Globe offers exclusive SIM card for seamen

MANILA, Philippines - Ayala-led Globe Telecom has teamed up with UK-based telecom solutions provider iVitta to offer an exclusive SIM card that will allow Filipino seafarers from anywhere in the world to call and text their loved ones back home at the lowest rates.

The move is in line with Globe’s efforts to capture a significant chunk of the nearly 500,000 Filipino seafarers serving on international commercial fleets.

Globe International Business Group head Rizza Maniego-Eala said the Globe Seafarer SIM is revolutionary on its own as it has an international mobile number and a local Globe mobile number that allows Filipino mariners to make calls and texts to the Philippines at the most affordable prices.

Using their international mobile number, seafarers can call the Philippines for as low as $0.20 per minute and text for as low as $0.10 per message.

On the other hand, with the seafarer’s local Globe mobile number, calls from the Philippines using a Globe or TM number will be charged local Philippine calling rates of only P6.50 per minute.

The Globe Seafarer SIM Card can be used on most networks using a global interconnection with over 650 GSM networks worldwide.

“We are excited to provide another innovative and value-for-money service to the members of the Philippine maritime community with the Globe Seafarer SIM,” Eala said.

With the Globe Seafarer SIM, seafarers have one single virtual Globe number which charges their relatives in the Philippines local calling rates, making communication more affordable, Eala said.

“Similarly, their family members and loved ones back home in the Philippines don’t need to confuse themselves what number to call or text especially when the seafarer is travelling port-to-port and using different local numbers.

For his part, iVitta CEO Simon Black, said: “We are delighted to be working with Globe Telecom. Their influence in the Philippines is exceptional and we hope for a long and prosperous partnership as we expand our presence among Filipino seafarers with our roster of innovative services.” iVitta Mobile specializes in providing low-cost global telecoms solutions to the maritime and offshore communities.