Cebu Pacific and Smart tie up for Mobile Data Service for Inbound Tourists

Wireless services leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) and the Philippines' leading airline, Cebu Pacific Air, have signed a strategic partnership agreement that will enable tourists visiting the country to stay connected with their friends and family back home, through the country's largest broadband network.

Beginning December 1 2014, passengers aboard CEB's inbound international flights can purchase the Cebu Pacific Fun Data SIM powered by Smart Bro from CEB cabin crew inflight. This will allow them to stay online and connected while traveling around the Philippines.

The deal makes CEB the first airline in the country to offer an innovative travel product that caters to the communication needs of its passengers. It also allows Smart to tap into new markets, particularly visiting tourists from Asia and around the world, bolstered by the increasing number of international tourist arrivals in the country as reported by the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Recent DOT data suggest, for instance, that international tourist arrivals for the first eight months of the year have increased by 2.72% from the same period last year, buoyed by intensive marketing and promotional activities both by the government and local airline companies like CEB.

CEB flies from 28 international destinations to the Philippines, and serves growing foreign tourist markets from South Korea, Japan, China and Australia, among others. It also operates the most extensive network in the country, providing foreign visitors convenient access to the Philippines' many islands.

"With international tourist arrivals expected to grow further in the coming years, we see a bright spot in targeting foreign travelers who want to experience what the Philippines has to offer," said Michele Curran, First Vice President, Data and International Services at Smart. "Partnering with Cebu Pacific Air opens a wider market for Smart as they continually expand their route network to more countries worldwide."

"Aside from offering a relevant product to suit our passengers' needs, we believe this will also contribute to the country's tourism agenda. The Cebu Pacific Fun Data SIM powered by Smart Bro can enable guests to share their fun experiences online, real-time, wherever they may be in the Philippines," said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.

High-speed mobile broadband

With the Cebu Pacific Fun Data SIM, tourists can enjoy 1.5 GB worth of data which they can use to upload photos on Facebook and Instagram, or send a quick tweet or chat with friends and relatives abroad. Aside from the mobile data allocation valid for 15 days, the SIM also includes 100 text messages and 10 minutes of voice calls to all Philippine mobile networks, as well as discounted rates for international calls.

The LTE-capable SIM can be used with a variety of gadgets, since it is pre-cut for devices using regular, mini-, or nano-SIM slots. It is available for P500 per SIM pack.

The partnership with Cebu Pacific is the latest in Smart's continuous efforts to provide ultrafast mobile broadband connectivity to all users in the country that further fuels the growth of its broadband business.

While in the country, foreign travelers will be able to experience the ultrafast mobile connection provided by Smart Bro using the Cebu Pacific Fun Data SIM. Backed by more than 10,000+ 4G (LTE/HSPA) sites all around the country, users will be able to stay connected while frolicking in the white sand beaches of Boracay, exploring the lakes and limestone cliffs in Palawan, or enjoying the majestic view of Mayon Volcano in Albay, among many others.

Cebu Air Inc. (PSE:CEB)

Cebu Air Inc. is the largest carrier in the Philippine air transportation industry, offering its low-cost services to more destinations and routes with higher flight frequency within the Philippines than any other airline.

For flight bookings and information, guests can visit www.cebupacificair.com or call (02)7020-888 or (032)230-8888. The latest seat sales and details may also be found on Cebu Pacific Air's official Facebook and Twitter (@cebupacificair) pages. For more information on Smart Bro's latest deals and offers, visit smart.com.ph/bro or follow Smart's Facebook and Twitter (@SMARTCares) accounts.

Smart Communications, Inc.

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is the Philippines' leading wireless services provider with 53.5 million subscribers on its GSM network as of end-September 2014. Smart has built a reputation for innovation, having introduced world-first wireless offerings such as Smart Money, Smart Load, Smart Padala, and the Netphone. Smart offers 3G, HSPA+, and LTE services, while its satellite service Smart Link provides communications to the global maritime industry. Smart Broadband, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary, offers a wireless broadband service, Smart Broadband, with 2.1 million subscribers as of end-September 2014.