Globe Telecom recently launched a new web portal that lets users access famous Google web services. The web portal, which uses Google’s Free Zone service, allows 30 Million Globe Prepaid and TM subscribers nationwide access Google Search, Gmail and Google+ until March 31, 2013.
[stextbox id=”info” caption=”According to Google”]Free Zone is an exciting new product that allows users to access Google+, Gmail, and Google Search on their mobile phone without incurring data charges – no data plan needed. It’s available on most internet-enabled mobile phones.[/stextbox]
According to Peter Bithos, Senior Advisor for Consumer Business of Globe:
“Our products and services are all about empowering our subscribers, and Free Zone testifies to this promise yet again. Free Zone powered by Google empowers subscribers by letting them be in the know and keeping them updated right at their fingertips. The best part is, subscribers don’t need to worry about getting charged, so they can enjoy visiting sites through Google and other Google services worry-free.”
Moreover, Andrew McGlinchey, Head of Products for Southeast Asia at Google, said:
“We wanted to make search available to as many people as possible. But a free search result isn’t much good if you can’t then go the Web site. So we decided to make all those Web sites available as part of the package as well. We’re hoping Free Zone will make the mobile internet feel like a necessity that everyone can use rather than luxury.”
With Free Zone, users get unlimited access to:
- SEARCH: Users can search the Web and access the first page of websites from the results without getting charged. If they click further, users are directed to a page where they can subscriber to a data plan to continue. But for as long as they stay within the Free Zone, charging will not take place.
- EMAIL: Even without a data plan, users can still send and receive text emails while on the go via Gmail. Uploading and downloading attachments carry corresponding data charges.
- SHARING: Google+ lets users share the right things with the right people at the right time. Check out family photos and share within an intimate circle just as easily as you can follow the latest Lady Gaga updates.
[stextbox id=”info”]To access Google services on your mobile phone free of data charges, simply text LIBRE to 8888 for free or visit https://libre.ph on the phone’s default browser. Those without Google accounts can sign up for free and create one by following the “Create an Account Now” link on their mobile phones. For more information about Free Zone, visit https://surf.globe.com.ph/plan/freezone.[/stextbox]
During the launch, Globe and Capricciosa prepared fun games for all media partners and gave away Sodexo gift certificates to the winning team! Actor and Free Zone endorser, Xian Lim, also attended the event.
We at Gadget Pilipinas are currently testing this new service. Stay tuned for further updates.
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
