can get more things done even while on the go," he said.

He added that the 59 members of the Air21 sales team were elated during the turnover of the units since this is the first time the company has offered this tool to their employees. Air21’s sister companies under the Lina Group are now thinking of getting PLDT WeRoam for their managers and executives as well.

PLDT first vice president Nerissa Ramos said many companies are now taking advantage of PLDT WeRoam to improve productivity without sacrificing mobility for their workforce.

"We have now transcended the limits of wired Internet or private network access. It’s a new era of mobility for us and our clients," said Ramos. "With the plan of the WeRoam service to soon ride on the expansive network of the 3G/3.5G (HSDPA) network of the PLDT group, which has now blanketed key areas of the Philippines, Air 21 employees will soon be able to connect to the Internet or private network at even higher speeds."