THE international business unit of Globe Telecom Inc. has widened its global footprint through its new partnership with global telecommunications operator Orange, launching on Wednesday the Libon application.
Libon, developed by Paris-based Orange, is an all-in-one communication application for iPhone and Android that provides free unlimited Libon to Libon HD calls, chats and voicemails to a variety of international destinations.
It also features the “Libon Out” option, which essentially are calls with rechargeable minutes to make international calls, to over 140 destinations around the world.
Filipinos from around the world using Libon can enjoy a Libon Out package for only $25.99, inclusive of 1,000 minutes of calls, or P1.30 per minute rate to any Globe and TM number in the Philippines. This is 67 percent lower compared to other app-to-Globe per minute rate.
From August 26 to September 9, customers who register for the Libon app will also enjoy free 100 minutes of calls to Globe and TM numbers in the Philippines to celebrate the partnership. “We understand how important connectivity is for millions of Filipinos overseas. While there is a multitude of ways to keep a constant connection back in the Philippines, there are many opportunities to provide accessible and value for money-communication services to our countrymen living or working abroad. There are varying pain points per location and partnering with equally innovative firms will help us offer various alternatives to our customers. Our partnership with Orange is another pivotal piece as we continue to solve the growing jigsaw puzzle around seamless and cost-effective communications,” Rizza Maniego-Eala, senior vice president for International Business at Globe, said on Wednesday.
Using the “Philippines with Globe” package, Libon users only need a data connection to make and receive international calls.
All calls from the Libon app to any Globe or TM number in the Philippines will connect and provide quality calling services, an excellent advantage to OFWs, whose relatives in the Philippines do not have access to a smartphone with data, Maniego-Eala said.
Libon Senior Vice President for Strategy and International Business Julien Hodara said the partnership between Globe and Orange represents a highly innovative achievement for both parties and a real added value for Filipino overseas.
“With this dedicated offer, we enable Libon users to enjoy inexpensive and crystal clear calls to Globe in the Philippines. It’s a new app based telco model which opens up great market opportunities for Orange and for innovative carriers like Globe,” Hodara said.