1528 Smart introduces Smart Padala in HK
Hong Kong, August 26, 2006 – PLDT (HK) Limited has introduced a new service that allows Filipinos living in Hong Kong to send funds and airtime load directly to their beneficiaries in the Philippines through text messaging on their mobile phones.
This innovative remittance service, done through Smart’s world-first SMS-based remittance service called Smart Padala, is now available on the 1528 Smart service being offered by PLDT (HK) Ltd.
“Compared to traditional remittance services, Smart Padala via our 1528 Smart service is clearly the superior choice for Filipinos here in Hong Kong,” said Viboy Genuino, General Manager of PLDT (HK) Ltd. “Our subscribers can now send funds to the Smart Money Account of their beneficiaries in the Philippines through text, anytime, anywhere.”
1528 Smart—a partnership between PLDT Global Corporation (“PLDT Global”) and leading Hong Kong mobile carrier HK CSL—is a mobile phone service that gives subscribers more affordable call and text rates, and other innovative services being offered by Smart.
Among these innovations pioneered by the PLDT wireless subsidiary are Pasaload, Smart Load (also known as “eLoad”), and value added service offerings that provide both practical and sentimental value to Filipinos overseas.
Smart Padala enables Smart subscribers to transfer funds from one Smart Money account to another. Smart Money is an electronic cash wallet service that enables Smart subscribers to conduct electronic cash transactions. Those with Smart Money cards can withdraw funds from ATM machines, Smart Wireless Centers and authorized Smart encashment centers nationwide.
With the introduction of the Smart Padala service on the 1528 Smart SIM, OFWs in Hong Kong may now send funds or airtime load to Smart subscribers in the Philippines through text at only HK$1 per text from their own Smart Money Accounts.
To be able to send funds or airtime load to Smart subscribers in the Philippines, the 1528 Smart subscriber in Hong Kong must simply reload his Smart Money Account from any of the numerous reloading stations all over Hong Kong for a minimal fee of HK$12. They can send as much as P50,000 per day at P10,000 per text/send for remittances.
“The usual means of remitting money to the Philippines cost HK$15 to HK$35. Using Smart Padala through 1528 Smart results to substantial savings for OFWs in Hong Kong. We are indeed empowering them with this new offering,” said Gigi Tan, Head – Business Development, Remittance.
There are currently some 50,000 subscribers of 1528 Smart who can now avail of Smart Padala. Because of its local sales and marketing team, PLDT (HK) Ltd. hopes to capture more of the 120,000 OFWs in Hong Kong.
Al Panlilio, President of PLDT Global, added that aside from the convenience, the service also helps OFWs budget their finances. The affordability of sending funds through text enables the Hong Kong subscribers to remit more frequently, by sending smaller amounts.
“Remittances now emerge as the single largest source of external funding, more than capital market flows, more than official development assistance and more than foreign investment,” revealed Panlilio.
“Technology will be one of the main drivers of the remittance market in the future as competition escalates and remitters seek convenience, speed, affordability and access,” he added.