Globe ties up with US-based group for broadband technology

MANILA, Philippines - US-based Vonage Holdings Corp. has entered into an agreement with Globe Telecom to deliver best-in-market broadband technology and pricing to and from the Philippines.

Company officials said that with more than three million Filipinos living in the US, the Filipino-calling segment represents a substantial growth opportunity for Vonage and for Globe. This attractive customer segment is highly educated, has an average income that is 50 percent higher than the US population, has a high penetration of broadband service and a high affinity for staying connected to friends and family overseas, they said.

“We are pleased to sign our first international partnership with Globe. Together, we’ve structured a creative alliance that allows us to address the largely underserved needs of Filipino callers. We expect to be in the market later this year,” Vonage chief executive officer Marc Lefar said.

Lefar added that this alliance marks a significant milestone in Vonage’s strategy to expand their services beyond North America and that by leveraging their heritage of VoIP innovation and expertise in international long distance, they can offer partners such as Globe the ability to expand their communications businesses in their local markets and beyond.

“We remain actively involved in discussions with several prospective partners and look forward to announcing additional alliances before the end of this year,” Lefar added.

Vonage is a leading provider of communications services connecting individuals through broadband devices worldwide. Its technology serves approximately 2.4 million subscribers and provides feature-rich, affordable communication solutions that offer flexibility, portability and ease-of-use.

“Our Vonage World plan offers unlimited calling to more than 60 countries with popular features like call waiting, call forwarding and visual voicemail - for one low monthly rate. Vonage’s service is sold on the web and through regional and national retailers including Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Kmart and Sears, and is available to customers in the US, Canada,and the United Kingdom,” Lefar said.