PTC, Smart join forces to provide Filipino seafarers with customized wireless communication service

Leading wireless services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has signed an agreement with the Philippine Transmarine Carriers (PTC), one of the country’s largest ship crew management companies, to provide over 35,000 Filipino seafarers with customized wireless communication services they can use while they are at sea.

“Working for the welfare of Filipino seafarers has always been one of the priorities of Smart, because it is one of the best ways through which we can accomplish our mission to bring the benefits of telecoms and technology to everybody,” said Orlando B. Vea, co-founder and Chief Wireless Advisor of Smart.

Under the partnership, Smart will provide a suite of the newest and most relevant maritime communication technology services to Filipino seafarers, whose careers are managed by PTC. These services, collectively called Smart Satellite Services, are expected to bring better, more reliable and more affordable ways for seafarers to keep in touch with their families and loved ones while at sea.

With Marino Phonepal, Filipino seafarers sailing in Australia, Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia-Pacific will soon be able to call their families in the Philippines at an affordable rate and enjoy reliable connection and superior call quality.

With Marino Textmate, they will be able to send text messages for only P2 per text.

Link Plus, an online application which will have both mobile and desktop versions, will enable users to make calls, send text messages, and access the Internet through the app.

With this new and pioneering portfolio of services, Smart offers delivery of wider coverage, outstanding quality, and reliable signal, all within the reach of Filipino seafarers while they are at sea.

PTC has over 35,000 officers and crew deployed to vessels afloat around the world. “In the same way that telecommunications transformed the lives of Filipinos, we foresee how technology can also transform the entire shipping industry, which accounts for over 90% of global trade and literally moves the world,” said Gerardo Borromeo, PTC’s Chief Executive Officer.

“Technology will enable the Philippines to be at the forefront of innovation in the global shipping sector, and in the same way, this partnership with Smart will enhance PTC’s position of leadership in the industry and will allow for us to continue to attract the best and the brightest Filipino global maritime professionals. This directly contributes to our mission to have at least one Filipino seafarer on every vessel in every sea, moving the world,” Borromeo added.

Smart is the only wireless communications service provider in the country that offers the capability and experience to fully serve the needs of the maritime industry. With Smart Satellite Services, the telco expects to connect more seafaring Filipinos to the rest of the world.

For more information about Smart Satellite Services, visit http://bit.ly/194hiQx.

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