Back in September 2010, I wrote about Smart’s bid to carry the iPhone 4 in the Philippines. The commitment price then was allegedly in the 6-billion peso range {read story here}. That did not pan out but Smart continues to talk to Apple regarding their internet-enabled iDevices.
I’ve chatted with several Smart execs about this before and though they say that they’re continuously talking to Apple, they would not comment on the iPhone itself. Turns out the big PLDT man himself has spilled the beans (my guess is that this was prematurely announced).
A report from Inquirer.net quoted Manny V. Pangilinan confirming that Smart will carry the iPhone 4S by December.
Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman of Smart’s parent firm Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., confirmed that Smart was in talks with Apple to launch the latest version of the iPhone—iPhone4S—before yearend.
“We’re working on the iPhone4 first because there’s a lot of demand for it,†he said.
The iPhone 4S will be offered to the high-end subscribers of Smart so we’re looking at Plan UnliData 4000 or All-In Plan 3500 (probably with some cash out).
For more than 3 years, Globe has captured the iPhone market in the Philippines, leaving Smart no choice but to pick Windows Phone 7 and Android devices as their flagship handsets (Smart has a strong partnership with HTC to bringing premium Android handsets in the country). They also banked on their Netphone strategy but that’s mostly Android as well.
It will be interesting how Smart will position the iPhone 4S to its subscribers and how this affect its partnership with HTC. More importantly, we’re all interested how much the iPhone 4S be priced once it lands on their lap.
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GensanBoy says:
The beauty of competition. . I hope they bring the prices down.
mattscradle says:
So this mean that iphone 4s will be available in the Philippines by December 2011.
JKisaragi says:
Maybe now Globe will consider taking care of their existing subscribers a bit more.
I’m seeing this as a definite win for consumers.
Leo says:
and if they bring it here, perhaps apple store philippines will also start selling unlocked iphones as well. good for everyone who wants to have a bite on apple.
Chris says:
This will bring up the competition in the country. I’m wondering how will this affect Globe on their promo?and how will Smart match Globe’s postpaid plans? :D .. For sure not only smart subscriber will benefit on this but also globe subscriber because of the competition ..
coachjojoc says:
JKisaragi says:
Maybe now Globe will consider taking care of their existing subscribers a bit more.
Let em relate to y’all:
Around 5 or 6 months ago, I went to Globe Eastwood to apply for an iPhone 4. Being a loyal customer (over 13 years with 4 lines), I expected some consideration. This is what I got: “I’m sorry, sir. It makes no difference if you’re a loyal customer. You have to terminate 1 of your lines and apply for a new one to get the iPhone 4.”
So to this very day I constantly remind myself…that time will eventually come and I’m gonna bump into the Globe CEO…he’s gonna get a mouthful.
Jaims says:
so wala na exclusivity ang globe to iphone? sana nga with this impending iphone competition, bumaba ang presyo ng globe…
iedu says:
Now Im holding up my postpaid application to Globe! Im eyeing for the Smart All-In Plan for the iPhone 4S.. Yay! I am currently subscribed to the Smart Unli Postpaid. Will change my subscription when iPhone 4S is available… =D
misterpinoy says:
Next stop Sun Cellular!!!
Name: says:
selling brand new SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE! 1 stock left
37000.00, call for faster transaction 091785*****
jonaflormicfren says:
It is a privileged to both of them to be used and tried by subscribers.
Jake says:
magkakaalaman na kung sino ang mas bebenta sa kanila sa iPhone 4S..Smart vs Globe…
Robin Lim says:
Hopefully the competition should result in lower prices. Globe charges 37K for a pre-paid iPhone 4. Based on selling prices of other Apple products here at the Apple store, it should cost not more than 31K un-subsidized.
shanahben says:
The best move for Globe would probably be to bring the Galaxy Nexus to the Philippines. Or the Nokia Lumia 800 at that.
Kyle says:
Knowing Smart, the lowest memory iPhone 4S will be free at Plan 3000 Unlidata. Smart has always offered better prices (rather, better phones at lower plans), albeit at the cost of options as Smart doesn’t carry a range of phones as varied as Globe’s.
I mean, c’mon. Smart offers the HTC Sensation with NO cashout at Plan 2000 Unlidata! That’s definitely a steal.
H says:
should i cancel my N9 reservation? (esep-esep)
Justine says:
Does it mean na hanggang iphone 4 nalang ang Globe? Or it will offer pa rin ng 4S?
leemar says:
tama globe is not offering new phones for their loyal subscriber kahit willing pa na mag contract uli, ang sabi sa akin i need to apply a new plan which means i will have a new number, maganda sana ang plans offer nila compare sa smart, kaya lang after ng contract mo wala ng after support.
Dennis says:
Friend ko loyal sa globe, he got samsung S2 for free after his contract dun sa postpaid. Kaso madugong proseso pinagdaanan nya. Nokia basic phone lang ang unang retention offer sa kanya. hahaha
Rhynax says:
I wish this develoment will bring down the crazy iphone price here and that the iphones will be factory unlocked when it lands. I always like smart’s plans and billing. Globe’s customer service should improve or else they will be left in the mud.
jayb says:
Globe parin . .
Mike says:
Globe has good reputation than Smart.
What'sthediff says:
iPhone 4S unlocked: $649USD.
How much will we get screwed here?
Jepoiski says:
Finally! We will now have choices!
arnold says:
I hope we don’t get caught between a rock and a hard place. :)
I’ll reserve judgement after the official announcement is made and Smart post paid plans are in place.
Ernie says:
Too bad I have contract with Globe for two years which is awful. Their cust serv sucks and service as well very unreliable I am hoping that Smart will have a promo just like in the US wherein they will cover the termination fee and just add the remaining mos/yrs to their contract bec if they will do that I will be the first in line.
PJ says:
hi abe,
have you read today’s Biz Buzz in the Inquirer?
they say that Apple is disappointed with premature announcement of Smart on their offering of the iPhone4S.
http://business.inquirer.net/30259/biz-buzz-craving-for-sweets
“Speaking of which…
Regional Apple officials were reportedly peeved by MVP’s announcement of Smart’s impending tie-up with the Silicon Valley giant for the distribution of the new iPhone 4S in the Philippines. The telecom executive made the revelation last week much to the chagrin of Apple officials known for their strict publicity guidelines.
Rival Globe Telecom—which is so far Apple’s exclusive carrier for its iPhone 4 and iPad 2—has so far kept mum about MVP’s announcement about the Ayala-controlled telco’s impending loss of exclusivity for distributing the popular device (although one can surely expect a “retaliatory†move, given the rising level of competition in the industry).
Word in IT circles now is that Apple officials are debating how to handle the premature revelation about negotiations to offer the iPhone through Smart’s network.
“If you want to play with Apple, you play by its rules,†one industry official said. “Otherwise, it’s a ‘no go.’†Uh oh.—Daxim L. Lucas
neal says:
pagpostpaid po ba sainyo na ung cp after the contract or ibabalik po ulit un? im confused po kasi. i dont know anything about postpaid. help naman po/
mark says:
Will globe still issue Iphone 4s to its subscribers?
mike says:
Nakabili na ako ng iPhone 4S sa Gadget City. Sa may pasay.
Openline at original talaga. Ito number nila 092972*****