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| L-R: Smart Vice President Jacqueline Bocalan, Billease Telco Lead Business Analyst Aidan Reyes, Smart Assistant Vice President Ethan Kae Sanchez (Image Source: MegaBytes/Smart Communications Inc.) |
For many Filipinos, staying connected is not just a convenience but a necessity — whether it’s for work, school, or keeping in touch with loved ones. Yet, managing mobile expenses can be especially challenging during petsa de peligro when budgets run tight. To help ease this burden, mobile services provider Smart Communications Inc. (Smart), has teamed up with Billease, a leading Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) platform in the Philippines, to give subscribers more flexible and affordable payment options, making digital connectivity accessible even when cash flow is limited.
“This partnership is rooted in our shared commitment to making digital services available for all. This marks a significant step toward enhancing financial and digital inclusion for Filipino consumers. By integrating Billease’s Buy Now Pay Later solutions into our ecosystem, we’re empowering more Filipinos to stay connected and with greater ease,” said Smart First Vice President Lloyd Manaloto. The announcement was made during a ceremonial signing ceremony held in the telco’s headquarters in Makati City, attended by key representatives from both organizations, highlighting the partnership’s alignment with national goals for financial inclusion and digital transformation. Billease enables users to shop and pay in flexible installments without a credit card, supporting a wide range of transactions including e-commerce, travel, retail, and mobile services. Under this partnership, new payment options will open for Smart subscribers, allowing them to use Billease’s flexible installment plans for things like buying devices, paying postpaid bills, or topping up prepaid accounts – a practical way to make staying connected more manageable, especially during those tight-budget days. Smart also becomes the exclusive telco marketing partner for Billease’s 8th Birthday celebration, a month-long campaign happening this September.
As part of the Billie’s Birthday campaign, Smart customers who register for a Billease account and avail of mobile loading and other services will be eligible for raffle entries and prizes including smartphones, cash rewards, and household appliances. “This collaboration with Smart allows us to reach more users and offer them meaningful financial solutions at a time when they need it most — especially during petsa de peligro. We’re excited to celebrate our 8th birthday by giving back to our users and helping them stay connected,” said Billease CEO Georg Steiger. The partnership also introduces a new channel for mobile loading across Smart, TNT, and Smart Bro Home WiFi brands, further expanding Smart’s reach and enhancing customer experience. Smart continues to lead the way in expanding 4G/5G connectivity in the Philippines, covering 97% of the population and offering unparalleled coverage and availability. This expansion allows customers to enjoy faster internet speeds, seamless streaming, and improved mobile gaming experiences, further enhancing their digital lifestyle. This partnership is aligned with PLDT’s mission to contribute to the country’s achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), particularly SDG No. 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
