Twitter, Globe, and Smart to Provide Daily Entertainment Updates to over 120 Million Mobile Phone Subscribers in PH

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It may not be the first time I've seen the two telcos (Globe and Smart) together in one project, but it is still very rare. I have to commend them for being able to have them show up for a photo ops to support this latest innovation from one of the most widely used, if not top, social media network in the country.

Twitter just launched Twitter Lite in the Philippines. This is the third country in Southeast Asia that they launched the app which is a smaller version of the well-loved Twitter. The aim here is to provide consumers access to a similar Twitter application but requiring smaller file size and faster loading times that would save us from longer data or Internet connection on our mobile phones. Globe and Smart will be providing entertainment content and updates through Twitter that could now easily be accessed by consumers..

Just recently I attended another project having the equal presence of Globe and Smart. It is the launch of the EDSA MRT Wi-Fi which allows us to access the Internet along the lengthy track of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) along EDSA, and though it has not been fully implemented yet as of this writing, this project, along with the ongoing Juan Konek project of the government (which aims to place free Wi-Fi Internet connections on all public places all over the country), would definitely increase the usage of social media networks including Twitter.

Still, the free Internet connection is not unlimited for a long time since the two telcos are planning to have it for free only on the first 30 minutes as soon as all systems are stable and have been tested having acceptable standards. They will soon be charging rates so you would need to top up or load up.

Twitter Lite will provide faster, data-friendly, and more accessible mobile web experience for Filipinos to stay updated on what’s happening in the Philippines and around the world. Users can enable data saver mode on Twitter Lite to enjoy real-time Entertainment content in an affordable manner at any time and reduce their data usage by up to 70%. In this mode, users will see a preview of images and videos before choosing which ones to fully load.

I've had a great opportunity to video interview two executives form Twitter Southeast Asia namely Tina Pang (Head of Sales) and Dwi Adriansah (Head of Business Development). It will be uploaded soon on Wazzup Pilipinas social media networks including Twitter.

Globe, GCash, Cauayan City Ink Strategic Partnership to Deliver 1st World Internet

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Globe Telecom and the Cauayan City government have hammered out a strategic partnership to deliver 1st world internet services as well as create a digital cashless ecosystem, which will be undertaken through GCash.

The partnership involves deployment of an integrated network plan to improve mobile coverage and provide high-speed internet service in the city. The rollout forms part of Globe Telecom’s One Digital City initiative, intended to expand network coverage and enhance capacities, particularly for fixed-line, in a bid to elevate the state of the country’s internet.

“Accelerating ICT development enhances inclusive economic development as it significantly improves delivery of public services, enables enterprises to access valuable information and spur transformation in growth areas. We are grateful for the support that the Cauayan city government extended to Globe and we hope to replicate this partnership in other areas in the country,” Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu said.

As part of using technology for governance, GCash, the mobile money platform of Globe, and Cauayan City have embarked on a pioneer initiative to implement the co-branded Citizen ID cards initially for 5,000 government employees and constituents to provide easy access to social and financial services that will bolster the economy forward. Eventually, the IDs will be rolled-out to all 130,000 constituents of the city.

The Citizen ID may be used to electronically pay government fees and taxes, utilities and other bills electronically and purchases from local merchants; for disbursement of salaries, stipends, allowances and other benefits to citizens, government employees and volunteers; and in the provision of easy, fast and flexible Fuse loans for sustainable livelihood development programs for micro and small and medium enterprises.

Enabling e-payments will help increase access to social and financial services for citizens, reduce opportunity cost lost in cash handling, and tighten security of funds and transparency in government transactions.

Globe has been aggressively ramping up network investments as it gained access to new spectrum resources following partial acquisition of San Miguel’s telecommunication assets such as the 700 megahertz (MHz). Specifically, the company committed to deploy 4,500 sites in about 95% of cities and municipalities in the country within a 3-year period.

The company’s collaboration with the Cauayan city government is also in line with its initiative, which started early this year, of creating an internet superhighway by deploying high-speed broadband technology. Specifically, the company plans to deploy high-speed broadband technology in 2 million homes nationwide by 2020.

Globe has also been pouring significant investment for its corporate data network with additional investment of $50 million. The company started rolling out a capacity expansion program for its corporate data network to address bandwidth requirement of its enterprise clients as they make use of various data solutions to improve business efficiency, enhance productivity, and boost competitiveness. With the partnership, the initiative to enhance Globe Telecom’s corporate data network is also expected to benefit enterprises based in Cauayan as well as help promote social inclusion through technology.

Twitter Announces Globe as First Advertising Partner in Asia for NBA Live Stream Shows

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Twitter and Globe today announced an advertising collaboration for the NBA’s two live exclusive programs streamed on Twitter and for custom NBA highlights on Twitter in the Philippines. The collaboration strengthens Twitter’s live stream strategy in the region with Globe as Twitter’s first official live stream advertising partner in Asia and reinforces the telco’s commitment to provide the best customer proposition of giving access to world class basketball entertainment.

As an advertising partner, Globe will collaborate with Twitter on the live stream of two new weekly NBA shows with first-of-its-kind elements created specifically for integration with Twitter conversation. The Starters Twitter Show, produced by Turner Sports, is streamed once a week for an hour. Similarly, the weekly 30-minute show, The Warmup, also produced by Turner Sports, is featured exclusively to Twitter’s logged-in and logged-out audience. Read more on both programs, which are live every Tuesday and Thursday worldwide on Twitter and connected devices, here.

