Smart supports IT trade fairs in Bicol

Smart Communications Inc. recently participated in two information technology (IT) trade fairs in the Bicol region, held in support of the Smart Small Enterprise Development Week.

Small business entrepreneurs and students from Legazpi City and Sorsogon had a field day acquainting themselves with the latest trends and updates in the IT sector when Smart, together with a number of IT companies, partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry, local businessmen’s groups and the provincial governments of Albay and Sorsogon to set up four-day trade fairs in their respective localities.

The "Infotek" show held in Legazpi City provided a venue and opportunity for the IT companies to promote and sell their products and services to the local markets, especially to the small and medium business enterprises.

Similarly, the ICT Expo in Sorsogon drew a number of enterprise developers, students and entrepreneurs to the demo booths and seminars conducted by the various IT and IT-related companies.

Smart, for instance, showcased in "Infotek" its latest innovation, TextBox, which lets users of SmarTalk Payphones to send and receive text messages with their TextBox card, which comes free for every purchase of the SmartTalk Payphone card.

SmarTalk, the country’s only payphone that operates on a GSM wireless environment, was a highlight of last year’s Bicol Infotek show.

Rec Babasa of the Smart m-com group also gave a talk on another Smart innovation – the 64K Super SIM. Babasa’s presentation on the benefits of the SuperSIM, which integrates the power of the Smart zed and Smart Money, greatly impressed the Infotek attendees, comprised mostly of businessmen, professionals, academicians and local government officials and personnel.

"SuperSIM strengthens the capability of Smart to provide the best possible service for entrepreneurs and consumers alike," said Babasa in his product presentation.

SmartLink, Smart’s newest satellite phone offering, also made a good following at the Sorsogon trade show. Small businessmen marveled at the satellite phone technology provided by SmartLink, which ensures effective communication service in areas not reached by wired or cellular networks.

Several Bicolano entrepreneurs availed themselves of SmartLink, which they say, will help prop up their businesses in the province’s remote areas.

To boost student participation in both fairs, the wireless firm also held an IT Quiz via SMS. AMA-Legazpi student Emily Cuya won first place, earning for herself a brand new Nokia 3310.