Newly acquired Smart Communications subsidiary Connectivity Unlimited Resource Enterprise (CURE) recently launched the first ad-funded mobile-phone service in Asia known as “ümobile” in Cebu, which is set to commercially launch this June.
In an exclusive interview with Ardie Balderrama, Chief Marketing Officer of CURE, he explained that ümobile is the fourth 3G network provider licensed by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) which has been originally part of the Ongpin Group and was bought by Smart Communications a month ago.
The services of “ümobile” allows subscribers to enjoy basic network services such as call, text, surfing the net for free as a particular brand or company subsidizes his or her usage in exchange for viewing these companies’ ads in their mobile phones.
This concept according to Balderrama is more popularly known as mobile marketing and advertising, which is the first of its kind commercial operations in Asia and the Philippines.
Weeks ago, CURE did advance pitch talks with their potential advertisers and he said that some brands and companies have given positive feedbacks regarding their commercial operations.
“Our consumers and advertisers have win-win relationship in this particular business model because our subscribers can enjoy our network’s wide services while advertisers’ will be assured that we develop campaigns that will be sent to specific markets,” he pointed out.
Some of ümobile’s feature and services include free P100 load every month for the first 6 months, enhanced communication with Fring a mobile VOIP service provider. Subscribers can also enjoy nationwide coverage; earn rewards with every ad viewed, mobile broadband surfing and PC calling with virtual phone.
Balderrama also said that they have facility sharing with Smart so they will be utilizing the network’s cell sites wherever in the country. Currently, they are still working on this same agreement with Sun Cellular and Globe as they have already been able to tap PLDT and Bayan Telecommunications. — Rhia de Pablo