Smart reaps international recognition for the Netphone

Shown in the photo are members of the award-winning Netphone team led by Chito Bustamante, Smart Product Research, Innovation and Strategic Management Group Head (extreme left) Gio Bacareza Smart Head of Products (fifth from left), and Mitch Padua, Smart Head of Internet Products, presenting their 2012 Asia Communication Award Innovation Award trophy to Smart’s Wireless Consumer Division Head, Noel C. Lorenzana (center)

A team of Smart developers that has empowered millions of Filipinos to enjoy more affordable mobile internet services, has helped place Smart on the international innovation map. At the recently concluded Asia Communication Awards held in Singapore, Smart bagged the Innovation Award for the Smart Netphone, winning over the region’s top operators and providers, including Singapore’s SingTel; and Malaysia’s YTL Communications.

Netphone is the world’s first smartphone backed by an operator-managed platform. It is powered by SmartNet, a platform developed by Smart, that allows Netphone users to chat, check their Facebook and Twitter social stream without switching applications, post online updates, and much more for free. SmartNet also features “Safe Browse” which, when activated, prevents other applications outside SmartNet from accessing the Internet, making it suitable for both the Internet habits and purchasing power of Filipino mobile users.

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