Globe launches new e-commerce services

MANILA, Philippines—Globe Telecom has unveiled more ways by which consumers can use their smartphones for e-commerce, targeting those who do not own credit cards.

Globe launched the new services on Wednesday at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

In a video conference, Globe consumer marketing head Peter Bithos, who is in Barcelona for the launch, said the new initiatives were part of the company’s efforts to “push the envelope in the digital space” and “break down barriers” in the digital ecosystem.

The first initiative launched is a mobile application for Blackberry, Apple iPhones and Android phones that will allow consumers to use Globe’s mobile commerce service GCash for transactions like sending money, buying airtime load and paying bills.

Bithos said that using this application, consumers can now send money to Facebook accounts, a first in the world. He added that this application, which is accessible in any device, would make it easier for both banked and unbanked consumers to send money “anywhere, anyhow.”

Also announced was Globe’s partnership with American Express for the development of an online payment solution that will allow Globe GCash mobile wallet customers to shop in online stores that accept Amex.

Globe and Amex are also working on a system that will allow shipment of goods purchased online from the United States and United Kingdom to anywhere in the Philippines. “With less than 5 percent credit card penetration in the Philippines, our new solution will provide consumers with a new and compelling payment option—and all they will need is a GCash mobile wallet to start shopping on online sites outside the Philippines,” said Paolo Baltao, president of G-Xchange Inc., which operates the GCash mobile commerce service.

In line with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas regulations on electronic cash, the GCash wallet can hold up to P40,000 at any time. Transaction value is capped at P40,000 per day and at P100,000 per month.—Doris C. Dumlao