Smart Communications finally launched the much-awaited iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c today, November 14, during a media event at Fully Booked BGC. Smart also thoroughly revealed today the plans and exclusive offerings for new and existing subscribers.
A Less Flamboyant iPhone Launch
Smart decided to launch the iPhone 5s and 5c less flamboyantly today in consideration to the unfortunate events that happened in Leyte. During the event, Public Affairs Head Mon Isberto also said that they recently fired up LTE services in Tacloban to support its subscribers and media that need to transfer and receive pertinent data.
According to Isberto, another event will be held at Eastwood tomorrow, November 15, for those who signed up and decided to get the new iPhone (or iPhones) from Smart. Aside from this, Smart also invited a number of organizations like Unicef to join the event for a donation/charity drive for Typhoon Yolanda victims.
Company officials announced that the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c will be will be released simultaneously in all Smart Stores across the country, on the first day of its availability.
Approved applicants who registered online during the sign-up period may also get their units at their chosen pick-up points – whether at the Eastwood Mall Open Park in Quezon City or at the Jump Experience Center in SM City Cebu and SM Lanang Premier, Davao.
The Phone is great, but it works even better on a better network.
Smart’s relationship with Apple dates back from 2011 when they launched the iPhone 4s. It was a milestone for Filipinos, according to Isberto, because finally, Filipinos were given a choice on the network they will use the iPhone on. “The phone is great, but it works even better on a better network”, he added.
iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c bundles
As expected, Smart also announced the details of its wide range of postpaid plans and offers that can be paired for the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c.
According to Smart’s Head of Postpaid Business Group, Kathy Carag:
“With the variety of postpaid plans available for the iPhone, you can surely find one that’s perfect for your lifestyle and budget. We offer a wide range of plans that fit your usage habits, which also come with easy and flexible cash-out options.”
The plan matrix that Smart provided is a bit complicated. But should you need to understand the nitty gritty of the postpaid bundles, we have included them below. Thankfully, Carag’s presentation about Smart’s Hero Plans paved the complexities of the bundles. In a nutshell, Hero Plans give new subscribers some tips on picking the best plan from Smart based on your budget.
As seen on the photo above, if you’re digging the iPhone 5s (16gb): you can get the said phone for paying PhP1,799/month only with UnliLTE data, 100 SMS plus 40 mins all net configuration.
The plan matrix of the said phones may also be seen on this post.
To Infinity and Beyond
Apart from postpaid bundles, Smart Infinity also launched their product portfolio specifically for VIPs and C-Level officers of companies.
According to Julie Canceller, Head of Smart Infinity Business Group, Infinity also has exclusive packages for Infinity subscribers. With Infinity, all plans are consumable with unlimited LTE. Also, all subscribers to Infinity will have an exclusive management officer, VIP network access and service at select Smart Stores, vanity number, Birthday token and spare SIM.
Canceller also announced that FOR ONE DAY (November 15), new subscribers to Aspire Plan 3500 will get a free 32gb iPhone 5s; and new subscribers to Prestige 5000 will get 2 free 16gb iPhone 5c.
For other plans, click this link.
During the event, Smart raffled off 5 iPhone 5c and 5 iPhone 5s. One of the lucky winners is Irene Enriquez of Girly Geek.
Press Release
iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s Finally Available in Philippines Thru Smart
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.
