The Philippines' PLDT has launched a sponsored data service through a partnership with sponsored data monetization vendor Aquto.
PLDT mobile subsidiary Smart is initially offering the service to subscribers to value brand Talk N' Text, and to customers of PLDT wireless unit Sun Cellular.
Aquto's service offers free access to mobile data in return for viewing sponsored messages from third-party app publishers, advertisers and marketers. The company is already active in the US and Europe, but this is its first foray into Asia.
“Smart is always on the lookout for innovative ways to better serve our customers,” Smart FVP for data services Michele Curran said.
“Aquto’s experience and success with sponsored data will enable us to increase mobile data connectivity for our subscribers and bring even more value to our services.”
Smart recently teamed up with Facebook to launch Internet.org in the Philippines, which offers unmetered access to 24 websites including basic Facebook services.
PLDT has over 70 million customers in the Philippines, and represents a strong market opportunity, according to Aquto founder and CEO Susie Kim Riley.
“We’re excited to extend our reach into the Asian market with PLDT/Smart – a strong, forward-thinking innovator with over 70 million subscribers.”