PLDT and Intel set new standards, wow Pinoy techies

Leading chip manufacturer Intel has partnered with telecommunications giant PLDT to bring the Filipino digital experience to a whole new level. Debuting are the new Intel Ultrabooks, a new breed of portable device with computing power that can match notebook and desktop computers, but packed into a very slim and lightweight package.

“Internet growth is driven largely by content, now more so by consumers who exchange photos, videos and tweets wherever they may be,” said Intel Philippines country manager Ricky Banaag. “In this day and age, there is a noticeable increase in the demand for internet access anytime, anywhere. People are now able to access the internet simultaneously across multiple devices, empowering them not just to download data, but to upload and share content as well. Intel’s partnership with PLDT addresses a new era of computing experience that is underway, and ensures that the consumer’s expectations for a secure, mobile and powerful device are met through the Ultrabook.”

Back in January we wrote about the upcoming Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook, the first Intel Ultrabook to debut in the Philippines. Aside from Dell, leading manufacturers such as HP, Lenovo, Samsung, Toshiba, Acer, and Asus have begun offering Intel Ultrabooks to the Filipino consumer. For the Ultrabook, beauty goes beyond skin-deep, as each machine is powered by Intel’s powerful processors.

With Ultrabooks, form factor is no longer a limiting experience in marrying the desktop experience with mobility – a challenge previously that haunts its bulkier cousin the notebook. Nor does it suffer from lack of computing power, a problem usually encountered in netbooks and certain “web-only” devices.

In a wired age high speed connectivity is a must. The answer: PLDT WiFi Zones which deliver broadband speeds to Filipinos nationwide.

How is this possible?

The WiFi Zones use PLDT’s existing fiber infrastructure to channel its users to the Internet, which is a lot faster compared to mobile networks. The only limitation is that its users need to be within rage of a WiFi Zone, to which PLDT currently has an established base of over 3,000 areas — and still growing. Upon connecting to a WiFi Zone users must key in a username and password, which then activates the Internet tunnel. To enjoy this service PLDT is charging a minimal fee of 150 pesos to existing PLDT MyDSL subscribers and 300 pesos to existing landline subscribers.

What about the speed? In my personal experience, I managed to hit as high as 1800 Mbps downstream and 600 Kbps upstream at Opus Bar in Resorts World Manila. This is great for heavy downloaders and watching videos. Uploading pictures and huge videos, however, might not be as great.

This newfound partnership between PLDT and Intel brings the best technology within reach of media-savvy, content hungry Pinoys.

For more information on PLDT Wifi Zone, log on to www.pldtwifizone.com.

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PLDT and Intel Philippines showcase a new era in computing

Partnership delivers increased computing performance and seamless wireless connection

MANILA, Philippines, March 8, 2012 – The country’s leading telecommunications company Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) and world leader in computing innovation Intel Philippines announced today that the two companies are teaming up to promote high-speed performance and connectivity with the launch of the new Intel Ultrabook and WiFi Zone* powered by PLDT. The partnership will combine Intel’s leadership in processor technology and computing innovation with PLDT’s expertise in broadband technology to deliver the no-compromise, complete and satisfying computing experience necessary for increasingly mobile lifestyles.

“Internet growth is driven largely by content, now more so by consumers who exchange photos, videos and tweets wherever they may be,” said Intel Philippines country manager Ricky Banaag. “In this day and age, there is a noticeable increase in the demand for internet access anytime, anywhere. People are now able to access the internet simultaneously across multiple devices, empowering them not just to download data, but to upload and share content as well. Intel’s partnership with PLDT addresses a new era of computing experience that is underway, and ensures that the consumer’s expectations for a secure, mobile and powerful device are met through the Ultrabook.”

The Ultrabook is an emerging new breed of computers that will increasingly combine best-in-class performance, improved responsiveness and battery life, and built-in security in thin, elegant, must-have mobile designs. Intel’s vision for the Ultrabook entails a multi-year, industry-wide endeavor that will roll out in phases where new experiences and features will be added and volume of Ultrabook devices is expected to increase as system prices decrease over time.

With ‘A New Breed of Wow’ campaign, Intel aims to set the Ultrabook apart from mainstream computing devices. Built on a foundation of broad consumer appeal and ecosystem support, the Ultrabook has already gained strong momentum with a total of more than 75 ultra sleek, ultra responsive and secure systems since its conception, giving it the ‘Wow’ factor people look for in a laptop.

PLDT Retail Business Group Head, Dan Ibarra, shares “With PLDT WiFi Zone*, PLDT subscribers can experience the strong connections they have at home, and they never have to miss out on their broadband experience – premium, fast and unlimited.”

As more digital information travels faster and farther, spanning more people, more devices and more locations, there is a pressing need for reliable, high-speed connectivity. PLDT offers nothing less with its premium WiFi service, PLDT WiFi Zones*, which uses a dedicated line for fast WiFi internet connection. Through the WiFi Zones*, PLDT offers subscribers the same reliable premium myDSL internet experience outside their homes.

With an established base of over 2,500 WiFi Zones up and running all over the Metro, and recent PLDT WiFi Zone* launches in Cebu and Baguio, PLDT’s broadband technology ensures that PLDT subscribers will never have to miss out on their broadband experience outside the comfort of their homes.

Unlimited use of WiFi Zones* will be available all year-round for PLDT myDSL subscribers at a low monthly rate of P150 and P300 for PLDT landline subscribers on top of the monthly service fee. For more information and updates on WiFi Zone* powered by PLDT, log on to www.pldtwifizone.com.

With social media usage and content consumption quickly becoming an indispensible part of people’s daily lives, the collaboration between Intel and PLDT will expand opportunity for continued innovation in these areas, as they work towards increased computing performance and seamless wireless connections.
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