MANILA – Telecommunication, such as the use of smart phones, internet and social media is now considered as essential commodity during the enhanced community quarantine.
But the catch is that while the two giant telecommunications companies (Telcos), namely, PLDT and Smart Communication, and Globe Telecommunication have raked billions of revenues during the onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country, the 91 million of their subscribers are burdened by their accumulated unpaid bills during the two-month lockdown.
However, both Smart and Globe have announced their formula to ease the weight of their unpaid bills. Yolly Crisanto, SVP for corporate communication of Globe Telecom and Mon Isberto, head for public affairs of PLDT and Smart Com said their companies are offering installment payment of up to six months for post-paid customers.
“Pwede nilang bayaran ng installment na 2, 3 to 6 months without interest sa naipong bills nila at walang putulan ng serbisyo,” Crisanto of Globe Telecom said. Metro Manila started to lockdown on March 15 and all unpaid bills from this period until May 31 can be paid by the customers in installment basis.
The Telcos also urged their customers to make use of existing alternative payment facilities and applications that do not need physical appearance. “Pwede silang gumamit ng Pay Maya for Smart, and G-Cash for Globe at iba pa,” Isberto of Smart Com said.
They also informed the public that their respective companies are opening new stores and outlets nationwide to cater to the needs of customers as well as improving their services. Globe is now expanding the capacity of its G-Cash to avoid choke-points while Smart is opening about 200 stores nationwide in the next few months.
“Medyo may problema lang tayo sa nakaraang quarantine dahil hindi makapasok ang mga repair personnel natin sa mga bawal na lugar, Isberto said.
