New Smart service allows calls even on low load

MANILA, Philippines - Leading wireless services provider Smart Communications Inc. now makes it possible to call even when low on load with the new Dial *SOS-VOICE service.

From Aug. 1 to Oct. 15, 2011, Smart and Talk ‘N Text subscribers can avail of Dial *SOS-VOICE by keying in *7871 on their mobile phone. If the account does not have any pending or unpaid loans, a one minute voice call value and P1 airtime load (both valid for one day) will be advanced and credited to the subscriber’s account. An SMS message confirming the transaction will be received by the subscriber.

To make the emergency call to any Smart or Talk N’ Text number, simply key in *797 + the 11-digit mobile number (e.g. *79709181234567). Meanwhile, the P1 airtime load can be used to send one text message to other networks or as the required maintaining balance for services such as UNLITXT or UNLISURF.

“Although we have a vast network of over 1.3 million Smart Load retailers nationwide, we understand that there are circumstances when our prepaid subscribers simply cannot reload their accounts,” Smart wireless consumer division head Danilo Mojica said.

“It could be an emergency, bad timing or simply lack of funds. We imagine that it can be very frustrating to run out of credits when you really need to send even just one text message to ask help from loved ones or to simply tell them you’re OK,” he added.

The payment for Dial *SOS-VOICE is P6.50. Smart will collect the amount from the subscriber’s account the next day or whenever they top-up their prepaid account. Subscribers are required to settle any outstanding Dial *SOS-VOICE service prior to repeat usage.

Last March, Smart made permanent its Dial *SOS Emergency SMS loan service to all Smart and TNT subscribers. Like the VOICE version, Dial *SOS SMS gives any one a chance to send text messages even when they have zero credits left. To avail of the service, subscribers just needs to key in *767 (the keypad numbers corresponding to *SOS) on their phone. They will then receive P4 worth of emergency credits (3 SMS plus P1 airtime) valid for 24 hours. Payment for the SMS loan is P4 and follows the same collection process as that of SOS VOICE.