Globe, Google tie up for free Web access

MANILA, Philippines - Ayala-controlled Globe Telecom Inc. has tied up with Google to become the world’s first telecom operator to offer access to the World Wide Web and select Google services on Internet-enabled mobile phones without any data charges.

Globe senior advisor for consumer business Peter Bithos said subscribers of Globe and TM could enjoy free access to their email, Google searches, and others through the Free Zone powered by Google.

Bithos said the service would be available to 30 million Globe and TM subscribers until March 31 next year wherein they could enjoy easy and instant access to Google Search, Gmail, and Google+ on feature phones and smartphones at no cost via libre.ph.

He pointed out that all a subscriber needs is an Internet-capable handset to search the web, send and receive e-mails, and share experiences anytime, anywhere, minus the mobile browsing charges.

“Our products and services are all about empowering our subscribers, and Free Zone testifies to this promise yet again. Free Zone powered by Google empowers subscribers by letting them be in the know and keeping them updated right at their fingertips. The best part is, subscribers don’t need to worry about getting charged, so they can enjoy visiting sites through Google and other Google services worry-free,” he said.

Free Zone is perfect for first-time mobile Internet users who often find basic services like e-mail, mobile web browsing and social applications to be very expensive, thus limiting their subscription to mobile surfing plans and bundles.

“With this great innovation by Globe and Google, we uphold our promise of providing Internet for all as we bring mobile surfing easier, more accessible, and more relevant to today’s fast-paced life. It’s by far the best mobile Internet experience out there, with the availability of an offer where e-mail, search and social networking are all rolled into one at no cost,” Bithos said.

He explained that Globe would study the results of the innovation to determine whether or not the same could be offered to post paid subscribers of Globe and TM.

For his part, Google head of products for Southeast Asia Andrew McGlinchey said the company wants to make search available to as many people as possible through the tie-up with Globe.

“But a free search result isn’t much good if you can’t then go to the Web site. So we decided to make all those Web sites available as part of the package as well. We’re hoping Free Zone will make the mobile Internet feel like a necessity that everyone can use rather than a luxury,” he said.

The versions of Google Search, Gmail and Google+ on Free Zone are designed to work well with feature phones that lack the technological firepower of a smartphone.

Google built the software and Globe became the first operator in the world to make it work on its network, making the Philippines the first place in the world to use this new product.

“The free click brings us right back to Google’s roots and I’m Feeling Lucky.There’s a Web page out there for almost every question and we’re still trying to get you there in one click, or less,” McGlinchey added.