041306: Smart subscribers can now use cellphones in Saudi

Smart subscribers can now use cellphones in Saudi
By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes
The Philippine Star 04/13/2006

Smart Communication's over 20 million prepaid subscribers can now use their mobile phones in Saudi Arabia and make voice calls to the Philippines.

Through its partnership with Mobily (Etisalat), the leading mobile services provider in Saudi Arabia, users of Smart Buddy, Talk 'N Text, Smart Kid Prepaid and Addict Mobile prepaid may avail themselves of roaming services while in the Middle Eastern country.

This was made possible through the Customized Applications for Mobile Network Enhanced Logic (CAMEL) solution, an adaptation of the intelligent network standards for GSM, which Smart uses for its prepaid international roaming service.

"Now, our prepaid subscribers who travel to Saudi Arabia can keep in touch with their loved ones back home with ease. This is just the first. We're committed to bringing this latest roaming technology to more countries very soon," according to Smart group head for wholesale business Roger Quevedo.

Quevedo added that CAMEL would be available to the other Middle Eastern countries in the next few weeks.

Smart has 20.4 million subscribers on its network as of end-December 2005. It has forged partnerships with more than 180 countries for its international roaming services.

Smart prepaid subscribers roaming in Saudi Arabia can make a call by simply dialing the phone number as they would while in the Philippines, sing the international dialing format. Key in + <country code> <area code/mobile access number> < phone number>, and press call.

"Smart's system employs a very simple procedure, unlike other prepaid international roaming alternatives, where customers have to remember long strings of digits and confusing sets of procedure," Quevedo said.

To avail of Smart's prepaid international roaming services, subscribers must type ROAM ON SAUDI and send to 333 at least one hour before departure.

Subscribers must have a minimum of P100 load to activate their prepaid international roaming service. Users may also call 888-1111 or *888 (toll-free) from their cellphones for more details.

 

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200604130707.htm