With Smart Communications Inc.’s Mobile Number Portability (MNP)in place, switching to another mobile network is now possible, even without having to change your numbers. The company also announced that the iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max will be available for preorder in the Philippines starting Oct. 15, and will be released to customers starting Oct. 22.
MNP, which is covered by the MNP Act or RA 11202, enables Filipinos to retain their mobile number even when they change service providers, giving them greater freedom to choose the best network and services that suit their needs. Under MNP, customers may also switch their prepaid account to a postpaid plan and vice-versa without replacing their mobile number.
To switch to the Smart network, a mobile user must first secure a Unique Subscriber Code from his or her originating provider to serve as clearance, and bring it to the nearest Smart Store along with a valid ID and any proof of mobile ownership. From there, Smart shall begin processing the MNP application without any charges. To know more about making the Smart move, mobile users may also visit x.smart/switch or head to the nearest Smart Store.
“MNP enables more mobile users to finally make the Smart move and experience the country’s fastest mobile data network without the hassles that go with changing one’s mobile number – from having to import contacts and inform your circles, to relinking digital subscriptions and e-wallets,” said Jane J. Basas, SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business at Smart.
“It is also a game-changer for the telco industry because it pushes us to improve and raise the bar on our services, which we at Smart have been constantly doing with our aggressive network improvement efforts and 5G rollout.”
Philippines’ Fastest 5G Network
Ookla, the global leader in internet testing and analysis, has recognized these efforts in a new report declaring Smart as the country’s most reliable 5G mobile operator*.
To clinch the award, Smart obtained the highest scores in 5G Consistency and 5G Availability based on Speedtest Intelligence data in Q2 2021. 5G Consistency is calculated based on the percentage of a provider’s users that meet minimum download and upload speeds. On the other hand, 5G Availability identifies the network whose users spend the highest percentage of their time on 5G.
Smart topped 5G Consistency with a score of 89.78 percent versus Globe’s 78.15 percent. Smart also led when it comes to 5G Availability with a score of 14.67 percent versus Globe’s 11.86 percent.
Prior to this, Ookla has also cited Smart as the Philippines’ Fastest 5G Mobile Network in Q1-Q2 2021**, with median download and upload speeds that are twice as fast as its closest rival. The firm has also declared Smart as the Philippines’ fastest mobile network for four years in a row now.
“These awards only reinforce the superior customer experience we offer our subscribers. These also inspire us to keep getting better and faster so our customers can live the Giga Life and pursue their passions in our increasingly digitized world,” said Basas.
Since it launched the country’s first commercial 5G service in July last year, Smart has now fired up over 4,000 5G sites in more than 3,000 locations across the nation, making it the Philippines’ first, fastest, and widest 5G network.
Innovative services for subscribers
Beyond providing fast mobile connectivity, Smart also constantly dishes out innovative services to stay ahead of subscribers’ needs.
Those who wish to switch to a Smart Postpaid may sign up for the new Signature Plans+ starting at P999 per month, and enjoy the first postpaid lineup in the country featuring Unli 5G access plus Unli Calls & Texts to All Networks, Unli Calls to All Landline Numbers, and a 12-month mobile subscription to Netflix.
On the other hand, new Prepaid subscribers will enjoy Giga Hello data, call, and text freebies to keep them connected from the get-go. Smart Prepaid subscribers can also enjoy unlimited access to their favorite apps with Unli GIGA offers, while TNT customers can enjoy Double GIGA Video which comes with 14 GB for more streaming on YouTube, iWantTFC, CignalPlay, and GigaPlay plus 2 GB for all sites and apps valid for 7 days.
Smart also enables all subscribers to conveniently manage their digital lifestyle with the GigaLife App, an innovative one-stop app that allows subscribers to check their account details, monitor their subscriptions and usage, and buy promos from a comprehensive list of offers to suit every lifestyle. Subscribers may also conveniently transact on the GigaLife App using GigaPay as well as earn and accumulate GigaPoints that may be exchanged for exclusive rewards, lifestyle perks, and awesome experiences.
