Kababayan SIM out for Singapore OFWs

In response to the communication needs of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families, Globe Telecom has collaborated with Singapore-based SingTel Mobile to offer a co-branded SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) for them in Singapore.

Dubbed as the Kababayan SIM, it is the first and only SIM card in the Singaporean market to offer IDD calls and international SMS to the Philippines at local rates.

First launched in December 2004, the Kababayan SIM has gained loyal patronage among OFWs in Singapore.

With the Kababayan SIM, IDD calls to Globe and TM (Touch Mobile) subscribers in the Philippines are now locally priced at S$0.22/minute, as compared to other operators’ rate of S$0.40/minute.

International SMS to Globe and TM subscribers is also offered at lower rates: only S$0.05 per text message, versus other operators’ rate of S$0.15 per message.

SingTel vice president for consumer marketing Thomas Yeo said, "This project is part of the company’s effort to tap specific prepaid market segments in cooperation with its regional partners.

"We are pleased to keep our Filipino customers in touch with their loved ones while offering significant savings at the same time," he says.

"Our collaboration with Globe Telecom has enabled us to offer an unparalleled value proposition that is truly relevant to the consumers," he adds.

To complement the Kababayan SIM offering in Singapore, Globe is also offering special IDD and ISMS promo rates to enable its customers in the Philippines to call and text their family members in Singapore at lower cost.

For Globe and TM subscribers, IDD calls to SingTel Mobile subscribers are now at a discounted rate of P7.50 per minute.

For Globe subscribers, international text messages to SingTel Mobile subscribers can also be sent at the local rate of P1 per message.

In the Philippines, Globe Prepaid and TM subscribers can avail themselves of discounts and privileges in various partner establishments by registering for membership to Globe Kababayan, Globe’s special service arm for OFWs and their families.

Information on job openings, loans, and OFW-related events are also available through the Kababayan cellphone menu.

Globe chief operating adviser Andrew Buay views the joint project as part of an overall thrust to serve the growing OFW market segment.

"This special offering is part of both companies’ continuing commitment to enrich consumers’ lives and bring families closer together through mobile communication. We envision more synergies between Globe and SingTel to help strengthen the bond between the Filipinos in Singapore and their loved ones back home," he says.

Globe’s wireless business head Ferdz de la Cruz says, "Globe continually aims to better serve its subscribers who have family members working abroad. The Kababayan SIM is part of our effort to understand and respond to the needs of OFWs and their families."

The Kababayan SIM is currently available in SingTel hello! stores and local dealers at Lucky Plaza along Orchard Road in Singapore.

For more information, visit the Globe Kababayan website http://www.globekababayan.com.ph.