U Mobile, a Free Mobile Phone Network in the Philippines has just been launched. Yes free, Smart Philippines bought U Mobile, formerly CURE, and as an initial enticement to the Filipino public it gave away load credits of 350 pesos for a month, U Mobile SIM card and a LG KU320 cellphone on its launch to a lot of people.. How is U Mobile going to survive with this business model, you ask? Well,for one it is owned now by Smart and will be advertising-driven, meaning everything is subsidized by advertising.
In its website, U Mobile promises to deliver the following services:
* Free P100 load every month for the first 6 months
* Enhanced communication with fring™ (mobile VoIP)
* Nationwide coverage
* Earn rewards with every ad you see
* Mobile broadband surfing
* PC calling with Virtual Phone (coming soon)
Currently, applications are by invitation only and I heard that people who have been invited to the service will be able to refer friends who can then join and avail of the free service.
I just heard that the free load credits are dependent on how many advertisements invited subscribers read on their phones. U-mobile subscribers who read the ads on their mobile phones will receive credits on their pre-paid mobile phone bill.
U Mobile will operate independently of SMART but will use some of its facilities. It hopes to carry advertising from makers of personal care products, fastfood restaurants and even financial service companies.
2 comments:
Hi!
So, you're now a umobile sub? Have you used it yet? How's the service so far?
Hi, saw your blog post through Digg. Do you happen to have a spare invite? Would you mind sending me one? Thanks very much.
Post a Comment