SMART Communications Inc. has observed an increase in 3G (third-generation) service transactions since the start of the year and even expects usage to further surge with as it offers merged messaging packages.

In an interview, Smart president Napoleon Nazareno said there are over 1.4 million 3G handsets currently monitored in its network. “The usage of our 3G services continues to increase. We are seeing that with our Smart Buddy Uzzap. More subscribers with 3G-capable phones will subscribe to 3G services,” he said.

Smart Buddy Uzzap runs on 3G platform. The service is an Internet protocol (IP)-based, downloadable application which allows users to merge several messaging services such as SMS (short message service), instant messaging and e-mail into their mobile phones.

“Our trial users number to 47,000 already after just about a month from launch of the service,” said Nazareno.

The latest offering from the country’s largest mobile phone firm is being offered at flat-rate, unlimited subscription packages that will range from daily to monthly, and will come bundled with free SMS.

The company said the application also allows users to enjoy real-time, unlimited access to existing accounts on other instant messaging networks—all via their handset—thus allowing users to stay connected anytime, anywhere.

The official explained more mobile phone users appear to be interested in accessing the Internet via their handsets. This, said Nazareno, is what drives 3G usage. 3G supports voice calls, video call, text message, multimedia message, Internet access and High-Speed Downlink Packet Access , which allows a high-speed wireless connection of up to 1.8 megabits per second.

“We now have 1.4 million 3G handsets in our network. The active subscribers are about half of that. We have seen encouraging take-up and usage particularly on data services like the Internet,” added Nazareno. For his part, Smart chief wireless advisor Orlando Vea said 3G transactions doubled during the first six months of the year from the same period a year ago. “We are doing great now. It’s about twice the rate from January to June this year compared with last year’s usage. And with Smart Uzzap, we expect 3G usage to increase even more,” he said.

Smart, a unit of telecommunications giant Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., will raise 3G spending in the second half, said Nazareno. “3G capital expenditures will increase because we will accelerate the rollout of HSDPA deployment,” said Nazareno.

METRO Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) is considering the possibility of widening the public’s ownership in First Philippine Infrastructure, Inc. (FPII), a listed company it recently purchased from the Lopez group.

IT demands becoming more challenging in recent times

CHIANG Mai, Thailand—Working as an information technology (IT) specialist now demands evolution and adaptability that is as unprece-dented as it is challenging, experts said at the IBM Asean Service Management Summit that opened in this city Monday.

RP-made auto parts play big role in Mitsubishi plant

LAEM Chabang, Thailand—A Mitsubishi-owned car parts supplier based in Canlubang, Laguna is playing a major role in the Japanese car maker’s pickup and SUV exports.

LG relaunches brand,  looks at ‘premium market’

SOUTH Korean-owned LG Electronics will tap the “premium-seeker” market in the country as it sets to increase sales by 30 percent next year.

IPVG  to slow down on buying spree

LISTED IPVG Corp. plans to rein in its spending spree as its chief executive said weakening consumer markets may impact on fundraising.

Smart sees increased  usage of 3G services

SMART Communications Inc. has observed an increase in 3G (third-generation) service transactions since the start of the year and even expects usage to further surge with as it offers merged messaging packages.

Due Diligencer