Telecom giant launches automated reloading scheme

Smart Communications Inc. launched on Monday self-service reloading machines, the first bill recycling machines in Asia, in various Smart wireless centers. The new program called Load Connect done in partnership with IBM Philippines is an automated service that enables real-time reloading of airtime and Smart Money. With the scheme, Smart Load retailers and dealers will shorten the process of buying airtime and reload Smart Money accounts at the wireless center because they will no longer have to line up at the cashier. Load Connect is initially available in 15 Smart wireless centers nationwide: Smart Tower along Ayala Avenue, Makati City; SM Manila; Robinson's Place Ermita; SM North EDSA; SM Fairview; SM Bicutan; SM Southmall in Las Piñas; Araneta Square Caloocan; Sta. Lucia East in Cainta, Rizal; Festival Mall, SM Dasmariñas, Nepo Mall Dagupan; Elizabeth Mall in Cebu City and said Load Connect is the first service in Asia that allows moLimketkai Mall in Cagayan de Oro City. Load Connect is the first service in Asia that allows mobile users to load airtime and money via a machine that accepts and recycles multiple bills, according to Claro Carmelo Ramirez, head of PLDT's Group Consumer Affairs. It is the telecom giant's latest initiative under Smart Connect, a program that gives subscribers more ways to access customer care services for faster, more convenient and more cost-efficient service on selected inquiries and after-sales requests, said Ramirez. The number of transactions on airtime reloading ranges from 220,000 to 670,000 a month, depending on the wireless center. The bulk of transactions is made by Smart Load retailers and agents, which number about 800,000 nationwide. “The investment that we're making with Load Connect and other Smart Connect initiatives shows how serious we are about enhancing the subscriber experience at our wireless centers," according to Joy Sanchez, head of Smart Customer Care. James G. Velasquez, general manager of IBM Philippines, said "innovation must somehow redound to the benefit of the end-user and we are glad to partner with Smart to enable their subscribers with the use of available technology." Load Connect is available in denominations of P30, P60, P300, P500 and P1,000 denominations as well as reload their Smart Money accounts. The self-service reloading machine is one of several initiatives under Smart Connect, which include SIM Connect, Web Connect, SagotAgad and Zone Connect. SIM Connect allows Smart Buddy and Talk 'N Text subscribers to access Customer Care services using their cell phones via a menu embedded in a 64k memory SIM and up. Existing subscribers can also avail of the SIM menu by simply texting GET MENU to 9888. Web Connect is a fully automated channel, which provides assistance on basic pre-paid transactions. Postpaid subscribers can also enjoy Web Connect services with Smart Bills Online. This service allows Smart Gold, Addict Mobile, and individual Smart Bro subscribers to view the last three months of their printable billing statement online. SagotAgad is a free inquiry service offered by Smart where subscribers can access information about the latest products, services and promos. Smart subscribers can also use Zone Connect, a unique line of self-service and automated kiosks installed in selected Smart Wireless Centers nationwide. - GMANews.TV