NBA fans can visit thestarters.twitter.com and thewarmup.twitter.com to watch the programs on Twitter:

The Starters Twitter Show airs on Tuesdays, 11am ET / Wednesdays, 12am Manila time throughout the regular season. Featuring co-hosts J.E. Skeets (@jeskeets) and Tas Melas (@TasMelas), along with contributors Trey Kerby (@treykerby), Leigh Ellis (@LeighEllis), Matt Osten (@StartersMatt) and Jason Coyle (@startersjd), the program delivers their trademark passion for the game with the same fun, entertaining, and engaging content that they provide each week on NBA TV and through their podcasts.

The Warmups airs on Thursdays, 7:30pm ET / Fridays, 8:30am Manila time. The show is a blend of the NBA, lifestyle, music, and pop culture, and is a weekly NBA show that integrates Twitter conversation into every program. The Warmup is streamed live from Turner Studios in Atlanta and is co-hosted by sports and entertainment commentator Ben Lyons (@iamBenLyons) and emcee, DJ and sports personality Ro Parrish (@RoParrish). Both personalities have a wide range of experiences across television, radio, social and digital content, including host and guest appearances on prominent national shows.

"Twitter is where the world of sport is happening every single day, and the NBA is no exception," said Maya Hari, Managing Director for Southeast Asia and India, Twitter. "Ninety percent of male Twitter users in the Philippines are interested in basketball, with 76% of them actively following and watching the NBA. As part of Twitter's focus on live streaming of premium content, we are proud to partner with Globe to promote the live stream game highlights to Filipino NBA fans."

“Our collaboration with Twitter strengthens our commitment to provide the best customer proposition of giving access to world class basketball entertainment. Twitter’s live stream service allows us to strengthen our proposition to bring the best in sports to more Filipinos and in this case, more exclusive content on the NBA. With two exclusive shows on Twitter, customers are given a new platform where they can explore and get real-time updates about the NBA, from the leading teams to the top players in the league," said Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business, Dan Horan.

Since the NBA joined Twitter in 2009, the league has built the largest Twitter community of any sports league in the world with more than 23 million followers.

Globe, PLDT Sign Agreement to Cut Interconnection Rate for Voice Calls

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Globe Telecom signed a memorandum of understanding with PLDT to reduce the interconnection rate for voice calls between the two operators. This means the price of domestic mobile and fixed line calls between Globe and PLDT-Smart will be reduced, effectively benefitting consumers. The reduction of interconnection rates will not affect Globe to Globe (intra) calls as these are not subject to interconnect charges and are already offered to consumers in an unlimited basis. International calls will likewise not be covered.

Under the agreement, the two telcos committed to take steps to lower retail rates for voice, taking into consideration the reduction in interconnection rates. Both parties also committed to maintain GOS (grade of service) in interconnection. This means both operators will ensure that sufficient telecommunications circuits or routes are available for efficient transmission of calls.

The agreement is related to the issuance by the National Telecommunications Commission of a memorandum circular providing for a reduction in the interconnection rate between the two networks. Under the circular, interconnection charge for voice calls shall not be more than P2.50 per minute from P4.00/minute previously, representing a 38% reduction. The reduction shall take effect not later than January 1, 2017.

“For many years now, Globe has been strongly advocating the rationalization of interconnect access charge between the two telcos. We are confident that a reduction in the cost of interconnection for voice calls will eventually redound to a more robust economy, providing our customers with an affordable and easily accessible way of communication,” Globe Chief Technology and Information Officer Gil Genio said.

Disney and Globe Launch Disney Princess: I Dare to Dream

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In one way or another, girls all over the world have seen themselves as a Disney Princess. Disney Princesses are an inspiration to most and inspire young girls to dare to dream big and make it a reality.

Inspired by the empowering values of Disney Princesses, in association with Globe, a first-of-its-kind, digital reality-series comes to life with Disney Princess: I Dare to Dream. The producers are calling on all girls aged 9 to 16 years old to join the open auditions to be one of the six that will be chosen for the show.

Auditions will be held on October 22, 2016 at Cortes delas Palmas, Alabang Town Center, and on October 23, 2016 at Ayala Center Cebu, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Disney Princess: I Dare to Dream celebrates the aspirational values of the beloved Disney Princesses who have achieved their dreams, and hopes to encourage and inspire young girls in the Philippines to dare to dream, too. In the web series, the chosen girls will be staying in a house where they will be paired with a mentor who excels in the field that they aspire to be. The audience will be able to join their journey as they take that first step in living their dreams through a 10-episode web series.

“We are proud to bring to our customers our very first original content in collaboration with Disney. I Dare to Dream gives us an engaging platform to that will possibly change the lives of its participants. Not only are we able to give new and fresh entertainment content to our customers, but we also become part of a meaningful project,” says Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Dan Horan.

Apart from the live auditions, interested participants may also submit their video auditions via www.idaretodream.ph. In the video, the contestant needs to introduce herself and talk about her big dream. Submission of entries will be until November 4, 2016.

The time has come for girls who look up to their favorite Disney princess to embrace their ambitions, achieve their potential, and above all, dare to dream!

To stay updated on the digital reality series, just visit www.idaretodream.ph. For more information, just follow Globe and its official Facebook page as well as at @enjoyGlobe on Twitter and Instagram.