Globelines to spur local content with revamped portal

Fixed-line telecommunications provider Globelines is hoping to spur the entry of more content developers into its revamped user portal (www.globlines.com.ph/userportal) as part of the company’s strategy to increase its broadband subscriber base. Globelines hopes to turn the site into a portal for its subscribers for exclusive content and services that include streaming videos, music and voice services. Globelines Marketing Manager for Product Development Matthew Lloren said the website was revamped in January and some services were gradually included while new ones will be added as they come. “The idea is to get Globelines broadband subscribers to fully enjoy their broadband connection with rich content and services. The user portal will make it easier for our subscribers to find the information they need," Lloren said. One of the new additions to the portal is the “Gimikam," which is a link to partner-owned web cameras placed in strategic parts of cities worldwide. The web cameras provide real-time viewing of a given area. There are about 17 web cameras available, three of which are in the Philippines and new “Gimikams" will be added soon. Lloren also highlighted the availability of the portal’s online voice-over-IP services allowing Globelines subscribers to call up regular fixed-line and cellular numbers in key cities in the Philippines and abroad. Globelines also partnered with cable TV channel Living Asia for two- to five-minute video clips that can be viewed online. Lloren said there is a possibility to show full-length videos in the future. Lloren said the company is looking into adding managed services for broadband subscribers, allowing small businesses to run enterprise applications without the need to acquire software, though he did not specify the timetable for such a service to be made available. Globelines has over 22,000 consumer broadband subscriber base as of December 2005, a 189-percent increase over the previous year. - INQ7.net