From the same telco that first introduced the electronic payment system (Smart Load), peer-to-peer load sharing (Pasa Load), mobile banking and payment solution (Smart Money) and electronic remittance solution (Smart Padala) among others, another innovative service was recently introduced.
Smart Communication launched a new mobile device service enabling subscribers to easily pay for apps, games, books, magazines, music and movies on their Apple devices using only their prepaid load or charged on top of their monthly postpaid bill.
Dubbed “Pay-With-Mobile,” the new service essentially eliminates the need for a credit card to get paid content and make in-app purchases through the App Store and iTunes, which has long been a barrier for many Philippine users in maximizing the full potential of their Apple devices.
“First in the world is a very a strong adjective. Smart has a history of doing first in the world innovation and it’s in our DNA to provide digital payment solutions. A company in Malaysia is also trying to introduce the same service but we’re happy to announce that we’re able to do it first,” the Smart official told the press during the launch of the new mobile service.
The move is part of the telco’s commitment to give its subscribers convenient access to millions of contents – games and applications. The service works by giving subscribers the ability to sign up for a Pay-With-Mobile number, which they can use exclusively with their iTunes-accounts.
“Our mantra before is cellphone for all, now we are taking it to internet for all. We want to expand the Internet to every Filipino. But in the internet not everything is free. You have to pay for the best content,” added the Smart official.
To get started, users only need to register by texting REG to 4949. After texting, they will receive their Pay-With-Mobile number and other pertinent account details. Once ready, users can go to the Apple ID Account Settings page on iTunes or the App Store, select “MasterCard” as their payment option, and enter the number and other details on their corresponding fields.
VERY WANG 