Globe offers 'unli' calls to US

MANILA, Philippines - Ayala-controlled Globe Telecom has tied up with New York Stock Exchange listed Vonage Holdings Corp. to connect about 3.5 million Filipinos living in the US with their loved ones in the Philippines.

In a statement, Vonage Holdings managing director for international markets Kimberly O’Loughlin said the strategic partnership with Globe would allow the company to provide a low-cost, simple to use calling solution for the 3.5 million Filipinos living in the US.

“With our new plan, the Filipino community can affordably stay connected with friends and family abroad without the worry of counting calling card minutes or managing expensive long distance costs,” O’Loughlin stressed. 

The plan combines unlimited calling to all of Globe’s more than 31 million mobile and wireline subscribers with Vonage’s ultra-low per minute rate to all other numbers in the Philippines. 

Additionally, the plan provides unlimited calls to the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, and 60 other countries around the world. The innovative Vonage Extensions(tm) service that allows calls from mobile phones is also included for no additional charge.

The new plan, Vonage(r) Unlimited to Globe(r) Philippines is now available immediately at a flat rate of $29.99 per month plus taxes and fee. The plan is the result of the recently-announced collaboration between Vonage and Globe.

The partnership marks a significant milestone in Vonage’s strategy to expand internationally.

“We are exploring additional alliances and plan to announce at least one additional partnership this year,” O’Loughlin added.

Globe group head for international business Rizza Maniego-Eala said the collaboration between Globe and Vonage presents a firm promise that the telecom provider would continue to stay attuned to the needs of the market by developing products that are truly relevant and competitive.