Smart reports 132% jump in broadband postpaid base

MANILA, Philippines—The broadband postpaid business of Smart Communications Inc. grew by 132 percent last year from year-before level, according to broadband Internet and data services head Lloyd Manaloto.

Manaloto, in a statement, said the strong demand for mobile Internet devices, particularly for tablets, under its new “FlexiSurf” line of postpaid plans helped Smart Bro achieve its highest growth numbers ever.

“The public’s reception to FlexiSurf has just been unbelievable—we really hit a sweet spot,” said Manaloto. “FlexiSurf enables Filipinos to enjoy the hottest gadgets with the best mobile Internet connectivity at prices they can afford,” he said. Launched in May 2012, Smart Bro FlexiSurf is the first mobile broadband offer of its kind in the Philippines as it gives subscribers the option to avail themselves of the laptops and tablets on zero interest, 24-month instalment scheme.

The Google Nexus 7 tablet, dubbed the best Android tablet in the world by US-based site Lifehacker.com, for example, is available at zero interest for less than P600 a month for 24 months with a Smart Bro Flexisurf Pocket WiFi Plan 599, he said.

Manaloto said SmartBro FlexiSurf also accounted for 40 percent of Smart Bro’s total activation.

“We expect to exceed our growth targets for this year with new devices joining the fold and with the continued expansion of Smart LTE,” Manaloto said.

Available in Plans 3500, 1749, and 1299, Smart LTE is the Philippines’ first commercially available Long Term Evolution (LTE) mobile broadband service. The service is capable of speeds of up to 42 mbps through the use of a free USB dongle and can be used on an unlimited basis until April 30, 2013.