Globe, Vonage partner for unli calls from US to PHL

Globe Telecom has partnered with US communications company Vonage to connect about 3.5 million Filipinos living in the US with their loved ones in the Philippines. Vonage is one of the top providers of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services in the US, enabling communications over the Internet. In a statement, Vonage managing director for international markets Kimberly O’Loughlin said the company's strategic partnership with Globe will allow it to provide a low-cost, simple calling solution for the 3.5 million Filipinos living in the US. “With our new plan, the Filipino community can affordably stay connected with friends and family abroad without the worry of counting calling card minutes or managing expensive long distance costs,” she said. The plan combines unlimited calling to all of Globe’s more than 31 million mobile and wireline subscribers with Vonage’s low per-minute rate to all other numbers in the Philippines. Additionally, the plan provides unlimited calling to the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, and 60 other countries. The new plan is now available in the US at a flat rate of $29.99 per month plus taxes and fees. Vonage will be participating in Filipino-American events in Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco and New Jersey to promote it. The partnership marks a significant milestone in Vonage's strategy to expand internationally. “We are exploring additional alliances and plan to announce at least one additional partnership this year,” O’Loughlin said. Globe group head for international business Rizza Maniego-Eala said the collaboration between Globe and Vonage presents a firm promise that the telecom provider will continue to stay attuned to the needs of the market by developing products that are relevant and competitive. “We are happy to launch with Vonage our first foray into the VoIP arena for inbound calling from the US,” she said. — BM/VS, GMA News