SingTel Group, Samsung to speed up mobile data growth in emerging markets

The SingTel Group, of which Philippines-based operator Globe Telecom is a member, has partnered with Samsung in an effort to accelerate mobile data growth in associate markets comprising 500 million users.

Other members of the SingTel Group include Advanced Info Service (Thailand), Airtel (India and Africa), Optus (Australia), Telkomsel (Indonesia), and SingTel (Singapore).

“In our associates’ markets, with mobile devices being the primary mode of internet access, we are seeing strong growth in demand for smartphones and mobile data services,” Paul O’Sullivan, SingTel Group Consumer chief executive officer said in a statement Thursday.

SingTel Group and Samsung's joint initiatives include direct carrier billing, regional mobile app development challenge, direct access to select apps, and a retail collaboration program.

Postpaid customers of SingTel associate companies will be able to buy apps and content from Samsung Apps without a credit card as an “alternative” payment mode. The purchase amount of Samsung apps may be charged to a user's phone bill or deducted from prepaid account balances.

Select customized Samsung applications will be directly available on a customer's mobile phone. This arrangement will be available to customers of AIS (Thailand), Globe, and Telkomsel – starting with the newly launched Galaxy S5.

A mobile app development program will also be launched where innovative start-ups will be identified and guided through development. The retail collaboration program that aims to provide one-stop shops in acquiring mobile devices and mobile plans is a service already provided for by Globe. – Kim Luces/VS, GMA News